Ill. THE PROMISES Oil' WHICH IT CONSISTED. l, A general comprehensive promiR0 of obedience to all the law of God (ver. 29). 2. Certain special promises. (1) Not to intermarry with the heathen (ver. 30). A matter about which both Ezra and Nehemiah were very much concerned (see Ezra ix. 10; Neh. xiii. 23---30). Laxity in this respect threatened to destroy the distinctiveness of Israel in respect both to race and religion. (2) To observe strictly the sabbath and other holy days and the sabbatical year, including the remission of debts (ver. 31 ; see Deut. xv. 2)'. (3) To contribute to the support of the temple, its ministers and services (vers. 32- 39). The promised contributions included an annual money payment of one-third of a shekel each towards the expense of the ordinary services; the bringing up in tum to the temple of the wood required for the altar fire ; the offering of the first-fruits of all produce, the firstlings of cattle, and the first-born children (i. e. the redemption money for them); and the payment of tithes to the Levites, who on their part would pay" the tithe of the tithes" unto the priests. (4) Not to forsake the temple. They would continue to support it, and attend its services at the appointed times. Reflections :-l. The review of the past is adapted to impress on onr hearts the duty and wisdom of serving God. 2. In the service of God, the observance of the sabbath and the maintenance of public worship are of the greatest importance. As Divine ordinances, and for the well-being of individuals and families, the Church and the State. 3. All should unite in supporting the worship of God. By contributions, attendance, and endeavours to induce others to attend. 4. Solemn definite engage- ments are aids to the cultivation and practice of religion. The impressions and purposes of times of peculiar religious feeling may thus become of permanent value. Obligations thus recognised and adopted are more likely to be called to mind in times of temptation. The Christian settles it thus with himself that he is the Lord's, and must not, will not, depart from him ; must and will serve him in all things. In such a definite settlement are peace and safety. Hence the worth of those ordinauces by which a profession of piety is made, and from time to time renewed. To these some have added forms of "covenanting" more resembling that recorded in this chapter. They have put hand and seal to a written document. Dr. Doddridge did this, and in his ' Rise and Progress ' recommends the practice and supplies forms for the purpose. The Scottish Covenants present probably the most memorable instances of documents of this kind publicly agreed to, signed by thou- sands of all classes, and exercising a great and lasting influence on the course of affairs. A definite promise is specially appropriate and useful in respect to outward practices, such as the devoting of a certain proportion of income to religion and charity. The demands for money for the ordinary purposes of life are so numerous and urgent, that the c\aims of God's cause and of the poor are likely to be very insufficiently met, unless some specific portion be distinctly devoted to them. When this is done, the other branches of expenditure adjust themselves to the income as thus diminished. Care, however, needs to be taken lest vows are made which cannot be kept,,and so become a snare and burden to the conscience. They should for the most part be simply promises to do what, apart from them, is incumbent upon us, or to avoid what, apart from them, is wrong, or commonly, if not uniformly, leads us into wrong-doing. 5. It is pleasing when all classes of society unite in solemn acts of dedication of themselves and their property to God, and in arrangements for the maintenance of religion amongst them. 6. General religious excitement and pro- fessions are, however, often deceptive. The solemn covenant recorded in this chapter was soon violated (see eh. xiii. 10-29). Ver. 32.-Divine service.-"The service of the house of our God." Difference between this in the temple at Jerusalem and in Christian sanctuaries. Superiority of the latter. In remarking upon it, while chiefly thinking of the part taken by minis- ters, we have in view also the " service of song,'' and all else that is needful for suitably conducting the worship of God. Note, then, that the service of God's house- I. Is PECULIARLY BAORED. It has imm«liately to do with God, and Christ, and the souls of men. Should, therefore, be attended to with reverence, devoutness, purity of motive. Frivolity, selfishness, covetousness, and worldly ambition, wrong every• NEBll:MJAB, I 114 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [CH. X. 1-89,
where, are flagrantly wrong here. Every part of the service should have a distinct- ively religious aim, and should be done in a religious spirit. II. SHOULD BE CONDUCTED ACCORDING TO DIVINE DIRECTIONS. Not only to act in opp_osition to these, but to go beyond them into "will-worship," is impious and penlous. III. SHOULD ENGAGE THE BEST ENERGIES OF THE BEST MEN. Requires doubtless first good men, but furnishes scope for the talents of the ablest; and all ~ng·aged ~ it should do their best. To leave this work to the feeble, or do it in a perfunctory or slovenly manner, is disgraceful and sinful. IV. Is ENCOURAGED BY SPECIAL DIVINE PROMISES. The preaching of the gospel united prayer, united praise, the celebration of the sacraments, all are thus encouraged'. V. Is FRUITFUL OF BLESSING. To those active in it, to those uniting, to society, &c. Of blessing in this life and for ever. VI. SHOULD BE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY ALL. In many, the sense of obligation to render such support is of the feeblest.