two priests and two Levites, are described as being present on the other side to receive them. Very carefully, also, as became the place and the trust was every- thing done. All the gifts of every description-" the silver and the g~ld and the vessels' '-were "weighed;" they were weighed by "the hand" of the chief man who had to receive them ; they were weighed in the presence of the three others associated with him, and probably also in that of all the chief personages both in Church and state (see ver. 29) at Jerusalem ; they were not only :weighed in their pre- sence, but also "numbered "-numbered "every one "-as a still further precaution against any error in the past; and then, finally, with a view to their safety for the future, they were "written down," or added formally to the existing catalogue of temple treasures and gifts. So honourably and so completely were these travelling treasurers relieved of their trust. And so happily, therefore, was their journey now terminated, both as to its labours and as to its special cares. Now they were able to rest indeed, both in body and mind. II. As RESIDENTS JUST ADMITTED. Their next cares, therefore, were in connection not with their journey, but their arrival. What were the duties devolving on them in connection with the place they had come to? They had some such duties, it is clear, (1) in regard to God and their brethren. For example, having been conducted safely, by God's providence, to take up their abode in that place which he bad chosen to put bis name there, it was very fitting that they should openly declare their consecration to that name. This was represented by those " burnt offerings " of which we are twice informed in this place (ver. 35. See also Lev. i.; 2 Chron. x:xix. end 31, and Ps. !xvi. 13-15, for the connection of devotion or "vows" with burnt offerings, and the various kinds of animals so offered, almost the same as here). In so consecrating themselves, however, they only acted as a portion of that whole consecrated Israel of God to which they belonged. This identification of themselves with the covenant people they appear to have represented by their evidently studied reference in the number of animals offered to the appointed num- ber of the covenant tribes, viz., by offering twelve bullocks, twelve he-goats, and 8 X 12, or ninety-six rams. Note, also, how it is expressly said of the twelve bullocks that they were offered "for all Israel," llild comp. vi. 17, and Numb. vii. 2, &c. For the peculiar number of lambs (seventy-seven) it seems difficult to account, but the mention of the twelve he-goats as being for a " sin offering'' was a silent confession on their part of their own need, and of a11 Israel's need, of propitiation and atonement. In the next place, these three religious duties of consecration, communion, and confession being thus duly attended to, we find them turning to those civil duties which were required by their position ; i. e. to their duties (2) in regard to their earthly ruler and king. In the discharge of these they handed to the governors and deputy governors (ver. 36) of that part of the Persian empire the orders of Artaxerxes (vii. 21-24). This was done in the proper order. It was certainly true, in their case, that they were Israelites first, !lild Persian sub- jects afterwards (see also Matt. xxii. 21). It was also done with proper com- pleter.CBS. To hand these orders of Artaxerxes to his deputies for the purpose of securing the advantages therein specified was to acknowledge, in the fullest manner, both his authority and theirs. It was to confess clearly that the Persian power extended so far. It was to acknowledge the authority of the PersillII laws and officials over aU souls in that land; and, therefore, to prove themselves not only true Israelites, but loyal subjects too. CONCLUSION. Let all those who name the name of Christ see from all this-1. The importance of showing " all good fidelity " (Titus ii. 10). Before these returned children of the captivity allowed themselves to present their offerings in that house of God which they had travelled so far to visit and to benefit, they made all clear on this other point. We find a somewhat similar spirit in 1 Sam. xii. 3-5; 2 Cor. viii. 20, 21 ; and may be reminded in two different yet equally instructive ways of Numb. xvi. 15, and Matt. 7'· 23, 24. 2. The imfortance of believing in the necessity of atonement. Even the burnt offerings of God sown Israel, without the sin offering, would not be acceptable. That which we desire to offer to him must be purified first. But how can it be purified except by the sacrifice of the cross (Heb. ix. 22 ; x. 10)? 3. Tlie importance of being good subjects. We havo seen the significance, in this K2 132 THE BOOK OF EZRA. [en. vm. 21-36.
respect, of the beginning of ve-r. 36. We may also see the good results thus secured in what is recorded in the end of that verse. It caused those who had tlrn rule in tbet land to "further" the welfare of God's "people," and the work of God's " house." This is one advantage of honouring the " powers that be" as ordained of Go?.. It causes them, in return, to honour and favour the religion we profess. Just as 1t IS with servants in a household, so is it with subjects in a kingdom; it is thus they may especially "adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour" (Titus ii. 9, 10). Other branches of "politics " may not be forbidden ; this is positively enjoined (Ro:n. xiii. 1, &c.).
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS.