Chapter 9: The Song on the Wall

Some time later, the day came to dedicate the wall. Levites and singers were sought out from wherever they lived and brought to Jerusalem with cymbals, harps, and lyres. The priests and Levites purified themselves, then purified the people, the gates, and the wall.

Nehemiah assembled the leaders of Judah on top of the wall and appointed two great choirs. One procession went to the right along the top of the wall toward the Dung Gate, with Ezra the scribe leading them. The other procession went to the left, with Nehemiah following behind them. Two rivers of music flowing in opposite directions on the very stones that had been rubble months before.

``` [Verse] 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

[Building, powerful] I rejoiced with those who said to me Let us go to the house of the Lord Enter His gates with thanksgiving And His courts with praise

[Soaring, resolving] The Lord has done great things for us And we are filled with joy ```

The two processions converged at the Temple. Great sacrifices were offered. The women and children rejoiced alongside the men. And the sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.