Chapter 12

This chapter goes backward (as MSB told us it would at the beginning) and lists those who came from Babylon with Zerubbabel in the first wave of returning exiles. 

Some of the background of the celebration they had when the walls were restored is given here.  There were several groups, including one led by Ezra and another by Nehemiah, that walked along the walls and they played music and sang and gave thanks as they went.  As I read it, all the groups converged at the temple.  It's like they went and prayed over the wall, as some will pray over a new building on church property.  They sang loudly, because it says "And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away."

The people were happy and attentive to support the Levites and the sons of Aaron, to make sure they had the "tithes" that were for their support as required by Moses and the order of the King.  It is necessary to take care of those who lead us in worship.