(4) Peculiar treasure.--A special covenant-name for Israel (Exodus 19:5; Deuteronomy 7:6, &c.), and of private property (1Chronicles 29:3; Ecclesiastes 2:8).

Verse 4. - For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself. This is the first reason why Israel should praise God. Israel is his people, his chosen people, selected by him out of all the nations of the earth to be his own, his inheritance (Deuteronomy 4:20; Deuteronomy 7:6; Deuteronomy 14:2, 21, etc.). And Israel for his peculiar treasure (see Exodus 19:5).

135:1-4 The subject-matter of praise, is the blessings of grace flowing from the everlasting love of God. The name of God as a covenant God and Father in Christ, blessing us with all spiritual blessings in him, is to be loved and praised. The Lord chose a people to himself, that they might be unto him for a name and a praise. If they do not praise him for this distinguishing favour, they are the most unworthy and ungrateful of all people.For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself,.... To be his own special people, and not another's; for his own service, and for his glory; and to be an habitation for himself, and to be for ever with him. This is not to be understood personally of Jacob, though a chosen vessel of mercy; nor of his natural posterity as such, though chosen as a nation to outward favours; for not all they, only some of them, were chosen to special grace and glory, a remnant according to the election of grace: but mystical and spiritual Jacob and Israel are meant, even the whole church and people of God, whether Jews or Gentiles; these God has chosen, of his own free grace and good will, to all the blessings of grace and glory, and that from all eternity; which choice will remain firm and immutable, in time and for ever; and therefore is worthy of praise and thanksgiving, now, and to all eternity;

and Israel for his peculiar treasure; by whom they are accounted as such; even as the peculiar treasure of kings, as silver, gold, jewels, and precious stones; as his inheritance, his portion, and peculiar people; see Exodus 19:5.