One of the Psalms composed by David to be sung on the removing of the ark (Psa_68:1-35.) is quoted by Paul (Eph_4:7-8) as having foretold what this procession itself foreshadowed, viz., the ascension of Christ, and the blessings which should flow therefrom upon every member of His Mystical Body. We see in all this great procession nothing less than the Universal Church of Christ, partaking with the Divine David in the glory of His ascension into the Heavenly Zion. From the narrative of which the text forms a part we may learn:--
I. General lessons.
1. That periods of reformation, after past neglect, are those in which we need more than ordinary caution, lest we mar the work which is designed to promote God’s glory.
2. That all religious reformation which is the work of man can scarcely fail to be blemished and disfigured more or less by human infirmities.
3. That the effects of those infirmities are not to be acquiesced in, but to be confessed and corrected, if ever we would hope to obtain the Divine approval, or even to escape the Divine chastisement.
4. Not to abandon our good intentions because we have been checked and hindered in our efforts after amendment, but still to hold on and persevere in our exertions; only taking heed to profit by the instruction which the experience of past failure was designed to give.
5. “God will be sanctified in all them that come nigh Him,” by obedience to His holy laws (Lev_10:2).
6. That ignorance and neglect, even when allowed to pass unchastised in others, may bring upon His ordained ministers the severest punishment.
II. Particular lessons.
1. That every Christian has his place in that great procession, which is occupied in conveying the Ark of the Covenant (Rev_11:19) up to its final resting-place in Mount Zion; but every Christian has not the same place.
2. That it is not enough that we do, whatever we do, with a good intention unless what is done be also good, good in itself, andgood in us. (BishopChris. Wordsworth.)
