The ancient tabernacle remained at Gibeon, and was there at the accession of Solomon. But the ark was brought up to Jerusalem. It was natural and right that David, having made a capital for his kingdom, should wish the city his own right hand had won to be the metropolis of Israel, not only politically, but also religiously. Until the temple was built there were two centres of religion - the tabernacle at Gibeon and the ark in its tent in the city of David. The king was not satisfied to have a stately and luxurious abode for himself; he wished that the ark of God should be suitably housed. Hence he caused to be prepared for the reception of this sacred object an appropriate and magnificent tabernacle.

I. THIS WAS A SIGN OF CONCERN AND REVERENCE FOR RELIGION. The ark was associated with the memorable history of Israel, and especially with the giving of the Law. It was cherished and honoured by the nation generally. We know the religious beliefs of David too well to suspect him of superstition in his regard for the ark of the covenant. He was well aware of the insufficiency of all things external, and of the necessity of inward, spiritual religion. But he thought it right to treat everything especially connected with religion with a decent respect. It is easy to detect superstition in the manner in which many persons treat religious persons and things; but it is too possible and too frequent to commit a mistake of the opposite kind, and to treat them with studied neglect and contempt.

II. IT WAS A SIGN OF DEVOUT HONOUR FOR GOD HIMSELF, In honouring the ark, David was honouring the God by whose command the ark had been originally constructed, and whose Law it was intended by God to contain and preserve. Similarly, in honouring God's Word, God's day, God's Churches, God's ministers, we may be honouring God himself. "Them that honour me," saith he, "I will honour."

III. DAVID'S CONDUCT EVINCED A CONCERN FOR THE RELIGIOUS WELFARE OF HIS SUBJECTS. He had the ark brought to Jerusalem because Jerusalem was becoming the capital of the country, the centre of government, the meeting-place of multitudes, and the home of many of the influential and educated. And the presence of the ark was adapted to remind the population of the city of the presence of Jehovah, and of the claims of his Law upon their hearts. David showed by this act that he desired to recognize the supremacy of righteousness; that he designed his government to be in accordance with the revelations and dictates of the King of kings.

IV. DAVID'S CONDUCT IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE DUTY OF MAKING EFFORT AND SACRIFICE FOR THE CAUSE OF RELIGION. A careless and self-indulgent king would have said in his heart, "Let the ark stay where it is; any place is good enough to accommodate a religious symbol; and the less religion is brought before the people, the better for themselves and for me." Not so David. He was willing to take thought, to prepare plans, to expend money, to employ artificers, in order to do honour to the ark of the Most High-Let us not deem it a hardship, but an honour, to do anything for the advancement of religion and for the glory of God. - T.

I. PREPARATION FOR GOD'S WORK.

1. By personal sanctification.

2. By implicit obedience to God's command.

II. HEARTY CO-OPERATION IN GOD'S WORK.

1. Gained by consultation. Teachers' Meetings, Ministers' Conferences, National Councils of great help in effective work.

2. Displayed in united ranks.

3. Expressed by individual effort.

III. SUCCESS ACHIEVED IN GOD'S WORK.

(J. Wolfendale.)