Gillai was one of the Levitical musicians who took part in the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt wall under Nehemiah's leadership. He played musical instruments that David, the man of God, had appointed. He is mentioned only once in the Bible, in connection with the great celebration when the wall was completed.
Key events
Participation in the wall dedication
Gillai took part in the great procession at the dedication of Jerusalem's wall, where he played on David's musical instruments.
36and his kinsmen Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe went before them.
31Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs of thanksgiving. One went to the right along the top of the wall toward the Dung Gate,
36and his kinsmen Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe went before them.
37At the Fountain Gate they went straight up the steps of the city of David, by the ascent of the wall, and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.
36and his kinsmen Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe went before them.
27At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their settlements and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres.