The wall around Jerusalem was finished and the dedication was a joyous event. There was a huge antiphonal choir...
I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate...At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the site of David’s palace to the Water Gate on the east.
The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with half the people...as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.
The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, as well as the priests...And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:31-43)
I really wish that the technology existed to preserve a recording of the sound. The logistics would've made it a massively difficult recording project...but still. I would love to hear what their music sounded like. One thing is for sure...the celebration was big. They paused and marked this moment in history with a massive, organized, and joyous celebration. And with good reason...
When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dreamed.
Our mouths were filled with laughter,
our tongues with songs of joy.
Then it was said among the nations,
“The LORD has done great things for them.”
The LORD has done great things for us,
and we are filled with joy. (Psalm 126:1-3)
How do we determine which events in our lives, and in our churches, and in our communities deserve this kind of celebration? In some ways we try to make everything seem like a historic event and when we do we unintentionally minimize those things which are truly historic. How do you know if an event or occasion or accomplishment is really going to be monumental when you're in the middle of living through it?
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