Reading for December 24th

Read Nehemiah 12.1-26. In 12.1-26: Lists of priests and Levities. Though the list appears fairly well organized (priests and Levities from the time of the return , vv. 1-9, high priests during the period of the sixth to fifth centuries, vv 10-11; priests and Levities from the generation after the return, vv. 12-25; and a chronological summary, v. 26), there is evidence the lists have been expanded over time. While th question of sources and historicity are highly debated, the list in its present position serves to emphasize the sacred character of the newly populated holy city. In verse 24: According to the commandment of David: See the account in 1 Chr 23.30, where David sets several families of Levities aside for this purpose. Comments or Questions..