The work of the Levites was "to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord." It was, therefore, to some extent servile and menial. Yet the work was dignified and hallowed by the fact that it was truly rendered to the God of Israel, the Lord of all. The function, however, described in the text is the most honourable that can be performed by man. The glorified assembly above, the angelic hosts before the throne, are thus perpetually occupied.

I. THE OFFICE ITSELF OF PRAISE. The Levites were doubtless organized by David, as never before. His poetical and musical gilts were consecrated to the praise of Jehovah. His psalms from that time forward became the vehicle of human thanksgiving and adoration. The instruments of music which he appointed became essential to the ecclesiastical orchestra of the temple. And whilst thanks and praise are due from all intelligent beings to the God of providence, the human race has a special song to present, a special service to offer - thanks and praise to the God of all grace and salvation.

II. THE PERIODICAL OFFERING OF PRAISE. It was appointed for the Levites to stand, in due order and according to their courses, in the presence of Jehovah. And every morning and every evening the sacrifice of praise was offered as regularly as the burnt offering itself. How suitable was this arrangement must be apparent to every reflecting mind. Each day brings with it new favours, which should be welcomed with a grateful song. Each evening summons us to record renewed instances of Divine mercy and forbearance, for which the Giver of all good should be warmly praised.

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. The duty and privilege of thanksgiving and adoration. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto the Name of the Most High."

2. The desirableness of periodical and regular daily devotions: "To show forth his loving-kindness in the morning, and his faithfulness every night." - T.

I. IN THE MYSTERIOUS POLITY OF THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL SPIRITUAL AND TEMPORAL BLESSINGS WERE SO CLOSELY ALLIED THAT THE SAME LANGUAGE MIGHT NATURALLY BE EMPLOYED TO SIGNIFY EITHER.

II. It is not unwarrantable for us to conjecture that in the joyous utterance contained in the text David insinuated PROFOUNDER TRUTHS THAN LIE ON THE SURFACE OF HIS WORDS.

III. If "there remaineth a rest to the people of God," IT BECOMES US TO SECURE THIS GREAT BLESSING AS THE SOLE OR CHIEF OBJECT OF EXISTENCE.

IV. REST AND PEACE MUST FALL UPON A CHRISTIAN SPIRIT.

1. From its devotion to Christ Himself, and its devoted imitation of His pure and perfect example.

2. By the elevating tendency of the singleness of the object of his hope. Those who have many debts often feel it a relief to exchange them all for a single creditor; he whose whole heart is bent on reaching a single point leaves all around him on his way in equal and complete indifference. God is one; let our affections but partake of the unity of that object, and we shall have reached the pathway of real and imperishable rest.

3. From the very nature of the Christian affections.

4. From its hope being anchored in a future world. To support, still more to exalt us, heaven must mingle with earth. To direct a vessel upon the ocean there must be two elements at work, the air must modify the agency of the water; to set a vessel at rest there must be more elements than one employed, and the earth must afford the means of resisting the breezes and the sea. Such is the position in the voyage of this life. The earthly and the heavenly elements must combine, or we are powerless. Confined to the single element of our corrupted nature, we are the sport of every accident, we have no rules for our navigation. But they who join to the human nature the higher element, they have a power that guides them to the everlasting haven. To have the great object of our thoughts placed beyond the chances of human life is to place ourselves beyond them.

(W. A. Butler.)