impoverished the kingdom by reducing its territory and its inhabitants. (b) Then Tiglath inflicted utter defeat. Valour and numbers of no avail. When God has left us, defence is gone. 2. Helpless exile. They were "carried away' into distance and slavery. God's instruments, many and varied, to chastise. Idolatry most destructive sin to people loved and led by Jehovah. children, keep yourselves from idols."

"Little

HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

Ver. 2. Judah prevailed. 1. God in family history. 2. Persons giving pre-eminence to families, David and Messiah from Judah. 3. Grace distinguishing families in civil and religious matters, in national and individual life.

Vers. 18-20. Cried in battle. So did Jabez (ch. iv.); Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. xx.); the thundering legion; the late King of Sweden, whose prayer before the great battle of Lutzen, where he fell, was, Jesus, vouchsafe this day to be my strong helper, and give me courage to fight for the honour of thy name." Prayer alone he held the surest piece of his whole armour [Trapp].

Ver. 25. Transgressed. 1. Danger of proximity to the world. The tribes on the borders had intercourse with neigh

ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER V.

Ver. 2. Judah's pre-eminence.
"Some must be great. Great officers will
have

Great talents. And God gives to ev'ry man
The virtue, temper, understanding, taste,
That lifts him into life, and lets him fall
Just in the niche he was ordained to fill"
[Cowper].

Ver. 18. Valiant men. It is not the will of God that his people should be a timorous people [Mt. Henry].

Ver. 20. Helped. We are like William of Orange, with a few followers and an empty purse, making war against the master of half the world with the mines of Peru for a treasury.

CHAPTER VI.

CRITICAL NOTES.] This chapter refers wholly to tribe of Levi. Gives the family of Aaron, vers. 1-15; the descendants of Gershom, Kohath, and Merari, vers. 16-30; the pedigrees of the song-masters, vers. 31-48; the line from Aaron to Ahimaaz, vers. 49-53; and the towns assigned to the tribe, vers. 54-81.

Vers. 1-3.-The sons of Levi. The genealogy of Levi follows (Ex. vi. 16-25), as far as Phinehas, after which the writer must have had documents before him which have not come down to us [Speak. Com.].

Vers. 4-15.-Line of priests unto Captivity. This list must have been obtained from the priestly registers. It is given in inverse order (Ezra vii. 1-5), with omission of names between Meraioth and Azariah II. It wants the name Meraioth between Ahitub II. and Zadok II. (ix. 11). It is not a succession of high priests, but simply the line from Eleazar to Jehozadak [cf. Murphy]. Zadok, ver 8, priest with Abiathar (2 Sam. viii. 18), one probably in Gibeon, the other in Zion. Azariah, ver. 9, grandson of Zadok, in the court of Solomon (1 Kings iv. 2). Temple, ver. 10, first to distinguish it from second existing in days of writer. Amariah, ver. 11, high priest under Jehoshaphat (2 Chr. xix. 11). Shallum, ch. ix. 11 (Neh. xi. 11). Hilkiah, ver. 12, in office under Josiah, took part in reformation then (2 Kings xxii. 4-14; xxii. 4; 2 Chr. xxxiv. 9-22). Seraiah, ver. 14, put to death by Nebuchadnezzar at time of Captivity (2 Kings xxv. 18-21; Jer. lii. 24-27).

Vers. 16-30. -Sons of Levi. Having traced high priestly line from Levi to Jehozadak (vers. 1-15), writer returns to fountain head and gives general account of branches of tribe of Levi as far as materials allow. Vers. 16-21. The Gershomites, after first-born of Moses (Ex. ii. 22). Vers. 17-19. These appear in Ex. vi. Vers. 20, 21. This line appears to coincide with part of that of Asaph (vers. 39-43), except in Jeaterai, who may have been another son of Zerah. Vers. 22-28. The Kohathites. The same as that of Heman (vers. 33-38). Object of list to trace genealogy of Samuel, prophet and judge of Israel. Vers. 29, 30. The Merarites.

Vers. 31-48.-Pedigrees of the three song masters. Asaph, Heman, Ethan, or Jeduthan (Ps. lxxxix.), sons of Korah, set over departments of musical service. House, a tent erected by David to receive the ark, considerable time before building of the Temple. Wuited in order, instituted by David, doubtless directed by Holy Spirit, for regulation of worship. 33. Shemuel, i.e., Samuel. Ver. 48. Levites employed in door-keeping or attending to priests.

Vers. 49-53.-Office of Aaron and his sons (cf. vers. 3-8). Eleazar, third son, chief of Levites (Num. iii. 32), ministered with his brother Ithamar, before death of Aaron, and succeeded him (Num. xx. 28). In Eleazar's family high priesthood remained till the time of Eli, who was descended from Ithamar. It returned to Eleazar in Zadok, fulfilling the words of 1 Sam. ii. 30.

