Nehemiah 12:35
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Even though Zechariah is listed as a "priest's son," his lineage traces back to Asaph, who was a Levite leader of worship. This highlights that the lines between priestly duties and Levite musical roles could be quite intertwined, with families serving in multiple capacities during significant religious events. It's a reminder that God's work often involves the specialized, yet harmonized, contributions of different groups.
and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph;
English Standard Version (ESV)
Nehemiah is orchestrating a grand celebration for the newly repaired walls of Jerusalem, involving two large choirs processing in opposite directions. This verse highlights a specific group of priests' sons, led by Zechariah, tasked with blowing trumpets to mark their place in one of these processions. Their inclusion, along with detailed genealogies, emphasizes the restoration of divinely appointed service and the importance of recognizing those appointed to lead worship.
Why bring trumpets and singing to a wall dedication? Discover how ancient Israelites understood worship to be more than just words.
This verse highlights a specific moment during the dedication of Jerusalem's wall, a grand event described in Nehemiah 12. Notice that it's not just the leaders or builders who are present, but also a specific group of priests' sons designated with trumpets.
A Symphony of Worship
In the Old Testament, music and instruments weren't just for entertainment; they were integral to worship, especially during significant events like dedications. The blowing of trumpets, the singing, and the playing of harps and cymbals (mentioned in verses 27-41) all served to announce, celebrate, and consecrate the work done. It was a way to give glory to God and to mark the occasion as sacred.
Sounding God's Praises
This wasn't a private ceremony. The sound of these trumpets would have echoed through Jerusalem, announcing to everyone that this wall, and by extension the city it protected, was being dedicated to the Lord. It was a public declaration of their faith and dependence on God.
Look at that long list of names! What's the big deal about Zechariah's lineage, and why does it matter to us today?
The genealogy provided for Zechariah might seem tedious at first glance, but it's packed with significance.
Divine Order and Priesthood
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The Old Testament places immense importance on lineage, especially for priests and Levites. This careful tracing of ancestry (from Asaph, through several generations, to Zechariah) wasn't just about family history. It was about confirming legitimate service in the temple and upholding the divine order God established.
A Sign of Continuity
By naming Zechariah and his forefathers, the text emphasizes the continuity of God's people and His service across generations. Even after the exile and the rebuilding of the wall, these families were still serving God, carrying on the traditions and responsibilities passed down to them. It was a sign that God’s covenant and His work were enduring.
A Priest or Levite? A Matter of Identity
Commentators note a slight ambiguity here: was Zechariah a priest or a Levite? While descended from Asaph (who was a Levite musician), the text associates him with the 'priests’ sons.' This highlights that, in the context of worship, the roles could be intertwined, and all service to God, whether priestly or Levitical, was sacred and vital.
Understand the original words
kōhēn · Hebrew Noun (plural)
An individual set apart for divine service, tasked with mediation between God and the people through offerings, sacrifices, and teaching the Law. Priests were required to be of the lineage of Aaron.
ḥaṣōṣrâ · Hebrew Noun (plural)
A wind instrument used in the Bible for signaling, announcing, or accompanying worship. They are often associated with calling the people together, signaling the presence of God, or marking sacred occasions.
This verse is part of the detailed account of the dedication of Jerusalem's newly rebuilt walls under Nehemiah's leadership, highlighting the instrumental role of priests and Levites, including specific musical ensembles.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
Following the decree of Cyrus the Great, a large group of Judeans returns from Babylonian captivity to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem.
c. 515 BC
Second Temple Completed
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, marking a significant moment of restoration for the Jewish people after their exile.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
Ezra leads a second significant group of exiles back to Jerusalem, focusing on religious reform and re-establishing the Law.
c. 445-433 BC— this verse
Nehemiah Governor of Judah
Nehemiah is appointed governor and oversees the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, facing significant opposition.
c. 444 BC
Dedication of Jerusalem's Wall
After the walls are completed, a grand ceremony is held to dedicate them, involving numerous priests, Levites, and musicians, as described in Nehemiah 12.
This passage details the use of trumpets by the sons of Aaron, the priests, for specific purposes like calling the assembly or signaling for journeys, highlighting the sacred and functional role of trumpets in Israel's worship and organization.
1 Chronicles 15:16-28Here we see a detailed account of Levites and priests appointed to lead music and praise during the bringing of the Ark to Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of organized music and song in worship, much like the procession in Nehemiah.
2 Chronicles 5:11-14This passage describes the dedication of Solomon's Temple, where priests and Levites, accompanied by a multitude of singers and musicians with trumpets and cymbals, filled the house with God's glory, mirroring the joyful, God-honoring dedication described in Nehemiah.
Psalm 150:3-5This psalm is a powerful call to praise God with a variety of instruments, including the trumpet, underscoring the biblical emphasis on using music and instruments in joyful worship and adoration of the Creator.
pulpitNehemiah 12:35: "And certain of the priests' sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:"
Verse 35. - Certain of the priests' sons with trumpets. Compare ver. 41. A body of priests, who blew trumpets, accompanied each procession, following closely upon the "princes," and followed by a body of Levites. Namely, Zechariah. There is nothing corresponding to "namely" in the original; a…
jfbNehemiah 12:10-47: "And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,"
Ne 12:10-47. Succession of the High Priests.10. Jeshua begat Joiakim, &c.—This enumeration was of great importance, not only as establishing their individual purity of descent, but because the chronology of the Jews was henceforth to be reckoned, not as formerly by the reigns of their kings, but by the successions of their high priests.
Even though Zechariah is listed as a "priest's son," his lineage traces back to Asaph, who was a Levite leader of worship. This highlights that the lines between priestly duties and Levite musical roles could be quite intertwined, with families serving in multiple capacities during significant religious events. It's a reminder that God's work often involves the specialized, yet harmonized, contributions of different groups.
Nehemiah is orchestrating a grand celebration for the newly repaired walls of Jerusalem, involving two large choirs processing in opposite directions. This verse highlights a specific group of priests' sons, led by Zechariah, tasked with blowing trumpets to mark their place in one of these processions. Their inclusion, along with detailed genealogies, emphasizes the restoration of divinely appointed service and the importance of recognizing those appointed to lead worship.
Nehemiah is orchestrating a grand celebration for the newly repaired walls of Jerusalem, involving two large choirs processing in opposite directions. This verse highlights a specific group of priests' sons, led by Zechariah, tasked with blowing trumpets to mark their place in one of these processions. Their inclusion, along with detailed genealogies, emphasizes the restoration of divinely appointed service and the importance of recognizing those appointed to lead worship.
"and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph;" — Even though Zechariah is listed as a "priest's son," his lineage traces back to Asaph, who was a Levite leader of worship. This highlights that the lines between priestly duties and Levite musical ro…
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Last reviewed October 2026
