Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 12:27

"And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps." — Nehemiah 12:27 (ASV)

They sought the Levites. —The dedication was to be processional and musical, as well as sacrificial: after the pattern of Solomon’s dedication of the Temple.