Vers. 54-81.-The cities given to priestly families and to other Levites. Jos. xxi., its parallel. 54-60. Cities given to Aaron's family. Castles, places of defence against robbers or beasts of prey. Vers. 61-81. Cities of the Levites, their number and distribution: 13 cities to Gershom, ver. 62; 12 to Merari, ver. 63, as in Jos. xxi 34-40; cities of other Kohathites, vers. 66-70; of Gershomites, vers 71-76; and of Merarites, vers. 77-81. Vers 80, 81, agree with those in Joshua. Ten only of twelve named. Only 42 out of 48 named, and some different from original cities assigned to Levites. This proof of accuracy of author. He remembers whole numbers in time of Joshua. But political arrangements readjusted in course of ages. State of things given which had supervened in time of David (vii. 2) [cf. Murphy].

HOMILETICS.

A GLANCE OF HISTORY.-Verses 1-15.

In these verses we have a glance from deliverance in Egypt to bondage in captivity. Notice two or three features of the period.

I. The inequalities of men. Inequalities physical, mental, and social appear in whatever light we regard mankind. In this list some exalted to

sacred office and perform noble deeds. Others fall into sin and disgrace.
Vast differences in character and career! Royalty and beggary, grandeur and
wretchedness, palaces and slums! "There were two men in one city, the one
rich and the other poor." II. The vicissitudes of families. Aaron
a priest, but Aaron's sons terrors of divine justice. Samuel a prophet, but
Samuel's sons perverted justice and dishonoured religion. According to
political and religious feeling, ancestors exalted and descendants rejected. III.
The events of Providence. Deliverance from bondage. Scenes of
conflict and triumph. Times of revival, relapse and punishment. Accession and
dethronement of kings. Providences, special, striking, and constant. "He
hath not dealt so with any nation."

THE SONS OF LEVI.-Verses 16-30.

I. Their chief Fathers. Gershom the eldest, Kohath the second, and
Merari the youngest son accompanied Levi into Egypt with Jacob (Gen. xlvi.
11), and became heads of three great divisions of Levites. II. Their
numerous descendants. Many unknown or passed over. Others
eminent in character, distinguished in service, and remarkable in career.
Children of privilege and monuments of judgment, born in sunshine and dying
in shadows. What a mixture of good men and bad men in life! What a
contrast between character and circumstances, beginnings and ends !

THE MINISTRY OF SONG.-Verses 31-48.

Song a divine gift, has a mission or ministry. I. Song an element of
Christian worship. "The service of song in the house of the Lord."
A branch of natural and revealed religion in all ages, prevalent in Jewish and
heathen worship. A duty reverently to be performed. Its decay a mark of
desolation (Ezek. xxvi. 13). II. Song an expression of human
feeling. Joy and sorrow, gratitude and prayer, must have appropriate and
audible expression. When the ark is in captivity, in times of darkness and
depression, our harps are hung upon the willows. When the ark finds rest and
fixed residence in times of revival, we sing praise to God (David's joy, 2 Sam.
vi. 17–21, xvi. 1-3). "Is any merry? let him sing psalms." III. Song a
power for which its possessors are responsible. In pagan and
Jewish nations recognised as a divine gift. It is a talent entrusted to indivi-
duals; a faculty to be cultivated, for which there is room, and which should be
consecrated to God. The duty of all who have the gift to lay it upon the altar
of God, in the home, the school, and the sanctuary.

HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

Ver. 1. Three chief Fathers. Their
names, history, and pedigree.

Ver. 3. Nadab and Abihu. Im-
proper spirit in worship; unlawful
method and awful judgment. Perished
on day of consecration! (Lev. x.).

Ver. 4. Phineas, a memorable
name (Num. xxv. 7-13; Jos. xxii.
10-33; Ps. cvi. 30, 31).

Ver. 10. Azariah's important

service. High priest in temple of
Solomon. "Executed," &c. Some think
that he withstood King Uzziah, and
thus risked life in faithful reproof
(2 Chr. xxvi. 17, 18).

Ver. 13. Hilkiah most celebrated
of seven bearing this name as priest
and reformer. He discovered "the
Book of the Law" (2 Kings xxii. 8);
was zealous in reformations of Josiah

(2 Kings xxii. 14-20, xxiii. 4-27); and

prominent in observing the Passover

(2 Chr. xxv. 1-19).

Ver. 15. Jehozadak. Three forms

of this name (see Ezra iii. 2; Hag. i. 1;
and this verse). Only two forms in
original. Jehozadak full form, and
Jozadak contracted. The meaning is,
"Jehovah is righteous." It is noted

as remarkable that the heads of both

the priestly and the royal stock carried

to Babylon should have had names

(Zedekiah and Jehozadak) composed of

the same elements, and assertive of the
"justice of God," which their sufferings
showed forth so signally [Speak. Com.].
Ver. 22. Korah's sin and punish-
ment (Num. xvi. 1–33).

HOMILETICS.

RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.-Verses 32–53.

