2 Chronicles 5:11

For all the priests that were present were sanctified, &c.— For all the priests then present had purified themselves, nor did any one wait for his course: that is, being all desirous of ministering at this solemn assembly, they did not observe the particular turn or course of waiting which was appointed for them. Houbigant.

REFLECTIONS.—1st, This solemnity we met with 1 Kings 8:2. The treasures that his father had dedicated, besides what were used in the building, or for the vessels, Solomon laid up in the temple for any future occasion. The pious and charitable bequests of our parents we must carefully discharge. The ark he brought up with great ceremony, at a general convention assembled for that purpose, with all the appurtenances belonging to it, and placed it under the cherubims in the most holy place; where it continued to the day when the records were written whence Ezra made this extract.

The sacrifices on this occasion were immense, and sacred festal joy was universally diffused around. Note; (1.) The most gorgeous structure, without the presence of God, is not to be compared with a poor tent where he is pleased to manifest his glory. (2.) Wherever the faithful assemble, there Jesus hath promised to be in the midst of them. This ark, probably, was carried into captivity with the people, and is long since lost; but he is with us always to the end of the world. (3.) When the Divine Spirit is pleased to come and take up his abode in our heart, then shall we taste greater joys, unspeakable and full of glory.

2nd, Not all the gold or jewels could be compared with the presence of the celestial inhabitant whose glory filled the temple. No sooner were the priests retired from the holy place, and the song of thanksgiving with united voice and instruments had begun to sound, than lo! the present Deity appears, answering their grateful acknowledgments, that his mercy endureth for ever; testifying how pleasing the work of praise was to him, and that he intended to take up his abode with them, as he did with their fathers in the wilderness. The priests, who were all assembled on this occasion, with the courses of Levites and singers, were no longer able to minister by reason of the cloud: a proof of their infirmity, and an intimation of the imperfection of the Levitical priesthood. Note; (1.) When with united voice we join in prayer and praise, then shall the cloud of glory be in the midst of us. (2.) The enduring mercy of God deserves to be the subject of our continual songs. (3.) Great as the glory of the first temple was, the glory of the second was greater; as being favoured with the visits of Him in whom dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily.