The hymn has a rhyme scheme of ABABCCD (although there are some slant rhymes in other verses). That the line in this verse that contains "His dearest treasure" is unpaired illustrates the uniqueness of Jesus. He is the only begotten Son of God (John 1:14, 3:16)."But God had seen my wretched state— KFUO Radio (@KFUOradio) May 14, 2020
Before the world's foundation,
And mindful of His mercies great,
He planned for my salvation.
He turned to me a father's heart;
He did not choose the easy part
But gave His dearest treasure."
Lutheran Service Book 556:4 #Easter
To some degree, this line's being unpaired also illustrates the superiority of the superlative "dearest." In both esteem and poetic structure, nothing matches this "treasure."
In looking over the rest of the hymn text, I found a merism in the second verse: "Sin was my torment night and day."
