by John Lowe
(Woodruff, S.C.)
4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises;
who are Israelites;—This is the national name, including all the descendants of Jacob, who obtained from God the name of Israel, “a prince with God” (Gen. 32:28). As used here, the title Israel refers to the dignity and privileges attaching to those who come under the name.
God had adopted that nation to be His son and delivered them out of Egypt. He was a father to Israel—“You are the children of the Lord your God…” (Deut. 14:1) — and “Ephraim was His firstborn” (Jer. 31:9). (Ephraim is used here as another name for the nation of Israel.)
They shall come with weeping, And with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters, In a straight way in which they shall not stumble; For I am a Father to Israel, And Ephraim is My firstborn. (Jer. 31:9)
to whom pertain the adoption (sonship),—The reference is probably to Exodus 4:22 and Hosea 11:1.
Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. (Ex. 4:22).
“When Israel was a child, I loved him, And out of Egypt I called My son.” (Hos. 11:1).
Israel was brought into an unusual relationship with God in contrast to all other nations.
the glory,—That is, the special favor granted them of the manifestation of the presence of God in their midst.
And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory.” (Exodus 29:43).
The reference here is to the Shekinah or glory cloud, which symbolized God’s presence in their midst, guiding, and protecting them. It rested on the ark and filled the tabernacle during all their wanderings in the wilderness. In Jerusalem, it continued to be seen in the tabernacle, and later, it was seen in the temple, and it oly disappeared, when at the captivity, it disappeared.
the covenants,—This refers to the promises made by God at various times to the patriarchs. They were originally given to Abraham (Gen. 12:1–3), and confirmed in a vision (Gen. 15:18).
Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” (Gen 12:1-3)
On the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the River Euphrates. (Gen. 15:18)
The English word “covenant” signifies a mutual undertaking between two parties or more, who agree to carry out certain commitments. However, these commitments do not involve the idea of joint obligations, but instead signifies that which is carried out by one person only. “Covenant” is frequently used interchangeably with the word “promise,” as in Galatians 3:16, 18. The covenants referred to here were of this nature.
Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed,” who is Christ…For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise." (Gal. 3:16, 18)
It was with Israel, not with the Gentiles, that God made the covenants. It was with Israel, for example, that He made the Palestinian Covenant, promising them the land from the River of Egypt to the Euphrates.
There are six Biblical covenants:
1. The covenant with Noah (Gen 9:8-17).
2. The covenant with Abraham (Gen 12:1-3).
3. The covenant of Law given through Moses at Sinai (Ex 19-31; Deut 29,30).
4. The priestly covenant (Num. 25:10-13).
5. The covenant of an eternal kingdom through David’s son (2 Sam. 7:8-16).
6. The new covenant (Jer. 31:31-34).
God has already carried out many of the covenants. He said
No content on preachology.com may be printed or
copied to any other site without permission.
The Preaching Ezine Subscribe to my free newsletter for monthly sermons and get a free book right now. Just follow the link above and get the details! |
Preachology Bible Institute Did you ever want to start or finish your Ministry Training? |
YOUR PAGES: by sharing YOUR great sermons! by sharing YOUR great poems! |