The first part of this chapter lists two groups of priests and Levites - the first group came years earlier with Ezra and Zerubbabel, and the second came with Nehemiah. The first group came to rebuild the temple and temple worship. the second group came to rebuild the wall around the city. The remainder of the chapter recounts the dedication of the wall with thanksgiving ad praise, and with music and singing. It was a great celebration that started on the wall and concluded in the temple. Before that, the priests and Levites purified themselves, the people, and the gates and wall.