Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Nehemiah 12:36
And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
36. Azarael Nethaneel ] R.V. Azarel Nethanel. These two names recall ‘Nethaniah and Asharelah, the sons of Asaph,’ in 1Ch 25:2.
David the man of God ] Cf. Neh 12:24.
Ezra before them ] The mention of Ezra’s name here seems to indicate that he held in respect of the ‘right hand’ procession the same position occupied by Nehemiah in the other. If so, the words ‘before them’ will mean, not at the head of the professional musicians (which was Zechariah’s place), but at the head of the whole civil and religious procession. His place in the procession would then be before Hoshaiah and half of ‘the princes of Judah’ ( Neh 12:31-32).
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
And his brethren,…. The brethren of Zechariah, the priest’s son, and such are those that follow:
Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; which were invented by him, and ordered by him to be used in religious service, under the divine direction:
and Ezra the scribe before them; for he being a priest also, and a man of great eminence, was placed at the head of them in this procession.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(36) With the musical instruments of David the man of God.No part of the service deviated from sacred precedents (comp. Neh. 12:27).
Ezra the scribe before them.Between the singers and the princes came he who was the greatest in dignity, though the second in office.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
36. The musical instruments of David Such instruments as David invented, and introduced into the sacred service. Comp. 1Ch 15:16; 1Ch 23:5; 2Ch 29:26.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Neh 12:36 And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
Ver. 36. And Ezra before them ] Before the first company, as Nehemiah came after the second, Neh 12:4 . As the first went round from the west southward till they came to the east; so the second company went from the west northward, till they came to the east, where they both met at length in the Temple, Neh 12:41 . Praising God with all sorts of music, vocal and instrumental. This was a most solemn and sacred procession, far different from those of the Papists. The French historian telleth us of their Henry, that going in procession together with his cardinal, they had in the middle between them Morionem, nugas et ineptias agentem, a jester to make them sport; here was good devotion therewhile. The philosopher told the fiddlers, he could be merry without them. And Aristotle being asked what he thought of music? answered, Iovem nec canere, neque cytharam pulsare, Jupiter neither sings nor plays on an instrument. But though God needeth it not, careth not for it; yet so far as it might excite and further devotion, these holy priests and Levites made use of the musical instruments of David (called musical instruments of God, 1Ch 16:42 ), and Ezra before them, as a guide; they also sang aloud, and so generally rejoiced, that their joy was heard even afar off, Neh 12:42-43 . This was right.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Of David: i.e. dating from, or invented by him.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
musical instruments: Neh 12:24, 1Ch 23:5, 2Ch 8:14, Amo 6:5
Ezra: Ezr 7:1, Ezr 8:1
Reciprocal: 1Ch 15:16 – the singers Ezr 7:6 – scribe 1Ti 6:11 – O man
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
12:36 And {k} his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
(k) That is, the brass throne of Zaccur.