Nehemiah 7:1

“Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, etc.] Which was not done when Sanballat sent his first letter, but now was, (<160601>Nehemiah 6:1), and the porters and the singers, and the Levites were appointed; not to attend the doors of the gates of the wall, but to return to their service in the temple, who had been employed in one thing or another, while the wall and gates were building and repairing; (see <160317>Nehemiah 3:17).”

“NEHEMIAH COMMITS THE CHARGE OF JERUSALEM TO HANANI AND HANANIAH. (Neh 7:1-4) I gave my brother Hanani . . . charge over Jerusalem--If, as is commonly supposed, Nehemiah was now contemplating a return to Shushan according to his promise, it was natural that he should wish to entrust the custody of Jerusalem and the management of its civic affairs to men on whose ability, experience, and fidelity, he could confide. Hanani, a near relative (Neh 1:2), was one, and with him was associated, as colleague, Hananiah, "the ruler of the palace"--that is, the marshal or chamberlain of the viceregal court, which Nehemiah had maintained in Jerusalem. The high religious principle, as well as the patriotic…”

“Since the watch of the temple had hitherto been kept by porters, singers, and Levites 1 Chronicles 26:1-19, so now the watch of the entire city was committed to men of the same three classes, their experience pointing them out as the most suitable persons. return to 'Top of Page'”

“7:1 the wall was finished: The actual dedication of the wall is reported in 12:27-34. • The Levites usually assisted with caring for the Temple area, including guarding its gates.”

“the wall: Neh. 3:1-32, Neh 6:15 I had set up: Neh 3:3, Neh 6:1 the porters: Neh 10:39, Neh 11:3, Neh 12:24; 1Chr. 23:1-32, 25:1-26:32; Ch2 31:2; Ezr 3:8 Nehemiah 7:2”

“Neh 7:1-2 The watching of the city provided for. - Neh 7:1 When the wall was built, Nehemiah set up the doors in the gates, to complete the fortification of Jerusalem (comp. Neh 6:1). Then were the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites entrusted with the care (הפּקד, praefici; comp. Neh 12:14). The care of watching the walls and gates is meant in this connection. According to ancient appointment, it was the duty of the doorkeepers to keep watch over the house of God, and to open and close the gates of the temple courts; comp. Ch1 9:17-19; Ch1 26:12-19. The singers and the Levites appointed to assist the priests, on the contrary, had, in ordinary times, nothing to do with the service of…”