A Chosen People: Special Treasure Rejected

• 1 min. read • grade level: 4

"The LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto Himself" (Deut. 14:2²For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (Deuteronomy 14:2)).

"Nay; but we will have a king over us; that we also may be like all the nations" (1 Sam. 8:19,20¹⁹Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us; ²⁰That we also may be like all the nations; and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles. (1 Samuel 8:19‑20)).

How sad! The Lord chose them to be His special treasure, but they rejected Him. Israel did not want to be different. God gave them what they wanted. Instead of the peace they had enjoyed, they found battles they had to fight and die in. May we learn from their example, and desire only God's will for us because we delight in Him.

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