The Pulpit Commentary — Nehemiah — Section 123

Vere. 1-26.-Miniseers in God: s temple. These lists, once so important, are to us little more than fragmentary relics of a vanished system. They remind us how all that is external decays and passes away. They may, however, also suggest to us truths which abide and retain their worth throughout all ages. I. THE VARIETIES OF MINISTRY IN THE HOUSE OF GoD. Here, high priests, priests, Levites ; chiefs and subordinates ; singers and musicians ; gate-keepers and guards of treasure-houses. In the Christian Church, pastors, preachers, evangelists, deacons, teachers of the young, &c. In the Church, in the wider sense, all are to minister in some way; secular relations and employments are to be deemed sacred; "Holi- ness to the Lord" stamped on everything (see Zech. xiv. 20). In all, God may be served more really than by the high priest of the old covenant, if he were con- tent with only outward ministration. And each, performing his appointed ministry faithfully, is acceptable to God. " All works are good, and each is best As most it pleases thee ; Each worker pleases when the rest He serves in charity ; And neither man nor work unblest Wilt thou permit to be." II. THE RIGHT OF MINISTRY. In the case of the ministers of the temple this was hereditary. Hence the importance of the genealogies. Under the gospel, as the service is spiritual, the ministers must be spiritual also. No ordination or appoint- ment can make an unregenerate man a true minister of Christ, though it may give him authority to take part in the external services of the Church which appoints him. Such a man may, indeed, do good ; but so does the devil, through the over- ruling power and grace of God. In like manner, all who would employ themselves in spiritual ministration of any kind, in the Church or in private life, should seek first to have the Spirit in their own hearts ; and all who have the Spirit are priests of God for some service. III. THE SHORT DURATION OF EACH MINISTER'S WORK ON EARTH. If no other cause bring it to an end, death will. A motive to diligence and fidelity. "Work while it is day." A motive also for care to obtain. and to exercise in the earthly ministry, those spiritual qualities which insure an eternal sacred service in the heavenly temple. IV. THE SUCCESSION 011' MINISTERS. If II one generation passeth away," 11 another generation cometh." The Jewish priesthood was perpetuated by the natural pro- cesses. More worthy of note and of thanksgiving is the unbroken succession o1 godly men from age to age in such a world as this, and of men qualified and willing to undertake the more difficult and arduous ministries. The One ever-living Head of NEHEMIAH. K  130 THE BOOK OF NEHEMIAH. [C.11. XU. 1-28.