While the Jews faced many hardships throughout history, they were given significant advantages and privileges by God: 1. They were entrusted with the oracles of God - the scriptures and revelations from God. 2. They received promises, covenants, and laws from God that set them apart as his chosen people with the land of Israel. 3. However, the Jews often failed to live up to their responsibilities that came with these privileges, wasting the advantages God had given them by disobeying his commands.