MAY 25

        The dedication of the walls takes place in chapters 11 and 
12. The actual dedication is described in chapter 12:27-47.

        Ezra and Nehemiah divided the people into two great 
companies, with Ezra leading one and Nehemiah following the other. 
They probably started at the Valley Gate, with Ezra leading his 
company along the east side of the city, then north to the Temple 
area. Nehemiah and his company went straight north, and then east, 
meeting the other company at the Temple. It was perhaps a reminder 
of when Israel marched around Jericho and won a great victory. It 
was also an opportunity to publicly thank the Lord, as they 
witnessed the work accomplished. Verse 43 indicates that the joy of 
the city was heard miles away. What a day of dedication it must have 
been!

        It is interesting to note that, once the walls were 
completed and dedicated, one-tenth of the population was brought 
into the city to live. It was necessary to get the Jews to live in 
the city, both for the glory of God and for the good of the city. 
This demanded faith on the part of the Jews. The leaders were 
already dwelling in the city, and now they cast lots and one-tenth 
of the citizens joined them. Chapter 11:2 indicates there were some 
volunteers. Those listed in verses 3-19 total 3,044. If this number 
represented ten per cent of the male population, we can see how 
small the remnant was in the land.