Nehemiah 11:17 - and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
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What does "Nehemiah 11:17" mean?
Nehemiah 11:17 identifies key Levites responsible for music and worship in Jerusalem after its repopulation following the Babylonian exile. Let's break it down:
"And Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph...": This traces Mattaniah's lineage back to Asaph. Asaph was a prominent musician and psalmist during the reign of King David (see 1 Chronicles 6:39, 15:17, 16:5, 25:1-9). This lineage highlights Mattaniah's heritage as a Levite with a strong connection to the established musical traditions of Israel. It reinforces the importance of these individuals and their role in restoring Temple worship.
"...who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer...": This states Mattaniah's specific role. He was the chief or leader in initiating the thanksgiving in prayer. This likely refers to leading the musical portions of worship, especially those focused on giving thanks to God. The phrase "in prayer" suggests that the singing and music were closely intertwined with prayer, not just entertainment. He was responsible for leading and starting the music used in the prayer and thanksgiving services.
"and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers...": This mentions Bakbukiah, a fellow Levite who assisted Mattaniah. The phrase "the second among his brothers" suggests he was second-in-command or one of Mattaniah's principal assistants in the musical activities. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of the worship and the importance of having supporting roles.
"and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.": This introduces another Levite, Abda, and traces his lineage back to Jeduthun. Like Asaph, Jeduthun was a significant musician and director of music during David's reign (see 1 Chronicles 16:41-42, 25:1, 3, 6). Connecting Abda to Jeduthun further reinforces the idea that these individuals were chosen for their roles because of their connection to established and divinely appointed musical traditions.
In summary, the verse highlights:
The Importance of Levites: It shows the crucial role Levites played in re-establishing Temple worship after the exile.
Lineage and Tradition: The genealogical connections to Asaph and Jeduthun underscore the value placed on musical heritage and the continuation of established traditions.
Leadership in Worship: It identifies key leaders responsible for initiating and organizing music and prayer of thanksgiving.
Collaboration and Support: It acknowledges the importance of assistants and supporting roles in the worship service.
The verse underscores the dedication of these individuals to restoring and maintaining the musical worship practices of the Temple in Jerusalem during a crucial period of rebuilding and renewal.
Nehemiah 11:17 - and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
What does "Nehemiah 11:17" mean?
Nehemiah 11:17 identifies key Levites responsible for music and worship in Jerusalem after its repopulation following the Babylonian exile. Let's break it down:
"And Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph...": This traces Mattaniah's lineage back to Asaph. Asaph was a prominent musician and psalmist during the reign of King David (see 1 Chronicles 6:39, 15:17, 16:5, 25:1-9). This lineage highlights Mattaniah's heritage as a Levite with a strong connection to the established musical traditions of Israel. It reinforces the importance of these individuals and their role in restoring Temple worship.
"...who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer...": This states Mattaniah's specific role. He was the chief or leader in initiating the thanksgiving in prayer. This likely refers to leading the musical portions of worship, especially those focused on giving thanks to God. The phrase "in prayer" suggests that the singing and music were closely intertwined with prayer, not just entertainment. He was responsible for leading and starting the music used in the prayer and thanksgiving services.
"and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers...": This mentions Bakbukiah, a fellow Levite who assisted Mattaniah. The phrase "the second among his brothers" suggests he was second-in-command or one of Mattaniah's principal assistants in the musical activities. It emphasizes the collaborative nature of the worship and the importance of having supporting roles.
"and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.": This introduces another Levite, Abda, and traces his lineage back to Jeduthun. Like Asaph, Jeduthun was a significant musician and director of music during David's reign (see 1 Chronicles 16:41-42, 25:1, 3, 6). Connecting Abda to Jeduthun further reinforces the idea that these individuals were chosen for their roles because of their connection to established and divinely appointed musical traditions.
In summary, the verse highlights:
The Importance of Levites: It shows the crucial role Levites played in re-establishing Temple worship after the exile.
Lineage and Tradition: The genealogical connections to Asaph and Jeduthun underscore the value placed on musical heritage and the continuation of established traditions.
Leadership in Worship: It identifies key leaders responsible for initiating and organizing music and prayer of thanksgiving.
Collaboration and Support: It acknowledges the importance of assistants and supporting roles in the worship service.
The verse underscores the dedication of these individuals to restoring and maintaining the musical worship practices of the Temple in Jerusalem during a crucial period of rebuilding and renewal.