Exodus 19:5

If ye will obey] Although God's grace preceded the covenant (see previous v.), the latter was made upon condition of perfect obedience. But as the law only serves to accentuate man's feeling of inability to keep it, it becomes a 'schoolmaster to lead to Christ,' and the redemption that is by faith in Him: see Romans 7:22; Galatians 3:23; Galatians 3:24. A peculiar treasure] a private and treasured possession. In later times the Jewish nation presumed upon their privilege as a chosen people, and believed in their unconditional possession of God's favour. From this false security it was the task of the prophets to rouse them: see e.g. Jeremiah 7:4; Matthew 3:9; Matthew 8:11; Matthew 21:31. Above all people] RV 'from among all peoples.' All the earth is the Lord's, but Israel belongs to Him in a special degree: cp. Exodus 33:16; Amos 9:7.