Verse 4
4. Israelites Their loftier title, derived not from Jacob, the supplanter, nor, like Jews, from a single remnant tribe (Judah) alone; but derived from their great founder, and from his name given as wrestler and overcomer with God.
Paul in these two verses enumerates the glories of Israel in the true enthusiasm of an Israelite, to show how he sympathized in Israelite greatness. The passage is parallel with Romans 3:2; Romans 2:17-20, where see notes.
The adoption By which Abraham and his race were called from among the nations to be the sons of God. (See note on Matthew 2:15.)
The glory The Shekinah, upon the mercy seat between the cherubim and at other times. (See note on Acts 7:2.)
Covenants Formed with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at different times, (Genesis 15:9-21; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 28:13,) and with all Israel at Sinai, (Genesis 24:2; Genesis 24:8, etc.)
Giving of the law The law-giving, the legislation, of which the centre was the two tables of the decalogue, and then the entire pentateuchal system.
The service The full and formal worship by which Israel, freed from idolatry, worshipped the true Jehovah.
Promises Of the Messiah and the salvation through him. Sad if Israel, to whom these promises were given, should himself fail of their fruition! (See note on Romans 9:6.)
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