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.
The verse records the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem after it was restored under Nehemiah's direction following the return from Babylonian captivity. For that dedication the Levites were sought out from all their towns and brought to Jerusalem to lead the celebration. It was kept with gladness, with thanksgivings and singing accompanied by cymbals, psalteries, and harps.
The occasion joined the purification of the priests, Levites, and people with great sacrifices and rejoicing because God had made them rejoice, a joy shared by wives and children so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. Sacrifices and offerings are almost inseparably connected with thanksgiving, and material giving is the really practical feature of thanksgiving, so this celebration provides an excellent basis and program for a national Thanksgiving.