Taught by experience, David now employed in the service of the sanctuary, to minister in connection with the ark, those whom the Lord himself had set apart for this office; he committed the business of brining up the ark to the chief of the fathers of the Levites. But it was not enough that the right persons should be employed; it was important that the right persons should do their work in a right way. The Levites were, accordingly, required to sanctify themselves. We know from the Law that ceremonial purity was incumbent upon those who were discharging sacred functions. We are reminded by this language that -

I. GOD IS A HOLY GOD. Not only did Jehovah reveal himself as being holy in words, but also in the laws he imposed and the regulations he prescribed. The Jewish economy was largely designed to impress upon the minds of the Israelites the holy, faultless, perfect character of God. And this lesson has been taught even more effectively to us in the character, life, and mediation of God's "holy child Jesus."

II. A HOLY GOD REQUIRES HOLY SERVANTS. The priests and Levites were enjoined to observe strict regulations as to their ceremonial purity, especially when about to engage in the public service of the God of Israel. Holy works demand clean hands, and clean hands need pure hearts. The ceremonial cleanness of the Levitical Law was the emblem of spiritual purity. How holy should they be who "bear the vessels of the Lord"!

III. HOLY SERVICE IS PROMPTED BY THE GRACIOUS INFLUENCES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. Regeneration and sanctification are the especial work of the Holy Ghost. "His cleansing influences are symbolized by the waters of baptism. God's servants all need the "washing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy Ghost." There is appropriateness in the direction, "Sanctify yourselves;" for the means of grace are within the reach of Christians, who may obtain the gift of the Spirit by asking that gift from a merciful and liberal Father in heaven. - T.

I. PERSONAL HOLINESS REQUIRED IN THOSE WHO SERVE.

1. In heart.

2. In life.

II. PERSONAL HOLINESS THE PATTERN ACCORDING TO WHICH WE MUST SERVE (Ephesians 5:1).

III. PERSONAL HOLINESS IS THE ONLY CONDITION ON WHICH WE CAN SERVE.

1. By this we influence others.

2. By this we answer the end of our being. "He hath not called you to uncleanness, but unto holiness."

(J. Wolfendale.)