Vers. 2, 12, 13.-Learning the lessons of God's judgments. We are not left in any doubt as to the national lesson intended to be taught by the Divine judgment on Uzza. David came to see that "none ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites" ( comp. Numb. i. 50; iv. 15 ; vii. 9 ; x. 17). The judgment showed that God bad not been "sought after the due order; " and of this error and neglect there is now the honest confession, with due care in the new effort, to meet fully the Divine conditions and requirements. "The 'due order' was that the ark should be borne on the shoulders of the Kohathite Levites-not that it should be placed upon a cart, drawn by oxen, and rudely shaken." Out of his first mistaken attempt David learned the valuable, practical lesson that- " Evil is wrought for want of thought, As well as for want of heart." The incident suggests a general treatment of the teachings of God's judgments. Isaiah expresses the attitude, of which David here @-ives us the example, when he says (Isa. xxvi.), "In the way of thy jndgments, 0 Lord, have we waited for thee." I. JUDGME?,."'T TAUGHT DAVID RESPECT FOR GoD'S LAW AND ORDER. It does not appear that the full ceremonial of Mosaism had been preserved during Saul's reign, and certainly there had been some neglect of the Scriptures; but it is especially to be observed that, in makmg a new tabernacle on Mount Zion, and fitting it up according to his own ideas, David was in great peril of wilfulness, and of neglecting to consult and to follow the Divine regulations. Such a judgment WI that on Uzza was needed to thoronahly arouse him to the importance of a precise anrl minute obedience. So we too often °say, "What does it matter, if the thing is done?" And we have, often bitterly, to learn that G?d ca~es for the doing, and wants even _t~e right _things done in the ri"ht way. Obedience 1n the very forms and order of D1vme serv.1ce tests the deep feel~ng of God's worshippers. Apostles recognized the importance even of forms when they enjoined, "Let all things be done decently and in order." II. JuDGMENT TAUGHT THE NEED FOR THOUGHTFULNESS AND OARE. Haste is as unfitting as self-will in matters of God's worship. Consideration; due attention to precedents; personal preparation o_f spirit; s~rio_us ~emeanour ;-all prope!lY attend on Divine service. God wants the signs and md1cat10ns of real heart-fcelmg and deep sincerity. III. JuDGMENT TAUGHT THE DOTY OF FINDING FIT INSTRUMENTS FOR GoD's WORK. Holy duties should not be done by unsuitable ba~ds. No commo~ persons !°ight touch tlie sacred ark. 'l'he proper persons were the Levites, and a particular family of them. lllustrate the need for a wiser selection of instruments in connection with the work of the modern Church. Compare the apostolic injunctions, "Lay hands suddenly on no man ; '' " Let such first be proved." lV. JuDGMENT TAUGHT THE REVE!lENT TREATMENT OF THE SYMDOLS OF DIVINE PRESENCE. Without adopting strained ideas of sacramental virtue, wo too may karn this leasoD. Se.nctual'ics, sacraments, Bibles, etc., because of their S1LCred associations oa. u. 1-29.] 'fRE FIRST BOOK OF THE CHRONICLES. 243
and euggeRtione, properly demand reverent treatment. Only shallow and self-satisfied natures fail in revereuce. A worthy sense of the infinite glory of the Unseen Eternal and Divine, gains fitting expression in the reverent touch of all earth-~ym'bols that bring the Eternal near. There may be danger of stopping with the symbol even as heathen stopped with the idol; but the fact that danger lies in exces.~ does n~t relieve us from the claims of the symbolic, as set within wise limitations. There is dan<'er of overdoing forms. But there is also danger of an undne indifference to forms; and this kind of danger is seriously imperilling to some important features of the rcli"ious life. This may be practically illustrated in relation to long-received forms of doctrine and long-hallowed riles and symbols. They who would sincerely honour God must n~t be unmindful of the reverence that is due to his ark,-R. T.