For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession out of all peoples on the face of the earth. For you are a people holyThe Hebrew word for "holy" is "קָדוֹשׁ" (qadosh), which signifies being set apart, sacred, or consecrated. In the context of ancient Israel, this holiness was not merely a moral or ethical state but a positional one, indicating that the Israelites were set apart for a special purpose by God. This concept of holiness is foundational in understanding the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It underscores the idea that Israel was to live distinctively, reflecting God's character and commands in their daily lives. to the LORD your God
The phrase "to the LORD your God" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between Israel and Yahweh. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) is significant as it is the personal name of God revealed to Moses, denoting His eternal, self-existent nature. This relationship is not distant or abstract but intimate and personal, highlighting God's commitment to His people and their identity as belonging to Him. The LORD your God has chosen you
The concept of being "chosen" is rooted in the Hebrew word "בָּחַר" (bachar), which means to select or elect. This divine election is an act of grace, not based on Israel's merit but on God's sovereign will and love. Historically, this choice is seen in God's call to Abraham and the establishment of the covenant, which set Israel apart as a nation with a unique role in God's redemptive plan. to be a people for His prized possession
The term "prized possession" translates the Hebrew "סְגֻלָּה" (segullah), which refers to a treasured possession or special property. This imagery conveys the value and affection God places on Israel, akin to a king's most cherished treasure. It implies a protective and nurturing relationship, where God is both the owner and guardian of His people, ensuring their well-being and purpose. above all peoples on the face of the earth
This phrase highlights the distinctiveness and preeminence of Israel among the nations. It is not a statement of superiority in terms of inherent worth but a declaration of their unique role and responsibility in God's plan. Historically, Israel's position "above all peoples" was to serve as a light to the nations, demonstrating God's righteousness and justice. This calling was both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring faithfulness to God's covenant and laws. Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites. 2. IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are being addressed in this passage. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who has chosen the Israelites as His special possession. 4. Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and possess as promised by God. 5. CovenantThe agreement between God and the Israelites, where they are to follow His commandments and He will be their God. Teaching Points Chosen and Set ApartUnderstand that being chosen by God is a call to holiness and distinctiveness in the world. God's Sovereign ChoiceRecognize that God's choice is based on His love and purpose, not on human merit or achievement. Identity and PurposeEmbrace your identity as part of God's people, with a purpose to reflect His character and glory. Faithfulness to the CovenantLive in obedience to God's commands as a response to His covenantal love and faithfulness. Universal ApplicationWhile this passage speaks directly to Israel, it also foreshadows the inclusion of all believers as God's chosen people through Christ. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding the concept of being "holy to the LORD" influence your daily life and decisions? 2. In what ways can you reflect the identity of being God's "prized possession" in your community? 3. How does the idea of being chosen by God challenge or encourage you in your faith journey? 4. What parallels can you draw between the covenant relationship God had with Israel and the new covenant through Jesus Christ? 5. How can you apply the principles of holiness and obedience from this passage to your current life circumstances? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 19:5-6This passage also speaks of Israel as a treasured possession and a kingdom of priests, emphasizing their unique role and calling. 1 Peter 2:9The New Testament reiterates the concept of being a chosen people, a royal priesthood, applying it to believers in Christ. Leviticus 20:26Highlights the call to holiness, as God is holy, reinforcing the idea of being set apart. Romans 11:1-2Discusses God's continued faithfulness to Israel, affirming His unchanging promises. Ephesians 1:4Speaks of believers being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, drawing a parallel to Israel's chosen status. People Amorites, Canaanites, Egyptians, Girgashite, Girgashites, Hittites, Hivite, Hivites, Jebusites, Moses, Perizzites, Perrizites, PharaohPlaces Beth-baal-peor, EgyptTopics Chosen, Face, Fixed, Ground, Holy, Marked, Nations, Peculiar, Peoples, Possession, Special, Treasure, TreasuredDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 7:6 1349 covenant, at Sinai
5591 treasure
5763 attitudes, positive to God
6622 choice
7021 church, OT anticipations
7032 unity, God's people
7125 elect, the
7135 Israel, people of God
7155 saints
7923 fellowship, in gospel
8203 character
8214 confidence, basis of
8270 holiness, set apart
8272 holiness, growth in
8341 separation Deuteronomy 7:1-6 7258 promised land, early history
8269 holiness, separation from worldly Deuteronomy 7:1-8 6512 salvation, necessity and basis Deuteronomy 7:6-8 1443 revelation, OT
5424 nationalism
6640 election, privileges
7141 people of God, OT Library God's Faithfulness
'Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him.'--DEUT. vii. 9. 'Faithful,' like most Hebrew words, has a picture in it. It means something that can be (1) leant on, or (2) builded on. This leads to a double signification--(1) trustworthy, and that because (2) rigidly observant of obligations. So the word applies to a steward, a friend, or a witness. Its most wonderful and sublime application is to God. It presents to …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureMatch-Making.
