43. Great sacrifices. Since the time of David it had become customary to offer numerous sacrifices at the dedication of important buildings (see 1 Kings 8:5; Ezra 6:17; 2 Sam. 6:17; 24:25). Thus, Nehemiah followed an established custom.
The wives. Jewish women are not frequently mentioned in the Bible as taking part in public festivities. The only other occasion in which women are recorded as having taken part in a general celebration was at the Red Sea, under the leadership of Miriam (Ex. 15:20).
Heard even afar off. See Ezra 3:13; 1 Kings 1:40; 2 Kings 11:13.