Exodus 19:5-6
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights that Israel's special status as God's "treasured possession" isn't based on their inherent worth, but on God's sovereign choice. Even though "all the earth is mine," God chooses to set Israel apart, demonstrating that this unique relationship is a matter of His grace, not their merit, contingent on their obedience.
God has just brought the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai, reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance. Now, He presents them with a conditional offer: their future blessings and special relationship with Him hinge on their obedience to His voice and their commitment to His covenant. This sets the stage for the giving of the Law, which will define the terms of this covenant and Israel's unique calling.
God lays out a clear pathway to a special relationship. What does it truly mean to 'obey His voice'?
God doesn't just ask for blind following; He calls for a deep, active engagement with His Word. The Hebrew phrase for 'obey my voice indeed' emphasizes a profound listening and a consistent, diligent response. It's not a one-time action, but a continuous commitment to hearken to God's instructions and live by them. This obedience is the bedrock upon which the covenant relationship is built. It's the way Israel proves they value God's promises and His presence in their lives.
Israel is called God's 'treasured possession.' What does this unique designation truly signify?
The term 'treasured possession' (Hebrew: segulah) signifies something extremely valuable, set apart, and cherished. It implies not just ownership, but deep affection and special protection. God chooses Israel not because of their merit, but by His own sovereign choice, setting them apart from all other nations. This doesn't mean God doesn't care about other nations, but that Israel holds a unique place in His redemptive plan. This special relationship comes with profound privileges but also immense responsibility.
Understand the original words
berit · Hebrew Noun
A formal, solemn agreement between God and His people, establishing a relationship defined by specific promises, responsibilities, and divine stipulations.
shama' · Hebrew Verb
To hear with the implication of compliance or submission; it involves acting upon what is heard in order to fulfill the will of the speaker.
segullah · Hebrew Noun
A special, valuable property that an owner guards and prizes above all else. In the context of Israel, it denotes their unique status as God's chosen people, set apart for His purposes.
qol · Hebrew Noun
The divine voice or communication representing the authority, presence, and will of God, requiring the response of obedience.
c. 1446 BC
Israel Exits Egypt
Led by Moses, the Israelites escape slavery in Egypt after a series of plagues, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Arrival at Mount Sinai
The Israelites arrive at Mount Sinai in the third month after their exodus from Egypt, setting the stage for God's covenant with them.
c. 1446 BC
God's Covenant Offer at Sinai
God proposes a conditional covenant to Israel, offering them special status as His treasured possession if they obey His voice and keep His covenant.
c. 1446 BC
Israel's Acceptance of the Covenant
The people of Israel collectively agree to obey God's commands and keep His covenant, promising, "All that the Lord has spoken we will do."
c. 1446 BC
The Ten Commandments Given
God directly speaks the Ten Commandments to the people from Mount Sinai, establishing the foundational laws for the covenant relationship.
This passage echoes Exodus 19:5 by calling Israel God's 'treasured possession' and a 'holy nation,' directly linking obedience to a special relationship with God.
Psalm 135:4This Psalm explicitly states that God has chosen Jacob as His 'treasured possession,' reinforcing the idea from Exodus that Israel holds a unique and valued place among all peoples.
Isaiah 43:1-4Here, God speaks directly to Israel, promising to protect and cherish them as His own, calling them 'precious in my sight' and 'honored.' This amplifies the 'treasured possession' theme and God's commitment to those who obey Him.
1 Peter 2:9-10The New Testament applies the concepts of 'treasured possession' and 'holy nation' to believers in Christ, showing how this special status, rooted in obedience, extends to the church, fulfilling the promise made to Israel.
calvinExodus 19:1-8: "In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai."
And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.
Et vos eritis mihi regnum sacerdotale, et gens sancta. Haec sunt verba quae loqueris ad filios Israel.
And Moses came, and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces al…
pulpitExodus 19:5: "Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:"
Verse 5. - Now therefore. Instead of asking the simple question - "Will ye promise to obey me and keep my covenant. - God graciously entices the Israelites to their own advantage by a most loving promise. If they will agree to obey his voice, and accept and keep his covenant, then they shall be to him a peculiar treasure…
The verse highlights that Israel's special status as God's "treasured possession" isn't based on their inherent worth, but on God's sovereign choice. Even though "all the earth is mine," God chooses to set Israel apart, demonstrating that this unique relationship is a matter of His grace, not their merit, contingent on their obedience.
God has just brought the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai, reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance. Now, He presents them with a conditional offer: their future blessings and special relationship with Him hinge on their obedience to His voice and their commitment to His covenant. This sets the stage for the giving of the Law, which will define the terms of this covenant and Israel's unique calling.
God has just brought the Israelites out of Egypt and to Mount Sinai, reminding them of His mighty acts of deliverance. Now, He presents them with a conditional offer: their future blessings and special relationship with Him hinge on their obedience to His voice and their commitment to His covenant. This sets the stage for the giving of the Law, which will define the terms of this covenant and Israel's unique calling.
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shamar · Hebrew Verb
The act of observing, guarding, or preserving. In this context, it refers to faithfully keeping or adhering to the requirements of God's covenant.
mamlakah · Hebrew Noun
A political or social entity under the sovereign rule of God, emphasizing His kingship over His people. In the context of Israel, it denotes a unique relationship where the people exist to serve and represent God to the nations.
kohen · Hebrew Noun
Individuals set apart from the secular world to serve as intermediaries between God and humanity. This role involves offering sacrifices, intercession, and representing God's holiness to others.
qadosh · Hebrew Adjective
Refers to that which is set apart for God's exclusive use, separated from common or profane things, and bearing the moral character of God. It signifies purity, dedication, and being distinct for a divine purpose.
goy · Hebrew Noun
A group of people sharing a common ancestry and covenant identity, specifically chosen by God to be His own possession and witness among the nations.
c. 1446 BC
The Book of the Covenant
Moses records further laws and statutes presented by God, forming the 'Book of the Covenant,' which details the practical outworking of Israel's relationship with God.
"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words th…" — The verse highlights that Israel's special status as God's "treasured possession" isn't based on their inherent worth, but on God's sovereign choice. Even though "all the earth is mine," God chooses…
