Matthew Henry Commentary


Matthew Henry Commentary
"These were the sons of Levi after their fathers` houses, even the heads of the fathers` [houses] of those of them that were counted, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the house of Jehovah, from twenty years old and upward. For David said, Jehovah, the God of Israel, hath given rest unto his people; and he dwelleth in Jerusalem for ever: and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tabernacle and all the vessels of it for the service thereof. For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered, from twenty years old and upward. For their office was to wait on the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of Jehovah, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God; for the showbread also, and for the fine flour for a meal-offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size; and to stand every morning to thank and praise Jehovah, and likewise at even; and to offer all burnt-offerings unto Jehovah, on the sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Jehovah; and that they should keep the charge of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the sons of Aaron their brethren, for the service of the house of Jehovah." — 1 Chronicles 23:24-32 (ASV)
Now, because the people of Israel were so numerous, more should have been employed in the temple service, so that every Israelite who brought an offering might find a Levite ready to help them. When more work is to be done, it is a pity if there are not more workers.
A new heart, a spiritual mind, which delights greatly in God's commandments and can find a refreshing feast in his ordinances, forms the great distinction between the true Christian and all other people in the world.
To the spiritual person, every service will yield satisfaction. This person will always be abounding in the work of the Lord, never being happier than when employed for such a good Master, in so pleasant a service.
They will not care whether they are called to take the lead or to accept the tasks assigned by those placed over them.
May we seek and serve the Lord uprightly, and leave all the rest to his disposal, by faith in his word.