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his brother, nor give to God a ransom for what is commonly called the Abrahamic
him.” Only Christ could provide a substi- Covenant (Gen 15:18). The second is the
tutionary sacrifice for mankind. Mosaic Covenant of the Law (Exo 20-21).
Paul proceeds to show eight special Third, there was the Davidic Covenant
favours that God bestowed upon Israel. (2Sa 7:4-11). Fourth, there is the New
He commences by stating, “… who are Covenant (Jer 31:31-34).
Israelites” (Rom 9:4). The first reference The fourth favour is, “and the giving
to the name Israel is in Genesis 32. When of the law.” The Law is God’s perfect
Jacob wrestled with the angel, who ac- standard of righteousness. However,
tually was Jehovah Himself, the Lord the Law was not given to the nations at
said, “Thy name shall be called no more large but to the nation of Israel. The Law
Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou was never intended to be a means of sav-
power with God and with men, and hast ing Israel, since man is not able to meet
prevailed” (v28). Without going into the God’s perfect standard. But it served as a
significance of this particular statement, restraint on their conduct. After all, Israel
when God changes a person’s name, He was intended to be a model to the nations.
is indicating that that person is being The fifth favour is, “and the service of
brought into a special relationship with God.” The words “of God” are not in the
Him. Israel means “a prince with God.” Greek text. However, they serve to indi-
While at this stage Israel was a person, cate what Paul was referring to by “the
Israel would eventually become a nation.
That nation has a relationship with God service.” This was the Levitical priesthood
which is unshared by any other nation. So, with all its sacrifices. So, while the Law
in stating “… who are Israelites,” Paul is could only condemn them, the priesthood
emphasizing that these people are part of was God’s provision for Israel when they
that nation which is very special to God. sinned.
Then Paul outlines the eight favours The sixth favour is, “and the promises.”
which are unique to Israel. First, he says, This refers to the many promises given to
“... to whom pertaineth the adoption” the nation of the coming of the Messiah,
(Rom 9:4). No other nation in the history both to be their redeemer and to establish
of the world has ever been described by His future reign.
God as His son (see Exo 4:22). The seventh favour is, “whose are the
The second favour is, “and the glory” fathers” (v5). This is a reference to the
(v4). In Exodus 40:34 we read, “Then a illustrious leaders of the nation, com-
cloud covered the tent of the congrega- mencing with Abraham and going on to
tion, and the glory of the LORD filled the such men as Moses. These were men who
tabernacle.” Also, when Solomon had walked by faith and set the standard for
built the Temple in Jerusalem, “the priests righteousness.
could not stand to minister because of the Finally, Paul states, “of whom as con-
cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled cerning the flesh Christ came, who is over
the house of the LORD” (1Ki 8:11). Again, all, God blessed for ever. Amen” (v5). This
this is an experience unique to Israel. was the greatest blessing that could be be-
The third favour is, “and the cov- stowed upon any nation. Israel was most
enants.” The first of these covenants is certainly “the most favoured nation.”

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