SECTION I. THE RELATION OF PARENTS TO THE MARRIAGE CHOICE OF THEIR CHILDREN. "Youth longeth for a kindred spirit, and yet yearneth for a heart that can commune with his own; Take heed that what charmeth thee is real, nor springeth of thine own imagination; And suffer not trifles to win thy love; for a wife is thine unto death!" One of the most affecting scenes of home-life is that of the bridal hour! Though in one sense it is a scene of joy and festivity; yet in another, it is one of deep sadness. …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home The First Covenant
"Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice, and keep My covenant, ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me."--EX. xix. 5. "He declared unto you His covenant, which He commanded you to perform, even ten commandments."--DEUT. iv. 13.i "If ye keep these judgments, the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant,"--DEUT. vii. 12. "I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, not according to the covenant which I made with their fathers, which My covenant they brake."--JER. xxxi. 31, 32. WE have …
Andrew Murray—The Two Covenants That the Employing Of, and Associating with the Malignant Party, According as is Contained in the Public Resolutions, is Sinful and Unlawful.
That The Employing Of, And Associating With The Malignant Party, According As Is Contained In The Public Resolutions, Is Sinful And Unlawful. If there be in the land a malignant party of power and policy, and the exceptions contained in the Act of Levy do comprehend but few of that party, then there need be no more difficulty to prove, that the present public resolutions and proceedings do import an association and conjunction with a malignant party, than to gather a conclusion from clear premises. …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation
"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God" (Rom. 11:22). In the last chapter when treating of the Sovereignty of God the Father in Salvation, we examined seven passages which represent Him as making a choice from among the children of men, and predestinating certain ones to be conformed to the image of His Son. The thoughtful reader will naturally ask, And what of those who were not "ordained to eternal life?" The answer which is usually returned to this question, even by those who profess …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God Why all Things Work for Good
1. The grand reason why all things work for good, is the near and dear interest which God has in His people. The Lord has made a covenant with them. "They shall be my people, and I will be their God" (Jer. xxxii. 38). By virtue of this compact, all things do, and must work, for good to them. "I am God, even thy God" (Psalm l. 7). This word, Thy God,' is the sweetest word in the Bible, it implies the best relations; and it is impossible there should be these relations between God and His people, and …
Thomas Watson—A Divine Cordial John's Introduction.
^D John I. 1-18. ^d 1 In the beginning was the Word [a title for Jesus peculiar to the apostle John], and the Word was with God [not going before nor coming after God, but with Him at the beginning], and the Word was God. [Not more, not less.] 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him [the New Testament often speaks of Christ as the Creator--see ver. 10; I. Cor. viii. 6; Col. i. 13, 17; Heb. i. 2]; and without him was not anything made that hath been made. [This …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity The Covenant of Grace
Q-20: DID GOD LEAVE ALL MANKIND TO PERISH 1N THE ESTATE OF SIN AND MISERY? A: No! He entered into a covenant of grace to deliver the elect out of that state, and to bring them into a state of grace by a Redeemer. 'I will make an everlasting covenant with you.' Isa 55:5. Man being by his fall plunged into a labyrinth of misery, and having no way left to recover himself, God was pleased to enter into a new covenant with him, and to restore him to life by a Redeemer. The great proposition I shall go …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Deuteronomy
Owing to the comparatively loose nature of the connection between consecutive passages in the legislative section, it is difficult to present an adequate summary of the book of Deuteronomy. In the first section, i.-iv. 40, Moses, after reviewing the recent history of the people, and showing how it reveals Jehovah's love for Israel, earnestly urges upon them the duty of keeping His laws, reminding them of His spirituality and absoluteness. Then follows the appointment, iv. 41-43--here irrelevant (cf. …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Deuteronomy 7:6 NIVDeuteronomy 7:6 NLTDeuteronomy 7:6 ESVDeuteronomy 7:6 NASBDeuteronomy 7:6 KJV
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