2 Samuel 6:20

( 1 Chronicles 16:43 ). ( ZION .)

Family worship.

"And David returned to bless his household." A benediction or blessing is essentially a prayer to God that his blessing may be bestowed upon others; and, being uttered in their presence by one who (like the head of a household) holds a position of authority in relation to them, it is also, to some extent, an assurance of the blessing. Of family worship notice—

I. ITS OBLIGATION ; which (although it is not expressly enjoined) is evident from:

1 . The relation of the family to God: its Founder, Preserver, Ruler, Benefactor, "the God of all the families of the earth" ( Psalms 68:6 ; Jeremiah 31:1 ; Ephesians 3:15 ). Out of this relation arises the duty of honouring him ( Malachi 1:6 ); acknowledging the dependence of the family, confessing its sins, seeking his mercy, and praising him for his benefits; nor, without family worship, can its spiritual end be fulfilled ( Malachi 2:15 ).

2 . The responsibility of the head of the household to order it in the fear of God ( Genesis 18:18 ; Proverbs 22:6 ; Ephesians 6:4 ; 1 Timothy 3:4 ), which involves this obligation.

3 . Precepts, promises, etc; with reference to prayer, which have a manifest application to social worship in the family ( 1 Chronicles 16:11 ; Jeremiah 10:25 ; Matthew 6:9 ; Romans 16:5 ; 1 Timothy 2:8 ; 1 Timothy 4:5 ).

4 . The conduct of good men, approved of God, and therefore indicative of his will and recorded for imitation. Abraham ( Genesis 12:7 , Genesis 12:8 ), Jacob ( Genesis 35:2 , Genesis 35:3 ), Job (`:5), Joshua ( Joshua 24:15 ), David, Daniel ( Daniel 6:10 ), Cornelius ( Acts 10:1 ), and others. "Wherever I have a tent, there God shall have an altar" (John Howard).

II. ITS MANNER . It should be performed:

1 . With regularity and constancy; other family duties being arranged with reference to it, and public worship made, not a substitute, but a preparation for it or an adjunct to it.

2 . In such a way as is suitable and profitable to those who take part in it.

3 . Always with thoughtfulness, reverence, and cheerfulness.

4 . Accompanied by the reading of the Scriptures, by instruction, discipline, and consistent practice, and by holy purposes, such as are expressed in Psalms 101:1-8 . (written shortly before this time),'David's mirror of a monarch' (Luther).

"Of mercy and judgment will I sing,

Unto thee, O Jehovah, will I harp.

I will give heed to a perfect way—

When wilt thou come unto me?—

I will walk with a perfect heart within my house," etc.

III. ITS BENEFITS .

1 . The sure approbation and rich blessing of God ( Proverbs 10:22 ), temporal and spiritual. By its means, perchance, a parent effects "the saving of his house" ( Hebrews 11:7 ; Luke 19:9 ).

2 . The 'worthy performance of all the duties of life.

3 . Abounding affection, harmony, peace, happiness, and hope that

"When soon or late they reach that coast

O'er life's rough ocean driven,

They may rejoice, no wand'rer lost,

A family in heaven!"

4. Holy influences, not only on all the household—parents, children, domestics—but also on the neighbourhood and society. What a mighty reformation would be implied in the general adoption of family worship! And to what a moral and spiritual height would it exalt our land!—D.