John Gill Commentary Nehemiah 12:36

"and his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them." — Nehemiah 12:36 (ASV)

And his brethren

The brethren of Zechariah, the priest's son, and such are those that follow:

Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah,
Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God ;

which were invented by him, and ordered by him to be used in religious service, under the divine direction:

and Ezra the scribe before them ;

for he being a priest also, and a man of great eminence, was placed at the head of them in this procession.