Peculiar Rethink

This morning was slow. My body struggled to get into gear. On such days staying home is often best. After checking the kids were semi decently dressed I waved them goodbye as they headed off to Church with Daddy.

In the quiet moments that ensued I had a peculiar time… (Ahem)… Or rather, did a mini study on the word ‘peculiar’.

You see I thought I knew what it meant. Strange or unique right?

Well yes it does, but I had never looked up a commentary or Bible dictionary on the matter. I was curious. So I hauled them out along with Strong’s concordance. Then realising it had been a while, I changed to the computer version (much easier!). Exodus 19:5 was the verse of choice. KJV to get the phrase I was after - peculiar treasure.

Here’s what I found

Strong’s definition:

H5459

סגלּה

s^egûllâh

seg-ool-law'

Feminine passive participle of an unused root meaning to shut up; wealth (as closely shut up): - jewel, peculiar (treasure), proper good, special.

The being shut up part stood out to me here. Clearly very highly valued.

The commentaries gave me something to think about too.

Exo 19:5  Then ye shall be a peculiar treasure to me - He doth not instance in any one particular favour, but expresseth it in that which was inclusive of all happiness, that he would be to them a God in covenant, and they should be to him a people. Nay you shall be a peculiar treasure: not that God was enriched by them, as a man is by his treasure, but he was pleased to value and esteem them as a man doth his treasure; they were precious in his sight. He took them under his special care and protection, as a treasure that is kept under lock and key. He distinguished them from, and dignified them above all people, as a people devoted to him, and to his service. (Wesley)

And…

Exo 19:5 

if ye will obey

(Cf) (1Pe_2:9); (Rev_1:6); (Rev_5:10). What, under law, was condition, is under grace, freely given to every believer. The "if" of (Exo_19:5) is the essence of law as a method of divine dealing, and the fundamental reason why "the law made nothing perfect"; (Rom_8:3); (Heb_7:18); (Heb_7:19).

The Abrahamic: (See Scofield) - (Gen_15:18) and New (See Scofield) - (Heb_8:8) covenants minister salvation and assurance because they impose but one condition, faith. (Scofield)

So there you have it. If we are God’s peculiar treasure we are highly valued - like a precious jewel. Not because we deserve to be, but because He chooses to see us this way.

We are also set apart. For Him.

^{1 Peter 2:9} But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (NIV)

Now that is something to smile about!

PS – As you can see all this has contributed to a new look for the blog. I am seeking to get to the heart of what it all means to me. My sincerest apologies if the page has been different every time you've visited here lately. I’m pretty sure I’m happy with it this time (but we’ll see) ;o)