First Chronicles 23 Commentary
This chapter and the next few chapters look at how the priests and the Levites were organized for service at the Sanctuary.
The order of service followed the original formula. The Levites were assistants to the priests, the sons of Aaron. The most sacred of duties and articles were handled by the sons of Aaron.
Under the New Testament arrangement, the higher calling of the priest is every saint’s privilege. He is set apart for service in the Body of Christ. One was never a priest without being a Levite first. So the saint also has the same support duties as the Levite of David’s time.
The Levites were organized into several functional groups. The largest group consisted of men who ministered before the LORD in various ways. Their duty was to offer sacrifices and offerings before the LORD, on behalf of the people. Administration tasks, judicial functions, praise, and security services were performed by other groups.
This chapter recognizes the importance of leadership. A nearly dead worship system received a much-needed reboot. David was very much interested in making the true worship of the LORD a national agenda. As an individual, David had a deeply personal and serious relationship with the LORD. The Book of Psalms gives us the picture of a man who was truly engrossed in the true worship of the God of Abraham. He wanted the nation to have the same experience.
It remains true that the saint with a real closeness with the LORD is the one most pressed to share his experiences. Few would rival David in this category. He truly loved the LORD.
A timetable doesn’t exist without time. David is leading the way in showing us how to run our fellowships. The tasks must be identified and individual groups given the responsibilities. There should never be individuals who simply walk in and out. Everyone must be counted. Everyone must be given their area of responsibility.
We are reminded of the need to thank and praise the LORD every morning and every evening. This is a minimum. The Apostle Saul urges saints to offer prayers continually.
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