Psalm 135:4 states that God chose Jacob for Himself—is this concept of divine favoritism at odds with the broader biblical theme of God’s universal love for all people?

1. The Statement of Psalm 135:4 and Its Immediate Context

Psalm 135:4 reads, “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession.” The immediate context of Psalm 135 is a poetic call to praise the LORD for His acts of creation, deliverance of His people, and ongoing provision. Within this hymn, the reference to God’s choice of Jacob (a patriarch also known as Israel) highlights the biblical narrative of God forming a covenant people through whom He would bring blessing to all nations.

Multiple ancient manuscripts, including portions found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, attest to the textual consistency of the Psalms. These consistent manuscripts underscore that the ancient community understood this verse as integral to the theology of divine election—God uniquely selecting one family line to accomplish His redemptive purposes in human history.

2. Understanding Divine Election in Light of Universal Love

A key question that arises is whether God’s choosing of one particular nation represents exclusion of others. Scripture presents a cohesive answer. While Jacob (Israel) is indeed singled out as a conduit of divine blessing, the broader biblical storyline emphasizes that this particular selection is part of God’s universal plan of salvation.

• Universal Offer of Salvation:

– John 3:16 affirms, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” This foundational verse opens salvation to “whoever believes,” illustrating the universality of God’s love.

– 1 Timothy 2:4 speaks of God’s desire for “all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

• Abrahamic Blessing for All Nations:

– Even before Jacob, God called Abraham and promised, “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you” (Genesis 12:3). Jacob stands within this lineage, entrusted with preserving divine revelation and carrying forward God’s promise that ultimately benefits all peoples.

• Inclusivity in the Prophets:

– Prophetic texts such as Isaiah 49:6 reiterate that Israel is to be “a light for the nations,” so that salvation may “reach to the ends of the earth.” Chosen status is portrayed as a means to invite and illuminate, not to exclude others.

3. The Purpose and Nature of God’s Choice

God’s choice of Jacob does not indicate preference based on merit, nor does it suggest an absence of love for the rest of humanity. Rather, it underscores divine grace. Throughout Genesis, Jacob’s flaws and struggles are on full display, showing that election is neither earned nor deserved. Instead, Scripture reveals:

• Instrument of Blessing:

– Israel’s role is often depicted as a “kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6), a mediating nation through which God would make Himself known.

– The chosen people bear responsibility to uphold and proclaim God’s truth, point to His holiness, and reflect His moral standards to the world.

• Culmination in Christ:

– The ultimate outworking of this choice is found in Jesus, born from the line of Jacob (Matthew 1:2–16). Through the Messiah, the promise extends universally to Gentiles, Samaritans, and all ethnic groups.

4. Archaeological and Historical Corroborations

The historical existence of ancient Israel lends reliability to the biblical narrative of a people chosen for a unique divine mission. Numerous archaeological findings, such as the Merneptah Stele (circa 13th century BC) and references to the “House of David” on the Tel Dan Stele (9th century BC), provide evidence that Israel was recognized historically as a distinct nation. These discoveries support the premise that Israel’s identity as God’s covenant people was understood in antiquity and handed down through written records consistent with the biblical narrative.

Such external corroborations, while not proving spiritual truths by themselves, demonstrate the feasibility of these events and the ongoing preservation of Israel’s self-understanding as a chosen people. The reliability of Old Testament manuscripts, further confirmed by finds like the Dead Sea Scrolls, strengthens the credibility of the biblical text.

5. Harmony between Divine Election and Universal Compassion

The entire scriptural record portrays God’s heart extending far beyond one lineage. A holistic reading shows that God’s choosing of Jacob (Israel) was a strategic decision meant to establish a witness for the world. Rather than being at odds with God’s universal love, Jacob’s election is a foundational step toward the fulfillment of that love:

• Blessing Flows Outward:

– Through Israel’s history, God’s redemptive plan moved forward, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

– After Christ’s resurrection, the gospel’s spread among all nations (Acts 1:8) flows directly from the lineage and promises made to Jacob.

• Consistency of God’s Character:

– Scripture consistently affirms that God’s lovingkindness reaches the nations (Psalm 117:1–2).

– God’s faithfulness to Israel is an example and assurance that He remains faithful in His commitments to “all who call on Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).

6. Conclusion

Psalm 135:4, “For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession,” highlights a central biblical theme: God elected a specific people for a distinct purpose, ensuring the revelation of spiritual truth and ultimately bringing salvation to the world through the promised Messiah. Far from excluding others from divine grace, this formative choice extends hope to all humanity.

In the broader canon of Scripture, election and universal love are not in conflict. Rather, they work in tandem: God’s particular choice of Jacob serves the universal scope of His love, culminating in the good news that “there is no distinction between Jew and Greek… for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:12–13). This is the marvelous harmony of divine election and a God who desires all to come to salvation.