46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the musicians and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
46 For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs
46 That's the way it was done in the olden days, the days of David and Asaph, when they had choir directors for singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
46 For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chiefs of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
46 The custom of having choir directors to lead the choirs in hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God began long ago in the days of David and Asaph.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:46
Commentary on Nehemiah 12:44-47
(Read Nehemiah 12:44-47)
When the solemnities of a thanksgiving day leave such impressions on ministers and people, that both are more careful and cheerful in doing their duty, they are indeed acceptable to the Lord, and turn to good account. And whatever we do, must be purified by the blood of sprinkling, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit, or it cannot be acceptable to God.