Topical Encyclopedia
The term "peculiar treasure" is a distinctive title used in the Bible to describe the people of God, emphasizing their unique status and value in His sight. This designation underscores the special relationship between God and His chosen ones, highlighting their set-apart nature and the divine purpose they are called to fulfill.
Biblical References:1.
Exodus 19:5 : "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." In this passage, God speaks to the Israelites at Mount Sinai, establishing a covenant with them. The term "treasured possession" is synonymous with "peculiar treasure," indicating that Israel is set apart from all other nations as God's special people.
2.
Deuteronomy 14:2 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth." Here, the Israelites are reminded of their unique status as God's chosen people, a theme that resonates with the idea of being a "peculiar treasure."
3.
Psalm 135:4 : "For the LORD has chosen Jacob as His own, Israel as His treasured possession." This verse reiterates the concept of Israel as God's "peculiar treasure," emphasizing the special relationship and favor bestowed upon them by God.
4.
1 Peter 2:9 : "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." In the New Testament, the Apostle Peter extends this designation to the Church, affirming that believers in Christ are also considered God's "peculiar treasure." This passage highlights the continuity of God's covenantal relationship from Israel to the Church.
Theological Significance:The title "peculiar treasure" conveys a profound theological truth about the identity and calling of God's people. It reflects the idea that they are not only chosen and set apart but also cherished and valued by God. This status is not based on their merit but on God's sovereign choice and love.
In the Old Testament, Israel's identity as God's "peculiar treasure" was tied to their covenantal relationship with Him, marked by obedience to His laws and commandments. This special status was both a privilege and a responsibility, as they were called to be a light to the nations and a testament to God's holiness and righteousness.
In the New Testament, the Church inherits this identity through faith in Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live as God's "peculiar treasure," reflecting His character and proclaiming His virtues to the world. This involves a life of holiness, service, and witness, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel.
Practical Implications:Understanding the title "peculiar treasure" encourages believers to embrace their identity in Christ and live in a manner worthy of their calling. It serves as a reminder of the immense value God places on His people and the purpose He has for them. This identity calls for a life of devotion, obedience, and mission, as believers seek to honor God and fulfill their role as His treasured possession in the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Exodus 19:5Now 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 TextbookPsalm 135:4
For the LORD has chosen Jacob to himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... There are several names and titles in Scripture ... John 3:34. Grace in Christ is after
a more eminent and glorious manner than it is in any of the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... 2. THE APPEAL. The names and titles of God are ... Adopting, then, the second of these
interpretations, the saints belong to God and are precious in His sight. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
Vanity of Human Glory.
... has been the happiness of many saints who have ... and skill, and perseverance, with
its proud titles of honour ... Your names will be written in Heaven, with those of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm
The Mystery
... as formerly, to he worshipped under those titles in which ... shelter of the Christian
religion, in the names of saints ... of God, and of all the saints, as useless ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the mystery 2.htm
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... 1. In the matter of justification, the saints are complete ... in which respect they
get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... Jesus doth not bear your names upon His ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm
Brief Memoir of Thomas Watson
... Chronicle,' is a list of eighty-seven names of Puritan ... was again stretched forth
to vex certain of the saints. ... and of a useful nature, for the titles of which ...
/.../watson/a body of divinity/brief memoir of thomas watson.htm
From the Latin.
... visible to the mind alone, which any one names as he ... the soul of Paul or Peter and
the other saints, in whom ... one with Him, and is named by His titles, and is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/from the latin.htm
Rom. xvi. 5
... of Heaven, as not to think that names only, but ... For those are mere titles of rank
(timhes), but these are of ... as also those that are after them he calls saints. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... if questionable because of new sins-Saints do not ... Christ, by offices, places of trust,
and titles of honour ... face of a father.-Study this peculiar treasure of an ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
Resources
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