The Nethinims and children of Solomon's servants total 392, but some individuals could not prove their genealogy as Israelites and were excluded from the priesthood.
The Tirshatha (governor) decreed that those excluded from the priesthood must wait for a priest with Urim and Thummim to determine their status.
The total congregation included 42,360 people, 7,337 servants, and 245 singers, along with various livestock.
Contributions for rebuilding included gold, silver, and priestly garments, donated by leaders, people, and the Tirshatha.
The Israelites settled in their cities, and during the seventh month, they gathered at the Water Gate to hear Ezra read the Law of Moses.
Ezra read and explained the law to the attentive crowd, who responded with worship, gratitude, and weeping over the words of the law.
Elders, Levites, and priests helped the people understand the law, encouraging them to celebrate a holy day with joy, feasts, and sharing portions with those in need.
The people discovered in the law the command to observe the Feast of Tabernacles by building booths; they obeyed, celebrating with great joy for seven days.
In the twenty-fourth day, the Israelites gathered with fasting, prayer, and confession of their sins, separating themselves from foreigners.
The Levites led in worship, recounting God's faithfulness through history, including His covenant with Abraham, deliverance from Egypt, guidance in the wilderness, and provision of the Promised Land.
The Israelites admitted their rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience, recognizing God's mercy and repeated deliverances despite their sins.
The people acknowledged their current subjection to foreign kings due to their sins and committed to a written covenant to obey God's laws.
Specific commitments included honoring the Sabbath, refraining from intermarriage with foreigners, and providing for the temple's service and offerings.
The people pledged sustained contributions for wood offerings, firstfruits, tithes, and other needs of the temple, ensuring its proper operation and priestly service.
Leaders and some volunteers agreed to live in Jerusalem, while others were assigned to cities in Judah and Benjamin.
The priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and other temple workers were cataloged, with responsibilities delegated according to David’s and Solomon’s commands.
A joyous dedication of Jerusalem's new walls took place with music, thanksgiving, purification rituals, and sacrifices offered by priests and Levites.
Temple treasuries were organized for offerings, firstfruits, and tithes, with singers and gatekeepers assigned appropriate provisions.
The law was read again, leading to the Israelites separating themselves from the Ammonites and Moabites, in line with Mosaic prohibitions.
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem to find improper temple practices, including Eliashib granting Tobiah, an enemy, access to temple chambers, which Nehemiah promptly corrected.
Nehemiah reinstated the proper portions to Levites and priests, reassigning trustworthy leaders over temple storehouses and rebuking Sabbath violations.
Merchants were banned from trading on the Sabbath, and Nehemiah restored its sanctity, ensuring gates were shut and guarded during the holy day.
Nehemiah addressed intermarriage with foreign women, confronting those involved and emphasizing the dangers using Solomon’s fall as an example.
Nehemiah cleansed the priesthood and covenant community from defilement, reestablishing priestly and temple regulations.
The community mourned past failures and asked God to honor Nehemiah's reforms for the temple and covenant practices.