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Whether this Azariah was the high priest or the" second priest" does not seem certain. But the office here ascribed to him is evidently one of great importance, and is suggestive of memorable truths with regard to God's spiritual temple and kingdom.

I. THE TRUE "HOUSE OF GOD" IS SPIRITUAL. The temple at Jerusalem was the emblem of the spiritual house which no man has built - the Church of the Divine Redeemer and Lord. This is composed of faithful and holy natures, as of "lively stones."

II. THIS "HOUSE OF GOD" IS ORDERED AND GOVERNED ACCORDING TO DIVINE WISDOM. This is suggested by the word "ruler. Order is Heaven's first law," and this law is certainly not violated in his most precious and beloved work. God's own wisdom is displayed in his own temple.

III. GOD'S OWN SON IS THE RULER IN HIS OWN HOUSE. No earthly sovereign or ecclesiastical pontiff is the head of the spiritual society in which God's Spirit ever dwells. Christ is the King, the Lord, the Priest; "the Head over all things to his Church."

IV. ALL HUMAN RULERS ARE SUBJECT AND SUBORDINATE TO THE DIVINE LORD. Bishops are overseers, and presbyters are pastors; but they are not lords over God's heritage. They have only authority to declare his will, and to execute his commands; and this trust they fulfil, not for their own honour, but for the order and prosperity of God's house. - T.

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KJV: And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

WEB: and Azariah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;