Deuteronomy 7:6
For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.
Deuteronomy 7:6 (KJV)
Context
Deuteronomy consists mainly of Moses’ addresses to the Israelites, reminding them of God’s laws and covenant before they enter the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 7, Moses instructs the Israelites regarding their relationship with the inhabitants of the land they are about to possess. Verse 6 grounds those instructions in Israel’s special relationship with God.
Meaning
In Deuteronomy 7:6, Moses emphasizes the unique status of the Israelites as a chosen and holy people of God. The Hebrew concept of “holy” here primarily means set apart or consecrated for God’s purposes, not necessarily indicating inward spiritual sanctification of every individual. The Israelites were separated from all other nations for the pure worship and service of God, which is why they were to avoid idolatry. The verse declares that God chose them to be His own special possession, a people belonging exclusively to Him, out of all the peoples on the face of the earth. This selection was not based on their greatness or merits but on God’s sovereign choice and love.
Chosen People: The verse begins by stating that God has chosen the Israelites. It refers to the divine election and purpose of God in setting apart the nation of Israel for Himself. The Israelites were not chosen because of any inherent greatness or merit but because of God’s sovereign choice (Deuteronomy 10:15). This selection was part of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 17:7-8).
Holy People: The Israelites were called to be holy, which means set apart or consecrated to God. They were to live in accordance with God’s commandments and maintain a distinct moral and spiritual character. God’s desire was for them to be a reflection of His holiness and righteousness among the nations.
Special Above All Peoples: The verse declares that the Israelites were chosen to be a special people above all others on the face of the earth. This distinction was not based on their numerical strength or military might but on God’s favour and purpose. God had a unique plan for the nation of Israel, and He intended to demonstrate His power and faithfulness through them.
The language of being a “special people” or “peculiar people” signifies a people belonging exclusively to God, set apart for His worship and service. This theme is reiterated in Deuteronomy 14:2 and 26:18-19, where the same language of being a holy people and a special possession is used, reinforcing the covenant relationship and the call to keep God’s commandments.
Biblical connections
It is important to note that this verse speaks specifically about the Israelites in their historical context. However, as Christians, we can draw some spiritual lessons from it:
God’s Sovereign Choice: Just as God chose the Israelites, the New Testament teaches that believers are chosen by God to be His children (Ephesians 1:4-5). It is a reminder that our relationship with God is based on His grace and not on our own merit.
Call to Holiness: As followers of Christ, we are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes (1 Peter 1:15-16). Our behaviour should reflect our identity as children of God, showing the world the transforming power of God’s love and grace.
God’s Purpose: God has a unique plan and purpose for each of His children. We are called to fulfil His purposes in our generation, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and being a light in the world (Matthew 5:14-16).
Application
Deuteronomy 7:6 highlights the chosen and holy status of the Israelites, set apart by God for a specific purpose. As believers, we can draw spiritual lessons from this verse, understanding that God has chosen us, called us to holiness, and entrusted us with a unique purpose in His kingdom. The foundation of this identity is not our own achievement but God’s electing love, which calls us to respond in faithful obedience and worship.
Reflection
Consider what it means to be set apart for God. Just as Israel was called to reflect God’s holiness among the nations, believers today are called to live in a way that demonstrates the transforming power of God’s grace. This identity is both a gift and a responsibility, inviting us to embrace the purpose for which we have been chosen.
