Section 3
may answer his prayer, but not according to his way. Such was the case with Paul's prayer in verse 3. He prayed with a great desire that God would put him aside and make him a curse that his brothers might be saved. God answered his prayer, but not in Paul's way.
"Who are Israelites, whose are the sonship, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service, and the promises" (v. 4). Sonship means the right of inheritance. What is the glory mentioned in this verse? The glory of God was manifested at least twice to the people of Israel: in the wilderness when the tabernacle was erected (Exo. 40:34) and in Jeru salem when the temple was built and dedicated (2 Chron. 5:13-14). On both occasions the Isra elites saw the glory of God. The covenants are those God made with Abraham (Gen. 17:2; Acts 3:25; Gal. 3:16-17) and with the children of Israel at Sinai (Exo. 24:7; Deut. 5:2) and at Moab (Deut. 29:1, 14). These covenants are treasured by the Israelites (Eph. 2:12). The giving of the law re fers to the law (Deut. 4:13; Psa. 147:19), which is precious to the Israelites. The service mentioned in this verse is undoubtedly the priestly or Le vitical service, for all the service related to the tabernacle was under the hand of the priests