Neh 12:44-47 ESV

44 On that day men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered. 45 And they performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon. 46 For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers; and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.

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43 At sila'y naghandog ng malalaking alay nang araw na iyon, at nagalak, sapagkat sila'y pinagalak ng Diyos ng malaking pagkagalak. Ang mga babae at ang mga bata ay nagalak din. At ang kagalakan ng Jerusalem ay narinig hanggang sa malayo. 44 Nang araw na iyon ay hinirang ang mga lalaki upang mangasiwa sa mga silid para sa mga imbakan, sa mga ambag, sa mga unang bunga, at sa mga ikasampung bahagi, upang tipunin sa mga iyon ang mga bahaging itinakda ng kautusan para sa mga pari at sa mga Levita ayon sa mga bukid ng mga bayan; sapagkat ang Juda ay nagalak sa mga pari at sa mga Levita na naglingkod. 45 Kanilang ginawa ang paglilingkod sa kanilang Diyos, at ang paglilingkod ng paglilinis, gaya ng ginawa ng mga mang-aawit at mga bantay-pinto, ayon sa utos ni David, at ni Solomon na kanyang anak. 46 Sapagkat sa mga araw ni David at ni Asaf nang una ay may pinuno ng mga mang-aawit, at may mga awit ng pagpupuri at pasasalamat sa Diyos. 47 Ang buong Israel sa mga araw ni Zerubabel at sa mga araw ni Nehemias ay nagbigay ng mga pang-araw-araw na bahagi sa mga mang-aawit at sa mga bantay-pinto, at kanilang itinalaga sa mga Levita; at ibinukod ng mga Levita ang para sa mga anak ni Aaron.


A GREAT JOYFUL GIVING

It’s quite notable that the book ends with a high note. From being miserable to become a merry people. From wanting to having wealth. Their joy in the Lord results to generosity. It is one thing to give and it’s another thing to give out of joy. On that dedication day, “men were appointed over the storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather into them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites according to the fields of the towns, for Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered.”

A vibrant life is attractive. Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered. Nobody would come near to a pouting person. But, everyone loves to be with a buoyant personality. At first they were grieved because of their sins. But, at the end of the day, they were joyful because of God’s goodness and grace.

Rejoicing in worship doesn’t mean no restraint, is it? They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the command of David and his son Solomon. Joy and holiness aren’t mutually exclusive, are they? We rejoice in being consecrated or being set apart unto God and is grieved when we sinned against Him. As John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us if we are the most satisfied in Him.”

As a result, the daily portions were provided for the singers and the gatekeepers; and that which was for the Levites; and that which was for the sons of Aaron. There was no lack for those who are working in the temple for everyone has the joy to give. Is your giving unto the Lord joyful? As Paul said, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”[2 Cor 9:6,7]

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