The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 98

II. THE ffiGH PRIESTHOOD IN NATIONAL ADVERSITY. Jehozadak, 118 in the BUC• cession, nominally filled the same office when the Jews were carried into captivity. H c shared the lot, the exile, of bis countrymen. It was well that he should go with ! he others and rather share the fate of the nation, than remain in Jerusalem to fulfil the form of his office. Where the nation was, it became its religious head to be also. Ill. THE CONJUNCTION OF THESE TWO HIGH PRIESTS TEACHES A VALUADLE LESSON, Ministers of religion should dwell among the people, partake their lot, interest them- selves in their concerns, and be their leaders in praise, in obedience, in submission. Touched, like their Master, with the feeling of the people's infirmities, they are thus able to "rejoice with those who do rejoice, and weep with those who weep." In such s~'rnpathy lies their true, their spiritual and legitimate, strength. Not as lords over God's heritage, but as shepherds, sharing the lot of their flock, may they follow Christ serve the people, and do the will of God.-T. ' Ver. 31.-" The service of song." The ministry of psalmody, in its definite organiza- tion, was instituted by David. The occasion of this was when the ark was placed, as in a resting-place, in the tabernacle of the congregation. The arrangements then made were the germ of the more elaborate temple service under Solomon. From the time of David, "the sweet singer of Israel," "the service of song in the house of the Lord" occupied an important position in the religious observances of Israel. To justify this, consider that- I. SINGING IS THE NATURAL EXPRESSION OF EMOTION. The outburst of joy, the fervour and rapture of love, the pathos of sorrow, find their form and utterance in song. II. MAN'S NATURE MAKES SONG THE SUITABLE EXPRESSION OF RELIGIOUS FEELING. The highest form of human feeling impels to the expression vocally appropriate. Psalmody, especially choral and congregational psalmody, forms the most inspiriting vehicle of religious gratitude, adoration, and praise. III. SCRIPTURE HISTORY RECORDS SEVERAL DEVELOPMENTS OF PSALMODY. The lyric outbursts of joy which took place when the Lord confounded Pharaoh and delivered his chosen people, were the first recorded instances. But David himself was the true leader of psalmody, both Hebrew and Christian. Christ and his disciples "sa.ng an hymn," and Paul and Silas sang praises at midnight in the gaol of Philippi. 'l'he early Christians were accustomed to sing God's praises in their social assemblies. IV. SCRIPTURE REPRESENTS THE SERVICE OF SONG AS ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. Pre- suming that the service, the homage, the love, are sincere, the inspired writers summo11. all God's people to join in thus celebrating his praises. "Sing ye praises; praise God, all ye people," is the admonition of the psalmist; and the apostle thus directs us: "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." V. SCRIPTURE SANCTIONS THE CONSECRATION TO PSALMODY OF LABOUR, ART, AND DEVOTION. We find that, under the old dispensation, there was a regular ministry consecrated to "the service of song." It would be strange if it were lawful to spend time, money, strenoth, skill, upon exercises intended to give pleasure to men, and at the same time unlawful to offer aught to God save that which cost us nothing. God will have our best ; and when we have offered this, of his own have we given him. VI. SCRIPTURE REMINDS US (THAT THE EFFICACY AND ACCEPTABLENESS OF THE SERVICE OF BONG DEPEND UPON THE WORSHIPPER'S SPIBITUALITY AND BINCERlTY. The form without the substance the art without the spirit, the song without the love and faith it should express,-th~se are vain and worthless. Let us offer acceptable sacrifices, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks unto his Name.-T. Ver. 32.-" Waiting on their office." The Levites were the ministers of the tabernacle and the temple, whose business it was, in subordination to the priests, ~o atte!l~ to the appointed services, sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals. Of these, certain fam1hes were t.elected for the conduct of the musical part of the religious services. David, himself a poet and a musician, set apart these families; the members of which, from his time forward, were trained for "the service of song in the house of the Lord." Clothed in white garments, some performed upon cymbals, psalteries, harps, an_d other instrumen~s of music; whilst others lifted up their voices, and sang the praises of him. who IS •-3ood, and whose mercy endureth for ever." It is recorded that, u11on certain great ou. vL 1-81.] THE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 8!)