http://biblebitbybit.blogspot.com/2016/01/psalms-135-v-4.html
Posted by Psalms on Sunday, 31 January 2016
Psalms 135:4
For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
135:4. For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself. Should not the sons of Jacob praise him who has so singularly favored them? Election is one of the most forcible arguments for adoring love. “Jacob have I loved,” said Jehovah, and he gave no reason for his love except that he chose to love. Jacob had then done neither good nor evil, yet thus the Lord determined, and thus he spoke. If it be said that the choice was made upon foresight of Jacob’s character, it is, perhaps, even more remarkable, for there was little enough about Jacob that could deserve special choice. No, it was sovereign grace which dictated the choice. But it was not a choice whose main result was the personal welfare of Jacob’s descendants: the nation was chosen by God unto himself, to answer the divine ends and purposes in blessing all mankind. Jacob’s race was chosen to be the Lord’s own, the mirrors of his mercy. Chosen they were, but mainly for this end, that they might be a special people, set apart unto the service of the Lord.
And Israel for his peculiar treasure. God’s choice exalts; for here the name is changed from Jacob, the supplanter, to Israel, the prince. The love of God gives a new name and imparts a new value, for the comparison to a royal treasure is a most honorable one. As kings have a special regalia, and a selection of the rarest jewels, so the Lord deigns to reckon his chosen nation as his wealth, his delight, his glory. What an honor to the spiritual Israel that they are all this to the Lord! We are a people near and dear unto him, precious and honorable in his sight. How can we refuse our loudest, heartiest, sweetest music?
The Treasury of David by Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892)
e-Sword v 9.5.1 Copyright 2000-2009 Rick Meyers
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