Topical Bible: The Jews: A Peculiar Treasure

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The term "peculiar treasure" is a biblical designation that highlights the unique relationship between God and the Jewish people. This concept is rooted in the covenantal promises made by God to the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and is further developed throughout the Scriptures. The phrase itself is found in several key passages, notably in the context of God's covenant with Israel.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of the Jews as a "peculiar treasure" is first introduced in Exodus 19:5, where God speaks to Moses on Mount Sinai: "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine." . Here, God establishes Israel as His chosen people, set apart for His purposes. This special status is not based on their merit but on God's sovereign choice and love.

Deuteronomy 7:6 further emphasizes this unique relationship: "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." . This verse underscores the holiness and distinctiveness of Israel as God's chosen nation.

Covenantal Relationship

The covenantal relationship between God and the Jews is central to understanding their status as a peculiar treasure. This relationship is marked by promises, laws, and a call to holiness. The Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1-3) lays the foundation, promising land, descendants, and blessing. The Mosaic Covenant, given at Sinai, provides the law and stipulates the conditions for Israel's continued status as God's treasured possession.

The Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-16) further solidifies this relationship by promising a perpetual dynasty through David, ultimately fulfilled in the Messiah, Jesus Christ. These covenants collectively affirm God's unchanging commitment to His people.

Role and Responsibility

Being a peculiar treasure comes with responsibilities. The Jews are called to be a light to the nations, exemplifying God's holiness and justice. Isaiah 49:6 speaks to this mission: "I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth." . Israel's role is to demonstrate God's character and to be a conduit of His redemptive plan for humanity.

The laws given to Israel, including the Ten Commandments and various ceremonial laws, are designed to set them apart and to guide them in living as God's holy people. Leviticus 20:26 states, "You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own." .

Enduring Significance

The concept of the Jews as a peculiar treasure has enduring significance in both the Old and New Testaments. In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter echoes this language in 1 Peter 2:9, applying it to the Church: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." . This indicates the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Christ, extending the blessings of the covenant to all who believe.

Despite historical challenges and periods of disobedience, the Jewish people remain central to God's purposes. Romans 11:29 affirms, "For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable." . This underscores the enduring nature of God's promises to Israel and His faithfulness to His covenant.

Conclusion

The Jews as a peculiar treasure is a profound biblical theme that highlights God's sovereign choice, covenantal faithfulness, and the unique role of Israel in His redemptive plan. This designation calls for a life of holiness, obedience, and witness, reflecting God's character to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 19:5
Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure to me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob to himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... they did not obtain possession of the treasure which God ... was formerly made known
to the Jews, as we ... is described as one of his peculiar characteristics, that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm

The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ...
... These peculiar people, inhabiting at the time of Christ a ... sacred and in the expository
writings of the Jews. ... his mother is as one that layeth up treasure ... ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/i the women of the.htm

Obedience
... The Jews might say they were loath to be so bold as to go to God in ... If ye will obey
my voice, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people;' you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/1 1 obedience.htm

Unless I am Utterly Mistaken, There is Nothing So Old as the Truth ...
... to take it in that they are the treasure-source whence ... at the time under veil"even
obscure to the Jews themselves, whose peculiar possession they ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/apology/chapter xlvii unless i am.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... that city, that nation, which had once been the chosen of God, His peculiar treasure. ...
The great sin of the Jews was their rejection of Christ; the great sin of ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem
... that city, that nation, which had once been the chosen of God, His peculiar treasure. ...
The great sin of the Jews was their rejection of Christ; the great sin of ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 1 the destruction of.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... engraven on their hearts, and be a treasure of strength ... Paul a peculiar fitness for
the work to which God ... much in common with both Hebrew and Hellenist Jews. ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

Chapter i.
... would seal up His instructions in our hearts as His own peculiar treasure, the Lord ...
And again, what is the Old Testament to the Jews, unless they acknowledge ...
/.../athanasius/select works and letters or athanasius/chapter i.htm

Character and Condition of the Churches to whom the Epistle was ...
... earthly riches, he may still keep his treasure in heaven ... Poverty, too, has its peculiar
dangers, and this is ... Thus the Gospel found, among the Jews, a readier ...
/.../the epistle of james practically explained/ 4 character and condition.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... Accordingly, Paul claims faith as the peculiar privilege of the ... For as in that rejection
of the Jews there still ... Where thy heart is, there is thy treasure also ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm