Who Were the Treasured Possession?
In the biblical narrative, the phrase “treasured possession” holds deep theological significance. It appears as a description of the people whom God set apart for Himself, marking them with a unique identity, purpose, and relationship. Understanding who this treasured possession is helps illuminate God’s covenantal intentions and His unfolding plan of redemption in Scripture.
1. The Origin of the Phrase: God’s Declaration at Sinai
The clearest and most foundational reference appears in Exodus 19:5, where God speaks to Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai:
“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.”
Here, God Himself identifies Israel—the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—as His “treasured possession.”
Meaning of Treasured Possession
The Hebrew phrase segullah refers to:
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A valued personal treasure of a king
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Something carefully chosen
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Something protected and prized
God is essentially telling Israel:
“Out of all nations I have chosen you as My own special treasure.”
2. Why Israel Was Chosen as God’s Treasured Possession
God’s choice was not based on Israel’s greatness or power. In fact, Israel was a small and vulnerable nation. Scripture gives several reasons:
a. God’s Covenant with the Patriarchs
God remembered His promises to:
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Abraham (Genesis 12:2–3)
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Isaac
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Jacob
Israel was treasured because God was faithful to His covenant.
b. God’s Love
Deuteronomy 7:7–8 emphasizes that God chose Israel simply because He loved them.
c. A Purposeful Calling
Israel was meant to:
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Represent God among the nations
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Display His laws
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Show His holiness
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Serve as a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6)
3. The Conditions Attached to This Identity
Although the calling was unique, it came with responsibilities:
a. Obedience to God’s Voice
Israel was to follow God’s commandments.
b. Faithfulness to the Covenant
They were to live according to the covenant relationship established at Sinai.
God’s treasured possession was not just a title—but a life of commitment, holiness, and witness.
4. Israel’s Identity as Treasured Possession Throughout Scripture
a. Reaffirmed Through Moses
Deuteronomy 14:2:
“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession.”
b. Echoed by the Prophets
Malachi 3:17 speaks of God sparing His faithful people as a treasured possession.
c. Extended in the New Testament (Spiritually)
While Israel remains God’s covenant people, the New Testament extends the spiritual concept of “treasured possession” to all who belong to Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as:
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“A chosen race”
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“A royal priesthood”
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“A holy nation”
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“A people for his own possession”
This does not erase Israel’s identity but shows the widening of God’s redemptive plan.
5. The Purpose Behind Being God’s Treasured Possession
To be God’s treasured possession meant:
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Intimacy with the Creator
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Responsibility to reflect His character
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Privilege of His protection and guidance
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Mission to display God to the world
They were not chosen simply to enjoy the status but to fulfill God’s purposes among all nations.
Conclusion
The “treasured possession” refers primarily to the nation of Israel, whom God chose, loved, and set apart through His covenant at Sinai. This unique identity came with a divine mission—to live as God’s representatives on earth. The concept later expands spiritually to include all who trust in Christ, forming a people treasured by God not because of their greatness, but because of His grace, love, and covenant faithfulness.
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