Romanos 9:4

Paul shared much in common with his blood brothers. "Israelites" connotes the chosen people of God whereas "Jews" simply distinguishes them from Gentiles. [Note: See Cranfield, 2:460-61, for a summary of the way "Israel" was used in the Hebrew Scriptures and in Judaism.] Here the apostle pointed out further advantages of the Jews (cf. Romans 3:2). He named eight of their special blessings in Romans 9:4-5.

God graciously had adopted Israel, as He had Christians (cf. Romans 8:15; Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 14:1-2). The Israelites had the glory of God’s presence among them, as Christians have the glory of God within us through His indwelling Spirit (Exodus 40:34; 1 Kings 8:11). God took the initiative in reaching out to Israel with covenants that bound Him and the nation together (i.e., the Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and New Covenants). He has reached out to us with the gospel and the New Covenant with the same result. The "giving" (NASB; not "receiving," NIV) of the Mosaic Law was a great privilege for Israel that corresponds to the teaching of Christ for Christians. The Jewish sacrificial system enabled Israel to have fellowship with God, now available through the high priestly work of Christ. The promises revealed to the patriarchs guaranteed God’s action for them, just as God’s promises to Christians guarantee His action for us (Romans 8:31).

"He also gave them His Law to govern their political, social, and religious life, and to guarantee His blessing if they obeyed." [Note: Wiersbe, 1:543.]