Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services.
We have here the names, and little more than the names, of a great many priests and Levites, that were eminent in their day among the returned Jews. Why this register should be here inserted by Nehemiah does not appear, perhaps to keep in remembrance those good men, that posterity might know to whom they were beholden, under God, for the happy revival and re-establishment of their religion among them.
Commenting on Nehemiah 12:1-26
Also Bakbukiah and Unni,.... Two other Levites; the first is mentioned in Neh 11:17, their brethren, were over against them in the watches; the Levites were divided into twenty four wards, and these were placed one against another, Ch1 23:6.
their brethren, were over against them in the watches--that is, according to some, their stations--the places where they stood when officiating--"ward over against ward" (Neh 12:24); or, according to others, in alternate watches, in course of rotation.