Meaning of Psalms 135:4

This verse from Psalm 135:4 articulates a foundational concept in the Old Testament: God's sovereign choice and covenantal relationship with the people of Israel. It emphasizes that Israel was not chosen by accident or merit, but by God's deliberate, unconditional election, establishing them as a people uniquely set apart for Himself, designated as His "own" and "treasured possession." This selection signifies a special relationship characterized by divine favor, protection, and a specific purpose within God's redemptive plan. The use of "Jacob" and "Israel" interchangeably highlights the continuity of God's commitment, tracing back to the patriarch Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, signifying his wrestling with God and emerging as a nation.

Context and Background

Psalm 135 is a psalm of praise, specifically a hymn of praise that extols God's sovereignty and power, particularly in His dealings with Israel. The psalm recounts God's mighty acts in creation and His deliverance of His people from oppression, most notably the Exodus from Egypt. Verse 4 fits within this broader context of celebrating God's unique relationship with Israel, contrasting their privileged status with the impotence of idols mentioned in other verses of the psalm (e.g., Psalm 135:15-18). The concept of divine election is central to the Israelite understanding of their identity and their covenant with Yahweh.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Election: The core message is God's active and intentional choice of Israel. This is not a passive selection but a decisive act of will on God's part.
• Covenantal Relationship: This choice establishes a covenantal bond, a special agreement and relationship between God and His people.
• Possession and Identity: Israel is God's "own" and "treasured possession." This signifies ownership, belonging, and immense value in God's eyes. It defines their identity not by their own strength but by their relationship with their Creator.
• Sovereignty of God: The verse underscores God's absolute authority and power to choose and set apart a people for Himself, irrespective of their inherent worthiness.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers today, this verse speaks to the nature of God's love and His choosing of those who are in Christ. While the specific covenantal relationship was with national Israel, the principle of God's electing love extends to all who are brought into relationship with Him through faith. It reminds us that our salvation is not based on our own efforts but on God's sovereign grace and predestination. It also calls us to recognize our identity as God's treasured possession, valued and cherished by Him, and to live in accordance with that divine calling.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a cornerstone of the Old Testament narrative, informing the entire history of Israel as God's chosen people. It explains why God intervened in their history, why He gave them the Law, and why He promised them a future. This election is the basis for the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. In the New Testament, this concept of election is re-contextualized and expanded. Christians are seen as spiritual descendants of Abraham, chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and brought into God's family through faith, becoming part of a spiritual Israel.

Analogies

One analogy for God choosing Israel as His treasured possession is that of a craftsman carefully selecting a piece of precious metal to forge into a unique and valuable object, or a gardener meticulously tending to a specific vine that will bear abundant fruit. The object or vine is set apart, given special attention, and destined for a particular purpose because of its inherent value and the craftsman's or gardener's intention. Another analogy is a king choosing a particular family to be his royal stewards, entrusting them with significant responsibilities and privileges because of his favor.

Relation to Other Verses

• Deuteronomy 7:6-8: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you and because he wanted to keep the oath he swore to your ancestors that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and has redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the grasp of Pharaoh king of Egypt." This passage directly parallels Psalm 135:4, emphasizing God's love and faithfulness as the basis for His choice, rather than Israel's merit.
• Exodus 19:5-6: "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This shows that while election is unconditional, the continuation of the covenant relationship involved obedience and faithfulness, highlighting the reciprocal nature of the covenant.
• 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." This New Testament verse echoes the language and concept of Psalm 135:4, applying it to believers in Christ who have been chosen and set apart by God.