Why Treasured Possession Matters

What is treasured possession?

The concept of 'treasured possession' in Scripture is first articulated in Exodus 19:5, where God declares Israel 'my treasured possession among all peoples.'

This term appears as part of God's covenantal address to Israel at Mount Sinai, where He commissions them as 'a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' The language underscores a unique, chosen relationship, positioning Israel as distinct for divine purpose. Exodus 19:5 frames this designation within God's promise to dwell among His people if they obey His commands, linking 'treasured possession' to both privilege and responsibility.

Covenantal Context in Exodus 19:5

In Exodus 19:5, God frames Israel’s identity as His 'treasured possession' within the covenantal relationship established at Sinai.

The verse declares, 'Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples.' This language positions Israel as uniquely chosen, not by inherent superiority but by divine election, with their status contingent on covenantal obedience.

This designation intertwines privilege with obligation, emphasizing that God’s favor demands faithful adherence to His commands, a dynamic foundational to understanding the biblical theology of chosenness.

Theological Implications of Treasured Possession

The designation of Israel as God’s 'treasured possession' in Deuteronomy deepens the covenantal framework established in Exodus by emphasizing both divine love and human responsibility.

Deuteronomy 7:6 declares, '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, out of all the nations that are on the face of the earth,' framing Israel’s identity as rooted in God’s sovereign grace rather than human merit. This language underscores God’s active love and ownership, positioning His people as uniquely set apart for purpose. In Deuteronomy 14:2, the same designation is reiterated with the charge to 'be holy, for I am holy,' linking treasured status to covenantal holiness. These verses reveal a theology where God’s love is not passive but transformative, demanding reciprocal devotion and ethical fidelity.

This dual emphasis on divine election and human obligation establishes a dynamic relationship: God’s people are both recipients of grace and stewards of His holiness, a tension that shapes the biblical narrative of faithfulness and accountability.

Treasured Possession and Other Biblical Metaphors

The term 'treasured possession' in Exodus 19:5 is paired with 'kingdom of priests' and 'holy nation,' yet it emphasizes a distinct dimension of God's covenantal relationship with Israel.

While 'holy nation' (Exodus 19:6) stresses Israel's consecrated role and 'kingdom of priests' highlights their mediating function, 'treasured possession' (Exodus 19:5) underscores God's personal affection and sovereign choice.

Deuteronomy 7:6 clarifies that this designation reflects God's covenantal love, not just status. It differs from functional metaphors like 'priesthood,' which emphasize duty over relational intimacy. This term uniquely positions Israel as objects of divine delight, intertwining privilege with the ethical demand to embody holiness through obedience.

Why Treasured Possession Matters Today

For modern believers, the concept of being God’s treasured possession reshapes how we understand identity and purpose in Christ.

Deuteronomy 7:6 reminds us that God’s choice of His people is rooted in His covenantal love, not human merit - a truth that anchors believers in grace rather than self-achievement. This designation calls us to embrace our distinctiveness as a community set apart for holiness, reflecting God’s character in a world marked by moral ambiguity. Just as Israel was commanded to be holy (Deuteronomy 14:2), believers today are called to live ethically and devotionally, embodying the transformed life that flows from being treasured by God.

This covenantal identity challenges us to reject cultural conformity while fostering a radical dependence on God’s grace. Recognizing ourselves as treasured possessions fuels both humility and boldness, as we live out our purpose as His representatives in the world.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of treasured possession, explore related themes like election, holiness, and covenantal theology.

Deuteronomy 14:2 emphasizes holiness as part of God’s chosen people, stating, 'For you are a people holy to the Lord your God,' while 1 Peter 2:9 extends this identity to believers as a 'holy priesthood,' reflecting the enduring significance of being God’s treasured possession.