Nehemiah 11:17
And Mattaniah the sonne of Micha, the sonne of Zabdi, the sonne of Asaph, was the principall to beginne the thankesgiuing in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the sonne of Shammua, the sonne of Galal, the sonne of Ieduthun. Nehemiah 11:17 (KJV)
Nehemiah 11 records the families and individuals who returned to repopulate Jerusalem after the walls were rebuilt, giving particular attention to those who served in temple worship. This chapter lists the names of leaders who were entrusted with the thanksgiving and prayer gatherings that sustained the spiritual life of the community.
Mattaniah is identified as the chief or principal who began the thanksgiving in prayer. His genealogy links him to Asaph, a well‑known Levitical musician during King David’s reign, underscoring a heritage of worship and praise. By placing a descendant of Asaph in this prominent role, the text highlights the continuity of the Levitical tradition of music and thanksgiving.
Bakbukiah is mentioned as the second among his brethren in this service. Although the passage provides few details about his background, his inclusion beside Mattaniah demonstrates a collaborative leadership structure in the worship assemblies, where multiple individuals shared responsibility for guiding the people in prayer.
Abda, the son of Shammua and descendant of Galal and Jeduthun, is also named. Jeduthun, like Asaph, was a celebrated Levitical musician in David’s time. Abda’s lineage therefore reinforces the theme that those who led worship were drawn from families renowned for their musical and liturgical contributions.
Together, Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, and Abda exemplify the dedication of the post‑exilic community to gratitude, prayer, and corporate worship. Their roles were essential for maintaining the vitality of the temple service and for fostering unity among the people as they expressed thankfulness to God. The verse therefore reminds believers of the importance of stepping forward to lead others in worship, using the gifts and heritage entrusted to them for the glory of God.
