The Levites were the ministers of the tabernacle and the temple, whose business it was, in subordination to the priests, to attend to the appointed services, sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals. Of these, certain families were selected for the conduct of the musical part of the religious services. David, himself a poet and a musician, set apart these families; the members of which, from his time forward, were trained for "the service of song in the house of the Lord." Clothed in white garments, some performed upon cymbals, psalteries, harps, and other instruments of music; whilst others lifted up their voices, and sang the praises of him who is "good, and whoso mercy endureth for ever." It is recorded that, upon certain great occasions in Jewish history, as, for example, when Solomon dedicated his temple, when Hezekiah cleansed the same building and restored the dignity of its services, and when Josiah observed a solemn Passover, these musical attendants took a prominent part and rendered an effective service in the sacred solemnities that were observed (2 Chronicles 5:12; 2 Chronicles 29:27-30; 2 Chronicles 35:15). Perhaps nothing at once more simple and more significant can be said of any men or any class of men than is here said in description and to the credit of the families of Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun: "They waited on their office according to their order." The language may fairly be taken as applicable to all true servants of God, to all true friends and followers of Christ.

I. PROVIDENCE APPOINTS FOR EVERY ONE OF US AN OFFICE TO FILL, A SERVICE TO RENDER.

1. Mark the divinity apparent in every human life. It is only within limits that we choose or that others choose for us. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." "Our times are in his hands."

2. Mark the individuality of every man's vocation. The Levites did not perform the priests' service; and amongst the Levites all were not appointed to "the service of song." So is it with us and our several positions in the Church and in the world. Nothing is weaker and more foolish than to say, "How well I could fill the position and do the work of my neighbour!" It is your duty to which you must look, that there may be no lack of service through your failure.

II. GOD EXPECTS US TO RENDER OUR APPOINTED SERVICE UPON A PROPER SYSTEM AND IN AN ORDERLY WAY. The Levites had their regulations to which they were obedient. And the same is true of us all. "Order is Heaven's first law." We have not only a duty to fulfil - we have to fulfil it at the right time and place. Qualities necessary for efficiency in ordinary business or professional life are requisite in the service of God. Take these three:

1. Diligence.

2. Method.

3. Perseverance.

Without these it is scarcely possible to glorify God in a practical and active life. Without these we shall lose our self-respect, and we shall lose our influence over our fellow-men.

III. FOR SUCH SERVICE WE ARE RESPONSIBLE TO THE DIVINE LORD AND JUDGE.

1. The watchful eye of God is always upon us.

2. By providential appointment, careful fidelity makes its mark upon our character.

3. "We must all of us appear before the judgment-seat." "The fire shall try every man's work, of what sort it is."

IV. IN OUR ENDEAVORS TO RENDER SUCH SERVICE, WE HAVE A MODEL AND A MOTIVE IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

1. Consider how Christ "waited upon his office." He came to do the will of God. "He took upon him the form of a servant." He was found faithful. It was only when he could say, "It is finished!" that he consented to die. In life and in death it was his meat and drink to do his Father's will. Thus he left us an example.

2. Consider that his humiliation, his cross, are the inspiration of the service and obedience of his people. It is the love of Christ which constraineth us. Do not suppose that Divine love cannot work according to the principles of human order and system; these are the machinery, but that is the motive.

APPLICATION. We have here a rebuke to the irreligious, and a summons to a better life. We have also an admonition and encouragement to those who are endeavouring to serve their Saviour, and glorify their God. - T.

I.SONG AN ELEMENT OF CHRISTIAN WORSHIP.

II.SONG AN EXPRESSION OF HUMAN FEELING.

III.SONG A POWER FOR WHICH ITS POSSESSORS ARE RESPONSIBLE.

(J. Wolfendale.)