Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 9:4

"who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;" — Romans 9:4 (ASV)

Who are Israelites. Descended from Israel, or Jacob; honored by having such an ancestor, and by bearing a name so distinguished as that of his descendants. It was formerly the honorable appellation of the people of God.

To whom it pertains. To whom it belongs. It was their elevated external privilege.

The adoption. Of the nation into the family of God, or to be regarded as his peculiar people (Deuteronomy 7:6).

And the glory. The symbol of the Divine presence that attended them from Egypt, and that finally rested over the ark in the first temple—the Shekinah (Exodus 13:21–22; Exodus 25:22).

And the covenants. The various compacts or promises which had been made from time to time with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and with the nation; the pledges of the Divine protection.

The giving of the law. On Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:1; Romans 3:2). .

And the service of God. The temple service; regarded by them as the pride and ornament of their nation (Exodus 12:25).

And the promises. Of the Messiah; and of the spread of the true religion from them as a nation (Ephesians 2:12).