Chosen People

This name applies in the Bible to the people of Israel, who were referred to as Israelites, Hebrews, or Jews.

The key idea in the Old Testament is that God chose Israel (the descendants of Abraham) to be the recipients of His moral and spiritual guidance.

The idea is expressed many times in the Bible, notably in Deuteronomy 7:6: “You are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.”

(This is similar to the idea Americans have that we are a “special” nation dedicated to freedom and equality.)

The Bible makes it clear that the “chosen people” are never to be arrogant or cocky because God has chosen them.

In fact, because God revealed Himself and His moral law to Israel, the people of Israel will be severely punished when they break the moral law. Being “chosen” was a privilege but also an obligation.

See 632 (covenant); 274 (Israelites).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

From Heavenly Greatness to Inexhaustible Love

Timothy Keller

The number of stars is still uncountable by human science, yet God knows them by name (verse 4; cf. Isaiah 40:26). Job speaks of the creation, when “the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Gift of Himself

David Jeremiah

Long ago, there ruled a wise and good king in Persia who loved his people and often dressed in the clothes of a working man or a beggar so he could visit the poor and learn about their hardships.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

Healing Time

J. Stephen Lang

1868: On this date a political leader who grew up poor, had no formal education and was illiterate until his wife taught him to read and write, issued Proclamation 179 “granting full pardon and amnesty for the offense of treason against the United States during the late Civil War.”

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

A Personal Promise

Charles Stanley

Jesus came to earth with the view of offering you salvation. He wanted you to have a restored relationship with the Father, a relationship that was so close, so intimate, that you would have your special place in the Father’s house (John 14:1–4).

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

The Unexpected Savior

John MacArthur

Scripture records that when John the Baptist began his ministry, “The people were in expectation, and all reasoned in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not” (Luke 3:15).