Psalms 135:4

For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.

Psalms 135:4 (KJV)

Context

Psalm 135 is a song of praise that calls God’s people to worship Him for His greatness and power. The psalmist contrasts the living God with powerless idols, showing that only the Lord deserves honor. Verse 4 sits within this call to praise, giving one reason why Israel should rejoice: God Himself chose them.

The names Jacob and Israel point to the same man. God changed Jacob’s name to Israel after wrestling with him (Genesis 32:28). Jacob was the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham, and he became the father of the twelve tribes. So the verse speaks both to the man and to the nation that came from him.

Meaning

The word “chosen” shows that God’s love for Israel was not an accident. He set His heart on them and made them His own. This choice was not because Israel was great or numerous. In Deuteronomy 7:6-8, Moses explains that the Lord loved them simply because He delighted in them and kept the oath He made to their fathers.

The phrase “peculiar treasure” translates the Hebrew word “segullah,” which means a special possession or treasured property. In Exodus 19:5, God uses the same word when He makes His covenant at Mount Sinai. Israel is not just one nation among many; they are uniquely God’s own, set apart for His purposes and glory.

Biblical connections

God’s choice of Israel began with His promise to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. He promised to bless Abraham’s descendants and make them a great nation. This covenant continued through Isaac and Jacob, and it shows God’s faithfulness across generations. The election of Israel was firm and was meant to lead the whole world to know the true God.

In the New Testament, this theme expands. Through faith in Jesus Christ, both Jews and Gentiles become part of God’s people (Galatians 3:28-29). Believers share in the spiritual blessings of Israel and are also called God’s treasured possession. This does not replace Israel but shows that God’s saving purpose reaches all nations.

Application

This verse teaches that our relationship with God does not rest on our own merit. Just as God chose Israel, He calls each believer by His grace. We are His treasured possession, valued and loved by Him. This truth should lead us to humility and gratitude, not pride.

Because God has chosen us, we are set apart for His service. We are to worship only the true God and turn away from every idol, just as the psalm urges. Our lives should reflect the holiness and love of the One who made us His own.

Reflection

God’s choice of Israel was an act of pure grace. He did not look for strength or worthiness; He simply set His love upon them. The same grace reaches us today through Christ. We can rest in the certainty that God’s calling is not based on our performance but on His faithful love.

This privilege carries a responsibility. As God’s treasured people, we are called to praise Him and to live for His glory. When we remember that we belong to Him, our worship becomes joyful and our obedience becomes a loving response to His grace.