Peculiar treasure, Treasured possession (Heb: cegullah; Grk: peripoísis), noun.

The Hebrew word cegullah is used 8 times in the Old Testament, and in each of these verses it always describes something valuable (even jewels). Most of the time, almost exclusively, it is used as a description of the people whom God considers his special treasure.

The translators of the King James Version used the phrase "peculiar treasure" in 3 of the 8 times the word is used, and used the word "peculiar" (combined with the word "people") in 2 of the other verses. This was a good choice in 1611, but not any more: today "peculiar" has acquired a far different meaning.

The Greek word used in the New Testament, peripoísis, means a valued personal possession, which is worth obtaining and worth preserving. This word appears 5 times in the Scriptures.

The King James Version also uses "peculiar" to translate the Greek word as well: "a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9, KJV).

In Exodus 19:5-6, God describes an old testament. If the people keep their end of the agreement, he chooses them as his treasured people (cegullah), they enjoy a priesthood, and are a holy nation.

In 1 Peter 2:9-10, God describes a new testament. If the people keep their end of the agreement, he chooses them as his treasured people (peripoísis), they enjoy a priesthood, and are a holy nation.

Summary: Two ideas are common to both words: (1) something that belongs to you, and (2) something that is of value to you. The main idea is not that we are "strange", but that we are "special".

It is a sad part of American church history that various groups and "teachers" have quoted "peculiar people" verses to justify some bizarre or socially unacceptable behavior. They should have done their Hebrew or Greek homework.

God isn't so much looking for "hog-wild" as he is for "whole-hog": more like fan than fanatic. Simply, we can be nuts about Jesus, without being nuts who are about Jesus.

The context of the Ten Commandments is very easily over-shadowed by the power of the passage in which they are recorded and the importance of their teachings. But the context is still there any time we read the text thoughtfully.

Before listing the commandments in Exodus 20, chapter 19 records God first describing the love, concern, and blessings he has planned for his people. That is, if they are in agreement with the terms of the covenant (contract).

Yes, God does expect a certain level of behavior from us. But, first, he provides us with a new nature that can reach these standards. Second, he freely gives the spiritual power needed to live his way. Third, he attaches blessings and benefits to following him. Fourth, he leaves the entire decision completely up to us: the new covenant is voluntary, not mandatory. In other words, you're not forced to accept his salvation if you really don't want abundant, eternal life. You can always choose the 'alternate' option (door #2).

"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. These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites" (Exodus 19:5-6, NIV).

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy" (1 Peter 2:9-10, NIV).

God has chosen to bless you. Now choose to bless him.