There were certain bodily conditions which, under the Levitical institutions, were suggestive of spiritual impurity, and those who suffered from them were accounted ceremonially unclean. Priests thus affected were disqualified for the ministry of the tabernacle, and were deprived, for a time, of sacerdotal privileges: they might not "go unto the holy things." Any priest who was disobedient to this precept would be "cut off from the presence of the Lord." To those who were thus unfortunate there was one service left, - the service of obedient abstention. They would be disappointed; they might feel somewhat humiliated; but there was left to them the opportunity of fulfilling the acceptable service of offering not or eating not "unto the Lord" (see Romans 14:6). It often happens to us that by some misfortune - perhaps, as here, some bodily affliction we are disabled and detained from active service: it may be from

(1) Christian work, or

(2) public worship, or

(3) daily duty (business or household activities).

That which is unavoidable and for which we are not responsible may shut us out from many valued privileges. In this case we must render the service of abstention. We can -

I. SUBMIT IN PATIENCE.

II. BELIEVE WITH CHEERFUL CONFIDENCE: have faith to accept the truth that "they also serve who only stand and wait;" that God is as well pleased with the passive service of those whom he desires to "be still," as with those who -

"... at his bidding speed,
And post o'er land and ocean without rest."

III. WAIT IN HOPE. The hour will come, here or hereafter, sooner or later, when all bodily disabilities will have disappeared, and fullest access be given to the presence of the Lord. - C.

Five motives are strewn on their path to constrain them to close obedience.

1. "I am the Lord." This is authority employed.

2. "I will be hallowed among the children of Israel." This is His holiness, and His desire to diffuse awe of His holy name.

3. "I am the Lord which hallow you." Here is an appeal to their privileges as Israelites. Do you not feel that you actually are set apart for Me?

4. "I am the Lord which brought you out of Egypt." Here is His claim as Redeemer, who paid the price and set free the captives. Is there gratitude in your souls? Is there sense of thankfulness for favour done?

5. "Your God" — as well as your Lord: His claim as Father, Shepherd, King, and whatever else there is that is tender in relationship, or beneficial in office, or sweet in character — all is summed up in "your God"! Who is like "our God"? "Who would not fear Thee?" (Jeremiah 10:7).

(A. A. Bonar.)