But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves.
The identity transformation is profound: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God." Israel receives priestly identity—kohanim Adonai (priests of the LORD) and mesharetei Eloheinu (ministers of our God). This fulfills Exodus 19:6: "ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests." Peter applies this to the church: "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). All believers receive priestly status, offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15-16) and mediating God's presence to the world. The material blessing follows: "ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves." This isn't exploitation but the nations bringing their wealth and glory into God's kingdom (Isaiah 60:5-6, 11, Revelation 21:24-26). "Boast" (titmaru) can mean "exchange" or "glory in"—believers glory in God's work among the nations. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the believer's dual identity: priests to God and recipients of comprehensive blessing—spiritual and material, individual and corporate.
Historical Context
Under the old covenant, only Levites served as priests, with most Israelites excluded from direct priestly ministry. The new covenant democratizes priestly status—all believers access God directly through Christ the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16, 10:19-22) and serve as priests to God (Revelation 1:6, 5:10). The early church experienced this as both Jews and Gentiles functioned as priests, offering spiritual worship. The riches of Gentiles flowing to God's people was fulfilled as Gentile converts brought resources to support gospel work (Philippians 4:18, 2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
Questions for Reflection
How does your identity as a priest to God shape your daily worship and service?
What spiritual sacrifices are you called to offer as part of the royal priesthood?
How should believers 'boast in' or 'glory in' the riches that flow into God's kingdom?
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Analysis & Commentary
The identity transformation is profound: "But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God." Israel receives priestly identity—kohanim Adonai (priests of the LORD) and mesharetei Eloheinu (ministers of our God). This fulfills Exodus 19:6: "ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests." Peter applies this to the church: "ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). All believers receive priestly status, offering spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5, Hebrews 13:15-16) and mediating God's presence to the world. The material blessing follows: "ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves." This isn't exploitation but the nations bringing their wealth and glory into God's kingdom (Isaiah 60:5-6, 11, Revelation 21:24-26). "Boast" (titmaru) can mean "exchange" or "glory in"—believers glory in God's work among the nations. From a Reformed perspective, this describes the believer's dual identity: priests to God and recipients of comprehensive blessing—spiritual and material, individual and corporate.