In the grand tapestry of the Old Testament, one of the most profound and intriguing questions is why God chose Israel as His chosen people. To understand this, we must delve into the theology of creation as presented in the Pentateuch, also known as the Torah. The answer is not simply a matter of arbitrary selection or favoritism but is deeply rooted in God's divine purpose, covenantal relationships, and the unfolding narrative of redemption.
The story begins in Genesis, the first book of the Torah, with the creation of the world. Genesis 1 and 2 narrate how God created the heavens and the earth, culminating in the creation of humanity, made in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). This sets the stage for understanding God's relationship with His creation: a relationship marked by intention, purpose, and love. Humanity was created to reflect God's glory, to steward His creation, and to enjoy fellowship with Him.
However, the harmony of creation was disrupted by the fall in Genesis 3, when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. Sin entered the world, and with it, brokenness and estrangement from God. Yet, even in this moment of disobedience, God revealed His redemptive plan. He promised that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent's head (Genesis 3:15), a foreshadowing of the ultimate victory over sin and evil.
As the narrative unfolds, we see God's redemptive plan taking shape through His covenant with Abraham, a pivotal moment in Genesis 12. God called Abram (later named Abraham) and made a covenant with him, promising to make him a great nation, to bless him, and to make his name great so that he would be a blessing to all the families of the earth (Genesis 12:1-3). This covenant is foundational to understanding why God chose Israel.
Abraham's call and God's promises to him were not based on any merit or inherent greatness in Abraham or his descendants. Rather, it was an act of divine grace and sovereign choice. Deuteronomy 7:6-8 explicitly states this:
"For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt."
This passage highlights two critical aspects of God's choice: His love and His faithfulness to His covenant. God's love is the primary motivation for choosing Israel. It is a love that is steadfast, unmerited, and rooted in His character. Additionally, God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob underscores His commitment to His redemptive plan.
The election of Israel serves a greater purpose within the divine narrative. Israel was chosen to be a light to the nations, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). Through Israel, God intended to reveal His character, His laws, and His salvation to the world. The giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai, the establishment of the sacrificial system, and the prophetic witness all serve to point to God's holiness, justice, mercy, and redemptive purposes.
Isaiah 49:6 encapsulates this missionary calling:
"It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth."
Israel's role as God's chosen people was not an end in itself but a means to a greater end: the salvation of all peoples. Through Israel, God would bring forth the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would fulfill the law, the prophets, and the promises made to the patriarchs. Jesus, born of the seed of Abraham, is the ultimate expression of God's redemptive plan. In Him, the covenant promises find their fulfillment, and the blessings promised to Abraham extend to all nations (Galatians 3:8, 16).
Moreover, the story of Israel is a testament to God's grace and patience. Despite Israel's frequent disobedience, idolatry, and failure to live up to their calling, God remained faithful. The history of Israel, as recorded in the Torah and the subsequent books of the Old Testament, is replete with instances of God's judgment and mercy, His discipline and restoration. This dynamic relationship between God and Israel underscores the depth of His covenant love and the seriousness of His holiness.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a theological reflection on Israel's election. He emphasizes that God's choice of Israel is part of His sovereign will and purpose (Romans 9:6-13). Paul also points out that not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as offspring (Romans 9:6-8). This distinction highlights that God's election is based on His promise and purpose rather than ethnic lineage alone.
Furthermore, Paul explains that the inclusion of the Gentiles into the people of God through faith in Christ does not nullify God's promises to Israel. Instead, it reveals the mystery of God's redemptive plan, wherein both Jews and Gentiles are brought together in Christ (Ephesians 2:11-22). Thus, the church, comprised of believers from all nations, becomes the new covenant community, fulfilling the promise that through Abraham's offspring, all nations would be blessed (Galatians 3:28-29).
In conclusion, God's choice of Israel as His chosen people is a multifaceted and profound aspect of biblical theology. It is rooted in God's sovereign grace, His covenantal promises, and His redemptive purposes. Israel's election serves as a means to reveal God's character, to bring forth the Messiah, and to extend His salvation to all nations. The story of Israel is a testament to God's faithfulness, love, and the unfolding of His divine plan for the redemption of humanity. Through Israel, and ultimately through Jesus Christ, God's light and salvation have reached to the ends of the earth, fulfilling His promise to bless all the families of the earth through Abraham.