The order of song a matter of importance in time of David. The ark had a
settled place. Choral service was established in the Temple, and chief singers
were appointed. I. Worship varied in its forms Music and singing,
prayer and praise, must not become formal and stereotyped "All manner of
service." II. Lively in its spirit. Dulness and despondency dishonour-
ing to God and unprofitable to men. "This duty must be our delight." Then
it becomes attractive and helpful. "Serve the Lord with gladness; come
before his presence with singing." III. Orderly in its method.
"They
waited on their office according to their order." Things not left to chance;
arrangements made with care and thought. Each his own work, place, and
time in keeping up the service. "The order of the sanctuary." "Let all things
be done decently and in order." IV. Universal in its participation.
They "waited with their children" in the choir The service of song for the
whole "congregation" not left to the choir to sing, nor to the preacher to pray.
All hearts and all lips must join. Congregational worship must be sought and
cultivated. "Let the people praise thee, let all the people praise thee."

THE ANCIENT PRIESTHOOD.-Verses 49-53.

Aaron and his sons, "the house of Aaron," appointed to the priestly office.

Other Levites given to them and performed subordinate duties. I. Its

sacred dignity Not the investure of man; endowments for the work

from God. The office not a personal assumption, but in obedience to divine

call, manifest in Providence, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the help of

friends. "No man taketh this honour unto himself." II Its solemn

duties. On the brazen altar, the golden altar and the mercy seat in the holy

of holies, they performed their functions. This chiefly "to make an atonement

for Israel" (ver 49). A constant need for this; the life of the individual and

the nation imperilled by sin; covenant relations must be restored. "The day

of atonement," an impressive scene and a typical truth. III. Its typical

character. The high priests in official character, the ceremony of sprinkling

blood were figures of good things to come. Under the gospel all believers are

priests, ministering to God in his spiritual temple. Each has an appointed

service which contributes to the perpetual worship and benefit of the whole.

Only in fulfilment of prescribed ordinance can we secure the presence and favour

of Jehovah.

CITIES AND DWELLINGS OF LEVITES.-Verses 54-81.

First cities given to the priestly family of Aaron (vers. 54-60). Next the

number and distribution of those assigned to other Levites (vers. 61-81).

Regard them as-I. A fulfilment of prediction. Jacob's dying prophecy
was accomplished and this tribe was "scattered in Israel" (Gen. xlix. 7). God's
people are preserved, and events are arranged for their possessions. II. An
arrangement of providence. These cities wisely ordered, a provision
of mercy and safety. 1. To facilitate the administration. Centres of justice and
law, freeing individuals from avenging themselves, fixing authority and pro-
moting peace and order. 2. To disseminate light. Each city the centre of light
and instruction, the place where law was expounded and administered. A school
of learning and social influence to the people. 3. To support the ministry.
Cities allotted to priests and Levites for residence and maintenance. Certain
provisions made for spiritual service. Men set apart for God, dependent upon
the people they serve. Those who "preach the gospel" may reasonably expect
"to live of the gospel." "Let him that is taught in the word communicate to
him that teacheth in all good things."

HOMILETIC HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.

Ver. 31. The vicissitudes of the Ark.
Without a proper resting-place from
victory over Philistines in time of Eli
till the tabernacle of David, about fifty
years (1 Sam. iv.; 2 Sam. vi.).

Vers. 32 and 33. Waited on their
office. 1. Each an office or work, fixed
in choir, leading in service of song,
officiating at the altar, and waiting at
the door. 2. Each responsible for the
performance of his work-not envy-
ing his neighbour, waiting for some-
thing better; but with diligence, order,

and delight each fills his position and
renders his service.

Vers. 31-18. Three chief song-
masters. Heman's pedigree (vers. 33-
38). Pedigree of Asaph, the Gershonite
(vers. 39-43). He stood on right hand.
Pedigree of Ethan, the Merarite (vers.
44-47). He stood on the left of He-

man.

Vers. 49-53. Priests and Levites,
two orders of ministry in the Jewish
Church. Their divine appointment,
special duties, and worldly provision.

ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER VI.

Ver. 31. Service. The three inten-
tions of song: To improve the under-
standing, to improve the heart, and to
soothe the mind. The three things
which ought to pervade song: Perfect
learning, perfect vigour, perfect nature
[Catherall].

Ver. 32. Waited in office. Man
hath his daily work of body or mind
appointed [Milton].

"A servant with this clause
Makes drudgery divine:

Who sweeps a room, as for Thy laws,
Makes that and the action fine "
[Geo. Herbert].
Ver. 54. Cities. If the history of

cities and their influence on their re
spective territories be deducted from
the history of humanity, the narrative
remaining would be of no very attrac-
tive description. If anything be
certain, it would seem to be certain
that man is constituted to realise his
destiny from his association with man,
more than from any contact with
places. The great agency in calling
forth his capabilities, for good or for
evil, is that of his fellows. The pic-
turesque may be with the country, but
the intellectual, generally speaking,
must be with the town [Dr. Vaughan's
Age of Cities].