Levitical musician at the dedication of Jerusalem's wall
The returnPriestc. 450 BC
Maai was a Levitical musician who participated in the dedication of Jerusalem's wall after the return from the Babylonian exile. He was among the singers and musicians who played musical instruments during the solemn procession led by Ezra the scribe. His role testifies to the importance of worship and music in the restored Jewish community.
Key events
Dedication of Jerusalem's wall
Maai participated as a musician in the great celebration when the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem were dedicated. He marched in the procession with musical instruments along with other Levites.
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.
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.
38The second choir of thanksgiving went to the left, and I followed it with half the people, along the top of the wall above the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,
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.
Maai and the other musicians praised God with song and instruments as the Jewish people celebrated the completion of the walls, a sign of God's faithfulness.
43That day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had given them great joy. The women and the children rejoiced as well, and the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.