Deuteronomy 7:6-9 is about God choosing the Israelites as a treasured possession, a holy people set apart to keep the covenant and receive blessings as a result of His faithfulness to them.
6 “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.”
7 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,
8 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.
9 Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.
Setting the Scene for Deuteronomy 7:6-9
The scene in Deuteronomy 7:6-9 takes place in the wilderness as the Israelites are preparing to enter the Promised Land. Moses, the leader chosen by God, is addressing the Israelites, reminding them of their special relationship with God. The Israelites had been brought out of slavery in Egypt by God’s mighty hand and were now on the brink of inheriting the land promised to their ancestors.
Surrounded by the vast desert landscape, Moses stands before the multitude of Israelites, recounting how God had chosen them to be a treasured possession above all peoples on the face of the earth. He emphasizes that it was not because of their own righteousness or strength that they were being given the land, but because of God’s faithfulness to the covenant He had made with their forefathers.
The Israelites, a diverse group of men, women, and children, listen intently as Moses urges them to remain faithful to God and to obey His commandments once they enter the land. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation and reverence as the Israelites prepare to take the next step in their journey towards fulfilling God’s promise to them.
What is Deuteronomy 7:6-9 about?
This verse speaks to the special relationship between God and the people of Israel. Imagine being chosen as someone’s treasured possession — the value, significance, and care that comes with that! When we think of God choosing Israel, we see a deep bond and a sense of identity and purpose. It’s like being part of an exclusive club with God as the leader, protector, and guide, promising to be faithful and loving in return.
Have you ever felt chosen or special to someone? That’s the feeling God bestows upon Israel in this verse, a reminder of divine favor and responsibility. It shows that obedience and love are at the core of this relationship — God loves those who keep their end of the covenant. It’s a beautiful reminder of the give-and-take that exists in any relationship, especially the one between God and His people. So, consider the depth of God’s love and the power of being cherished as His treasured possession when reflecting on the profound meaning behind this verse.
Understanding what Deuteronomy 7:6-9 really means
In the book of Deuteronomy, we find Moses delivering speeches to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Within this context, verses 6-9 stand out as they underscore God’s unique relationship with Israel and His steadfast commitment to His promises. The phrase “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God” signifies the Israelites’ special designation by God for a specific purpose, setting them apart from other nations. This distinction is further emphasized by the statement that the Lord has chosen them to be His treasured possession, highlighting the concept of divine election and the privileged status of Israel as God’s chosen people.
The passage clarifies that God’s choice of Israel was not based on their numerical superiority or any inherent merit on their part. Instead, it was solely due to God’s love and faithfulness in fulfilling the oath He made to their forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reaffirms the unchanging nature of God and His commitment to the covenant He established with His people. The declaration that the Lord is a faithful God who keeps His covenant and steadfast love underscores His reliability and unwavering devotion to His chosen ones.
Drawing parallels from related biblical passages such as Exodus 19:5-6, 1 Peter 2:9, and Genesis 12:2-3, we see a consistent theme of God choosing a people for Himself, whether it be Israel in the Old Testament or believers in Christ in the New Testament. This continuity highlights the timeless truth of God’s selective love and the fulfillment of His promises throughout history. Today, these teachings remain relevant as they speak to our identity, purpose, and the foundational nature of God’s faithfulness in a world marked by uncertainty and broken promises.
Consider a scenario where a struggling community receives a generous grant not because of their status or influence, but out of the philanthropist’s deep love and commitment to helping those in need. This illustration mirrors how God chose Israel and continues to choose individuals not based on their greatness, but out of His boundless love and faithfulness. The passage from Deuteronomy 7:6-9 serves as a poignant reminder of God’s enduring love and faithfulness, urging us to embrace our identity in Him and fulfill our purpose with the assurance that He remains true to His word.
How can we remain faithful to God’s covenant?
We are called to recognize that we are a chosen people, set apart by God, in order to remain faithful to God’s covenant as mentioned in these verses. This means living a life of obedience to His commandments and acknowledging His authority in our lives. We show our love and loyalty to God by doing so, which is a crucial aspect of maintaining our part of the covenant.
Furthermore, it is essential to remember God’s faithfulness towards us. Reflecting on His past deeds and how He has delivered us from various challenges can strengthen our trust in Him and reinforce our commitment to the covenant. God’s promises endure forever, and we can rely on His steadfast love and protection as we strive to walk in His ways.
Lastly, staying faithful to God’s covenant involves consistent communication with Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. These practices help us to deepen our relationship with God, understand His will for our lives, and receive the guidance and strength needed to uphold our end of the covenant. We can continually renew our commitment to faithfully follow Him by prioritizing our connection with God.
Application
Imagine you’ve been handpicked for the most important project at work, or chosen as the cornerstone of your family. You are special, loved, and trusted deeply. Just like in Deuteronomy 7:6-9, God has chosen you and counted on you. It’s time to live like you know this—to follow His ways, knowing He is always faithful. Are you ready to honor this trust and make a lasting impact for generations to come?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.