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The arrangements for the service of the Levites in the Lord's house seem to have been made, or at all events settled, by Samuel and by David. The same arrangements, substantially, were adopted by Solomon, in connection with the first temple, and by Ezra and Nehemiah in the second temple erected by Zerubbabel. For the custody of the holy house, four chief warders were appointed, under whom were a hundred and sixty-eight porters, who, in turn, fulfilled their important and sacred office. These attendants had their homes in certain villages in the neighbourhood of Jerusalem. A course of twenty-four of them seem to have attended the sanctuary every week, commencing with the sabbath, and the turn of each course would come round once in seven weeks.

I. OBSERVE THE VARIETY AND UNITY OF THE LEVITICAL SERVICE.

1. The variety. Some were entrusted with the duty of opening and closing the doors. Others had charge of the treasury, where coin, sacred vessels and vestments, etc., were kept in security. Others had the custody of the various vessels and instruments used in sacrificial services. Others made ready the sacrifices, manufactured the incense, or prepared the sacred cakes and shewbread.

2. The unity. One God appointed them all, by the same law and ordinance, to their several ministries. One sanctuary occupied their attention and called forth their activity. One nation and people were served by all the ministrations of the priests and Levites. One object was before them all - to serve Jehovah, to obey his Law, to seek his favour.

II. REMARK THE STRIKING FIGURE WHICH WE HAVE IN THESE MINISTRATIONS OF THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING AND DIVINE CHRIST.

1. There are "diversities of gifts" and trusts and services. According to the ability and opportunity is the occupation.

2. Beneath all these diversities there is an admirable unity. It is "the one Spirit" who qualifies and appoints all. There is one body, one temple, one brotherhood. And there is one aim - the service and glory of the one God and Saviour.

PRACTICAL LESSONS.

1. Let each Christian fulfil his own vocation.

2. And, at the same time, regard with sympathy and affection his fellow-workers in the same service.

3. And ever look to the one end - the service of his redeeming God. - T.

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KJV: For these Levites, the four chief porters, were in their set office, and were over the chambers and treasuries of the house of God.

WEB: for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the rooms and over the treasuries in the house of God.