“The family heads of the Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua, as well as those of the priests, were recorded in the reign of Darius the Persian. The family heads among the descendants of Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the book of the annals. And the leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.”
Nehemiah 12:22-24
Last time we finished up the names of the priestly family heads, thankful our God knows all, is the Author of depth and justice, yet vulnerably gave Himself to the world. Today we see the family heads and leaders of the Levites obeying their instructions from David in their Temple roles.
But first we deal with dates. This section begins when it was written down (kathab – decreed, describe, record, registered):
In the reign (malkuth: royalty, royal power, kingdom, rule, sovereignty, throne) of Darius the Persian.
The other date reference is to whom is in charge of the temple: “in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan and Jaddua…Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel…”
I appreciate how these ancient records referred to who was in charge both in the broader region and in the returned exiles’ specific city and Temple.
The next section mirrors Nehemiah 12:8-9:
“…Mattaniah, who, together with his associates, was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.
Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood opposite them in the services.”
Sounds a lot like “And the leaders…and their associates, who stood opposite them to give praise and thanksgiving, one section responding to the other…”
The word for associates is ach (brother, alike, another, companions, countrymen, fellow, kinsmen), but the word for stood opposite is neged (in front of, in sight of, opposite to, against, aloof, away, before, broad, demoralized, distance, other side, presence resist, risked).
I really, really like this word picture – brothers and companions representing opposite sides, taking risks, yet loving one another. Lord knows we see the reverse going on regularly. Those of us united in Christ because of His blood, yet distancing ourselves from other believers with whom we see things opposite. I get it, though, I really do. So often things that can cause us to be aloof with each other are highly important. Even spine issues, those required for gospel understanding and a wholistic picture of His Word.
And, yet, we can always be kind. We can choose to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. We can take off our old self and put on the new self that is being remade in His likeness. Even on issues which matter deeply.
Because, just like our two sections in Temple, the point is to give Yahweh praise (halal – to shine, boast self, celebrate, commend, foolish glory, give light, to be clear [orig. of sound, but usually of color]; to make a show, to boast; to rave; to celebrate; commend, give (light), praise, rage, renowned). The goal is to make a big deal of His worth, not a show of our rage. To celebrate His steadfast love and faithfulness, not to boast in ourselves and opinions.
This morning we took a short walk, and the first thing we heard was a woodpecker across the street. As we continued, we realized there was another around the corner. One would peck, silence, then the other would peck. While our family does not know if woodpeckers respond to each other in their actions, it certainly made clear the rainbow of color of our Creator for us!
And that’s beauty of it in our verses here – these opposite groups are to respond to the other in worship. Group is mishmar (place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch, observance), and alternating is ummah (close by, side by side with).
These Levite leaders were to watch and observe God moving, then, side by side with others doing the same thing, make the Most High shine, rave of His goodness, and give light to those who don’t know Him. What a challenge to us today. It would look the opposite of our positions being a prison for others.
And the reason these leaders and their brothers were to do such tasks? It was prescribed (mitsvah – command, obligation, tradition) by David, the man of God (ish haelohim – of God, with God, in the sight of God).
To be labeled “man or woman of God.” With God, about God, esteemed in the sight of God. May we bow daily, choose to experientially know His worth, and follow His commands.