נחמיה, פרק י״א, פסוק י״ז

The organization of the Levites in Jerusalem followed a precise system of watches, song, and prayer. Every individual held a specific role in an elaborate hierarchy dedicated to thanking God. At the center of this musical and spiritual structure were the heads of the Levite families, who guided the communal worship.

The highest position belonged to Mattaniah. The primary approach among commentators is that he served as the chief leader, the one who opened the prayer service and led the songs of thanksgiving. Highlighting his position at the forefront establishes his authority over the other Levites, resolving any confusion about his rank that might arise from other historical records [מלבי״ם]. From a more personal perspective, Mattaniah was an elder who spent much of his time fasting and praying for the holy city, deeply hoping to live long enough to see its reconstruction completed [ר' סעדיה גאון]. However, another perspective suggests that his title of leadership actually refers back to his ancestor Asaph, the patriarch of their musical dynasty [אבן עזרא].

Mattaniah's practical duty was to lead the congregation in praise and song whenever the time for prayer arrived [רש״י]. Yet, a unique interpretation proposes that the terms describing this duty of thanksgiving and prayer might not refer to actions at all. Instead, they could actually be the names of additional individuals within the Levite family [מלבי״ם].

Following Mattaniah in the hierarchy was Bakbukiah. He acted as a deputy, holding the second highest rank among his brethren in leading the thanksgiving and prayer. Alternatively, some view him as the direct deputy to the patriarch Asaph [אבן עזרא]. Finally, the records mention Abda, another Levite who settled in Jerusalem [מצודת דוד], whose lineage traces back to the prominent ancestor Yeduthun.