It's time to pass the blessing and authority to Solomon. David's reign is coming to a close. His last task is to organize for the building of the temple. So, like any good faith community, a building committee is formed.
And talk about a building committee!
David commands: "Twenty-four thousand are to supervise the work of the temple of the LORD and six thousand are to be officials and judges. Four thousand are to be gatekeepers and four thousand are to praise the LORD with the musical instruments I have provided for that purpose."1 Chronicles 23:4-5
Can you imagine 24,000 supervisors? I'm not sure there is wisdom in so many but the number must suggest the magnitude of the task. There were more Levites serving the LORD than soldiers serving the king. Perhaps that is wise..
I'm guessing the officials and judges served as the religious counselors. Quite the political system, I'd say.
Four thousand gatekeepers guarded against enemy invasion. It is so very wise to have the ones who are faithful to God guarding the gates. Not only were physical enemies halted but spiritual ones also.
But to me the most surprising number is the number of musicians whose sole life purpose was to praise God. Talk about an endowment for the liturgical arts! What would a 4,000 member orchestra and praise band sound like. The music was continuous, lifting continuous praise to God.
A 24 hour/7 days a week symphony of praise. I imagine that was the real wisdom of the building committee. Such praise would inspire and bless all in the community. Such praise would provide all the necessary courage and daring needed to place God not only in the center of the community, but in the center of each life.
Talk about a Building Committee!
No comments:
Post a Comment