Nehemiah 12:45

Authorized King James Version

And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיִּשְׁמְר֞וּ
H8104
kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#2
וּמִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
H4931
and the ward
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#3
אֱלֹֽהֵיהֶם֙
H430
of their God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#4
וּמִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
H4931
and the ward
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#5
הַֽטָּהֳרָ֔ה
H2893
of the purification
ceremonial purification; moral purity
#6
וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֖ים
H7891
And both the singers
to sing
#7
וְהַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֑ים
H7778
and the porters
a janitor
#8
כְּמִצְוַ֥ת
H4687
according to the commandment
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#9
דָּוִ֖יד
H1732
of David
david, the youngest son of jesse
#10
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
H8010
and of Solomon
shelomah, david's successor
#11
בְנֽוֹ׃
H1121
his son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection