Bible Commentaries

Psalm 134:1-3.

V:1-3. It seems, that David appointed some of the priests and Levites to watch all night in the sanctuary, by regular courses : (Note, 1 Chronicles 9:31-33 :} and they are here exhorted to spend the hours in joyful songs of praise. Thus the service of the sanctuary would be a shadow of the unceasing worship of heaven. It is probable, that this Psalm was composed to be sung each night, when the watch was set : and that the first,wo verses were sung by the precentor of those, who were about to leave the sanctuary; and the third verse by the lievites, who succeeded them.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

If our hearts were filled with the love of God, as his holy law commands, our mouths would be filled with his ^raises : and though our frail bodies would need rest, yet your souls would never be weary of his pleasant service. No time would then be a burden to us; nor would it be needful to waste the hours by trifling conversation and vain amusements, or by inordinate animal indulgence : but all the time, which could be spared from needful business and recreation,would be delightfully employed in meditation, and in celebrating the praises of our God. All that comes short of this, is equally distant from perfection; it is the effect of the fall, and the remainder of depravity : and without some portion of this delight in praising the Lord, we are not Christians. But the servants of God, who minister in his sanctuary, are peculiarly bound to set an example of this cheerful and constant engagement of heart, in the worship and work of God. They, as well as others, should be thankful to be reminded of their duty, and exhorted " to lift up their hands in the sanctuary, and " praise the LORD : " and we should especially pray for a

blessing out of Zion on those, who excite us to attend on our duty. Ere long all the true servants of God shall praise him in the sanctuary above, and bless his name, and be blessed in him, uninterruptedly, for evermore.