提要
一如歷代志和以斯拉二書，尼希米也強調祭司職。書中祭司家族的詳細譜系表，可以逆溯到所羅巴伯率眾歸回的時候。在以斯拉和尼希米時代的大祭司，也列在表上。提到祭司的家族，可能是因為他們是住在耶路撒冷的主要居民，而尼希米向來就很關心聖城的居住問題。同時，在這一段時間，祭司們比從前佔有更為突出顯眼的地位。原因是：此時已不再有任何以色列君王，而先知的工作也逐漸隱退。已寫成文字的上帝聖言是上帝現今主要的啟示，並藉此與人溝通。祭司是熟悉律法的文士和教師，因此就被視作屬靈的導師。
祭司和利未人，在奉獻耶路撒冷重修的城牆事上，佔有重要地位。這是一個快樂讚美和敬拜主的盛會；因為甚至連反對者內，大家都清楚，這是上帝使它實現的（6:16）。所有的利未人都被召來聚集。文中特別提到來自三個歌唱家族的人，因為他們是這一盛會的重要參與者。他們組成了一個盛大的合唱團，大聲歌唱，讚美上帝；由於祂的慈悲和幫助，才修成了這牆。
尼希米把歌詠者分成兩大隊：一隊由以斯拉領導，另一隊則由尼希米自己領導。他們在牆頂上行走，十分盛大而壯觀。民中的領袖們也在遊行當中；利未歌者之後則為許多祭司，大聲吹著勝利號角。遊行起點為城牆中央，兩隊沿著圍牆，朝相反方向前進，最後會集在聖殿之處。他們在此一起唱著凱歌，敬拜上主，獻上許多祭物。
其他的民眾則站在地面上，向上望著這一壯觀場面。這些男人，女人和孩童，可能也興奮地跟隨著隊伍遊行，繞城一周，然後再到聖殿前面廣大的會場集合。這時全家人都參與了。獻上的祭，有可能是平安祭，故每個人都能享受到分別為聖的肉，和盛大歡樂的筵宴。他們慶賀主的良善，並且一起來到主前、與祂相交。
既然那時所有的利未人都會集在一起；尼希米便趁此機會，按照大衛王很久以前所安排的方式重新組織他們，分擔聖職。他們對自己的呼召，都滿懷信心，並且把自己歸主為聖（12:47）。人們很高興看見祭司和利未人全時間事奉上帝，因此都甘心奉獻財物，支持聖殿的開支。雖然他們在波斯王國的統治下，稅負已重，仍願在所羅巴伯和尼希米的領導期間，為主的工作犧牲。上帝一定會因他們的慷慨捐輸，而大大賜福。
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Overview
Like the books of Chronicles and Ezra, Nehemiah has a priestly emphasis. A detailed list of the priestly families are traced back to those who returned under Zerubbabel. The chief priests during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah are also listed. Mention of the priestly families may have been written at this point, since they were major occupants of Jerusalem, and Nehemiah was concerned with populating the Holy City. Also, at this time period more than ever before, the priests were in a place of prominence, for there were no longer any Israelite kings, and the role of the prophet was now in the background. The written Word of God was now the main revelation of God whereby God communicated with the people. The priests were the scribes and teachers of the Law and were therefore looked to for spiritual guidance.
The priests and Levites played an important part in the dedication of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. It was a joyous occasion of praise and worship to the Lord, since it was clear to all, even the adversaries, that God made it all possible (6:16). All the Levites were called upon to assemble. Special mention is made of those from the three families of singers, since they were main participants on this occasion. A huge choir was organized to sing loud praises to the Lord for His mercy and help in building the walls.
Nehemiah divided the group into two sections; one was led by Ezra and the other by Nehemiah, himself. They made two great processions on top of the wall, which were marked by pomp and splendour. All the leaders of the people were in the midst of the procession and behind the Levitical singers were many priests blowing their trumpets with the sound of victory. Beginning at a central point, they proceeded in opposite directions around the wall until they met together at the Temple, where they joined in triumphant singing and worshipped the Lord through many sacrifices.
The rest of the people were on the ground looking up at the spectacular scene. These men, women, and children must have been excitedly following the processions around the walls until they came to the large meeting area in front of the Temple. At this point, the whole family became involved. The sacrifices offered were likely peace or fellowship offerings so everyone could partake of the sanctified meat and have a huge, joyous feast. They celebrated the Lord's goodness and were brought together in unity before the Lord and in fellowship with Him.
Since all the Levites were gathered together at that time, Nehemiah used this occasion to reorganize them in their sacred duties according to the arrangements made long ago by King David. They were faithful to their calling and consecrated themselves to the Lord (12:47). The people were happy to see the priests and Levites in full-time service to God, and they willingly gave toward their support and that of the Temple. Even though they were already heavily taxed by the Persian kingdom that ruled over them and were in a hard economic period, they still sacrificially gave to the Lord's work all during the governorship of both Zerubbabel and Nehemiah. God must have blessed them for their generosity.
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