Israel was set apart for God as a nation to function as priests and reveal God’s character to the nations. There are three things God highlights in this text: Israel was a treasured possession, a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation. In 1 Pet 2:9, the Apostle Peter uses similar language to refer to the church. The church has been set apart as a community of priests and we are called to reveal God to the world and reconcile them to God.