נחמיה, פרק י״ב, פסוק ל״ח

The dedication of the walls of Jerusalem featured a procession divided into two distinct groups. Central to the second group's march was the carrying of the second thanksgiving bread [מצודת דוד]. The formation placed this second group opposite the first [רלב״ג, אבן עזרא]. The primary approach among commentators is that the two groups marched parallel to one another, advancing side by side [רש״י, מצודת דוד]. However, another perspective suggests that the groups walked sequentially, with the second group following directly behind the first [מלבי״ם].

Nehemiah positioned himself immediately behind the second thanksgiving bread [רש״י, שטיינזלץ]. He walked alone in this specific spot, followed by the city officials, while Ezra and the priests marched in a different location [מלבי״ם]. Joining Nehemiah, half of the people walked alongside him, either directly on top of the wall or closely beside it [מצודת דוד, שטיינזלץ]. The procession moved forward past landmarks like the Tower of the Ovens, continuing until they reached the broad wall. This route marks the progress of the march, specifically outlining the path of those moving toward the left side of the city wall [מלבי״ם].