Exodus 19:6

Kingdom of priests. According to the divine plan and purpose the Israelites were to be both a royal and a priestly race. In an evil world they were to be kings, moral and spiritual, in that they were to prevail over the realm of sin (Rev. 20:6). As priests, they were to draw near to the Lord in prayer, in praise, and in sacrifice. As intermediaries between God and the heathen, they were to serve as instructors, preachers, and prophets, and were to be examples of holy living — Heaven’s exponents of true religion. In His coming kingdom God has a royal place for His royal children (Matt. 19:28; Luke 19:17—19; John 14:1-3; Rev. 1:6; 2:26; 3:21; cf. Zech. 6:13).

An holy nation. As a people consecrated to God’s service, they were to be unlike other nations. This was to be manifested outwardly by circumcision (Gen. 17:9-14) and inwardly by godliness (2 Cor. 7:1; 1 Peter 2:9). A holy God demands a holy people (Matt. 5:48; 1 Peter 1:16).