triumph to Mount Sion. The procession was very grand, comprising all the princes [1] of Israel in purple robes, the priests in their rich vestments, and thirty thousand armed men. The sound of all manner of musical instruments[2] made the procession still more imposing. David himself went before the Ark playing on the harp and singing: “Lord, who shall dwell in Thy tabernacle, and who shall rest in Thy holy hill?”
At every few paces taken by the Levites who carried the Ark, an ox and a ram were sacrificed to the Lord. And when the Ark had been placed in its destined position, a great number of victims were offered. David then divided the priests into 24 classes, who were in turn to officiate in the divine worship. He established a like order amongst the Levites, four thousand of whom were chosen to sing the praises of the Most High.
COMMENTARY.
Religion, the foundation of all government. David was, therefore, a wise as well as a holy ruler. He knew that a nation cannot be happy and contented, nor rights and laws be respected, unless religion be observed, and God feared. Hence, as far as lay in his power, he furthered religion. He arranged the solemn services of God, and he kindled the hearts of the people and awakened their religious sense by his sacred music and Psalms. Above all, he himself gave them the example of piety and reverence. He did not shrink from openly
- ↑ All the princes. The ancients of the tribes and the leaders of the army.
- ↑ Musical instruments. Some blew trumpets, others beat little drums with their hands, others clashed cymbals, some played on metal triangles, while others played on stringed instruments, such as harps and lutes (Fig. 42 and 43).
