There are many ways to treasure our memories. We collect souvenirs. We take photos or make videos to enjoy later, sharing them with family and friends via social media. We write about them in a personal diary or blog post, trying to capture for ourselves or others what was so special about the experience or event. What does it mean that God considered Israel to be His “treasured possession” (v. 5)? This phrase has also been evocatively translated as “my own special treasure.” It is used several times in the Old Testament and indicates that the nation had been chosen and set apart. For what? We know Israel had a special relationship with the Lord, including their responsibility to be holy and obedient (Deut. 26:18–19). To be His “treasured possession” also means that they were precious to Him and that He would protect and cherish them. This was proved by their liberation from slavery and the Exodus (Ex. 19:4). The Israelites in response were to live in a way that showed their identity, that is, they were to live as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (v. 6). They agreed, “We will do everything the Lord has said” (v. 8). How can people be called a “possession”? Isn’t that disrespectful? Not if these are the words of their Maker! Only the Creator has the right to say that. The whole earth is His! Furthermore, God is not like us. We generally treasure memories and possessions for self-centered reasons. God works at a far higher level, and He chose Israel to be His “treasured possession” as part of His glorious plan of redemption for the world. They were to be consecrated and holy not only for their own sake but also as a witness to the nations.