God designed that His dealings with Israel should become an object lesson to all mankind. The people of Israel were not selfishly to hoard to themselves the knowledge of the true God and of His power to save. This knowledge was to go to all the earth as a result of the proper education of their children (cf. v. 22), who in their turn were to become missionaries. As Israel grew in numbers and in influence, the whole earth would soon learn of the true God and give glory to Him. But Israel failed, and this same commission was later given by Christ to His disciples (Matt. 28:19, 20). The “word of reconciliation” has now been “committed unto us” (2 Cor. 5:19). We must not fail.