Bible Commentaries

CONTENTS

The Chronicle of characters in the temple service is nearly finished. Here therefore in this chapter we have the list of the fathers, and chief captains, the princes of the several tribes, and the officers of the court.

There is very little more to be observed on the contents of those verses, than, that as David wisely thought in time of peace, it is right to be prepared for war, in a world like the present, so here we see the means he adopted to be secure from foreign foes. In a spiritual sense it may be observed, that as good soldiers of Jesus Christ we ought to be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might, and to take to us the whole armour of God. There is somewhat remarkable in the selection of captains for each month in the year. There were twelve tribes of Israel, and Jesus chose twelve apostles. The gates of the New Jerusalem had the names of the same upon them.

All the heads of the tribes have honorable testimony given of them by way of perpetuating the memory of Israel.

The particular mention that is made of the respective situations of those heads of houses, no doubt had a divine authority, and may serve to convey to us, that the Lord arrayeth and disposeth all things according to order.

The relations of the king are also put down, not only by way of filling up the list, but by way of manifesting his attention to all.

REFLECTIONS

IT is hardly possible to read the order of things observed in the days of David, without having our minds led out to consider yet more, the beautiful disposition and order made in the house of our Almighty Spiritual David, the Lord Jesus Christ, after that he had taken to himself his great name, ascended up on high, led captivity captive, and sat down on the throne of his kingdom. The apostle beautifully describes it when he saith; And he gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.

Reader! it is a blessed thing to belong to this holy army. Though door keepers only in his service, or merely hewers of wood, or drawers of water, yet to be brought into the family and household of faith, exceeds, in point of dignity and of happiness, the highest station, void of Christ, in earthly greatness. Lord Jesus, grant me to be among the number of thine! And whatever station in thy service thou wilt be pleased to appoint me, so that I but stand before thee, under thy eye, and the smiles of thy love, I shall feel the full enjoyment of that felicity, which the Queen of the South described of Solomon's household: Happy are the men; happy are thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. And blessed forever, blessed be thou Lord Jesus, my God and Saviour!