The Pulpit Commentary — 1 Chronicles — Section 403

II. IT 1B LAWFUL FOR RELIGIOUS MEN TO SERVE IN THE BTATE. Just as labour, trade, navigation, etc., are all lawful, and are sanctified by the Word of God an,l by prayer, BO is it with the office of the magistrate, the servant of the state. III. IT 18 FOR THE ADVANTAGE OF ALL PARTIES THAT RELIGIOUS 'HEN IHOULD TAKE CIVIL OFFI0E. For the officers and judges thernsel ves, as the position will enlarge the area of their influence, and promote the soundness of their judgment and the widening of their sympathies. For the subjects generally, who will benefit when Christianity is brought to bear upon the discharge of duties which involve the general interests. IV. GooD RULERS SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY THE CONFIDENCE, CO-OPERATION, AND PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, We cannot be too thankful when men of Christian character are appointed to public positions. It becomes us, remembering the special dangers and temptations to which such persons are exposed, to plead on their behalf at the throne of grace, that they may be taught by the Holy Spirit to speak the truth fearlessly, to rebuke iniquity, to act righteously, and so to secure the public tranquillity and well- being, and the glory of God.-T. Vers. 1-28.-The blessing of God. There lies much meaning in the simple words, "God blessed him" (ver. 5). They refer to Obed-edom, and may remind us- I. 'l'HAT IT 18 'l'HE ACCOMPANillENT OF A RIGHT STATE OF HEART TOWARD GoD. Obed- edom had taken the ark into his house when God "made a breach upon U zza '' ( eh. xiii. 11). He then and thus gained the favour of Jehovah, not indeed by the mere fact that the ark of the covenant was under his roof, but because his readiness to receive and preserve it was the expression of a true and genuine piety (see homily in loc.). If our•• heart is right in the sight of God," so that we are eager to render to him or to his cause any service we can bring, we are then in that spiritual condition in which we may look for the Divine blessing. It is not any one single action, but a right relation of soul to God, that draws down his abiding favour. II. THAT IT TAKES VARIOUS FORMS WITH US, AS IT DID IN ANCIENT TIMES. 1. The temporal forms it assumed then. These were: (1) Family mercies-God blessed Obed- edom by enlarging his household (vers. 4, 5), and giving him descendants of whom he could be proud (vers. 6-8). (2) Military reputation-some were "mighty men ot" valour" (ver. 6.) (3) Bodily vigour-others were "able men for strength for the service" (ver. 8). ( 4) Posts of special honour-others were "over the treasures of the dedicated thin~s" (vers. 20-28). God may grD.Dt us his blessing in much the same way now; but while we gratefully accept it and conscientiously use it, if he does so bestow it, we t'lllst not reckon on these lower manifestations of his Divine regard. ,ve are on sure ground when we speak of: 2. The spiritual forms it assumes now. 'l'hey are such as these: (1) Concord and piety in the home; (2) reputation for devoted aervice of Christ; (3) capacity for holy usefulness; (4) tl'llstfulness. These arc blessings which correspond with those of the older dispensation, but which take a more spiritual form. 'l'hey are blessings which fill the heart rather than the hand, benedic- tions of" the kingdom of heaven" rather than bestowments of the monarchy of earth. If it co.n be said of any of us, in any large and full sense, that "God blessed him," such a one will be the recipient of other bestowments beside these-of (5) rest of heart in Christ; (6) joy of faithful and loving service; (7) hope of eternal glory.-C. Vers. 29-32.-The business of the Lord and the service of the king. The duties which an Israelite might render to his Divine and to his earthly sovereign are thus expressed (ver. 30). They a.re also spoken of as" matters pertaining to God an,\ affairs of the king" (ver. 82). 'l'he distinction thus drawn is suggestive of the relation which the two services sustain to one another. We conclude- I. THAT THEY ARE CLEARLY DISTIN0UISHABLE, ONE FROM TIIE OTHER. It is one tninp: to II serve God" and another thing to " honour the king." We may remem bcr those who have been most devoted courtiers, but indifferent servants of God. 11 Had I but served my God," etc. (Wolsey). There have been very consecrated men who have lived a life of protest or even of hostility to the " reigning house." Indeed, it may be the bounden duty of a good man to disobey the mandates of his earthly sovereign. The honours we pay to the " noble army of martyrs" are the best witness that we do mako ihis distinction in our minds. It is a possible thing that we may find ourselves citizen11  406 TRE FIRS'!' noo~ 01.<1 THE CltRONtCLES. [c11. uvr. 1-32.