His kinsmen, which is literally “his brothers,” are fellow Levite musicians. Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation both consider them to be related to Zechariah.

With the musical instruments of David the man of God: For musical instruments, see the comments at verse 27 above. If a general term for musical instruments is not available to the translator, then a descriptive expression may be used, for example, “things that are played” or “objects for making song.” In traditional African cultures, song cannot be divorced from dance. Musical instruments might thus be described as “things for making dance” or “things for making rhythm.”

By mentioning the musical instruments of David, the writer associates the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem with King David. However, the precise meaning is not clear. It probably does not mean the very same instruments that David had once possessed. Some translations give an explicit interpretation like the one in Good News Translation; for example, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch describes them as “musical instruments like those that King David, the man of God, once played.” Bible en français courant translates “the musical instruments that David … had made” (see 1 Chr 23.5 and Amos 6.5). In verse 24 above, David’s command regarding Temple music is referred to explicitly, so New Living Translation and New International Version interpret them to be “the musical instruments prescribed by David” for Temple worship (see also 1 Chr 15.16). Most versions retain the ambiguity of the Hebrew by translating literally “the instruments of music of David.” If possible, translators should make the association of the musical instruments with David clear, but should not try to explain it (so Revised Standard Version).

For David the man of God, see the comments at verse 24 above.

Ezra the scribe went before them: This part of the procession as organized by Nehemiah in verse 31 above is led by Ezra. He was “at the head of this group” (Bible en français courant). The choir went first and was followed by half of the leaders who were led by Ezra. For Ezra the scribe, see Ezra 7.6.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .