If all humans are equal, why does God show favoritism to Israel over other nations?

The Universal Dignity of Humanity

All human beings share the same intrinsic worth, rooted in the truth that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). Across the biblical narrative, God’s care for humanity as a whole is evident, from His concern for all nations in Genesis 10 to prophecies such as Isaiah 49:6 that point to salvation’s reach extending to the ends of the earth. This consistent scriptural testimony affirms that each individual, regardless of ethnicity or background, is precious and valuable.

Yet, the question arises when observing that the biblical text describes one nation, Israel, receiving a special status in God’s plan. The apparent tension here prompts a deeper look into why He would name Israel His “treasured” people, and how that fits with the ideal of equal value for all people.

Divine Election Explained

In several passages, God’s choice of Israel appears explicit. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, “For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.” This divine election—or choosing—does not negate the worth of other ethnic groups. Instead, it highlights Israel’s unique calling within God’s overarching plan of redemption.

Election in biblical thought is less about favoritism in a discriminatory sense and more about divine purpose. A close reading of Deuteronomy 7:7–8 reveals that God chose Israel not because of their own merits or superiority, but as part of His covenant faithfulness. In other words, election serves to accomplish His broader salvation plan rather than to elevate Israel as inherently more deserving than any other people.

A Covenant with a Purpose

The Covenantal framework—initiated with Abraham (Genesis 12:1–3) and reaffirmed through figures such as Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and David—reveals a consistent theme: God vows to bless all nations through the descendants of Abraham. The covenant is never about Israel’s benefit alone. Rather, it is a vehicle for a wider blessing. In Genesis 12:3, God promises, “All the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

This block of Old Testament teaching situates Israel as a conduit of divine revelation and eventual salvation for the whole world, pointing forward to the Messiah’s arrival. Thus, the so-called preferential treatment is tightly bound to a responsibility toward all of humanity.

Israel’s Role in Redemptive History

Prophets and psalms often reiterate that Israel is chosen to be a “light for the Gentiles” (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6). This idea is expanded in the New Testament, as Jesus Himself affirms that “salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). The Messiah, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets, steps into history through the genealogical line of Israel to redeem both Jew and Gentile.

Historical developments in Israel’s story—captivity, exile, and return—showcase God’s faithful hand in preserving them to bless all peoples. Archaeological artifacts, such as the Merneptah Stele (ca. 1200 BC), document Israel’s existence in Canaan, consistently aligning with biblical references to a distinct group called by God. These outside attestations reinforce the unique and purposeful role Israel held in displaying God’s character and redemptive plan.

No Partiality in Worth

Scripture also declares that “God does not show favoritism” (Romans 2:11). The special role of Israel does not nullify that truth; it demonstrates God’s method of unfolding salvation. Later, the New Testament underscores that both Jew and Gentile stand on equal footing before Christ. Galatians 3:28–29 confirms, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.”

Here, divine election becomes a gateway by which Gentiles, too, are grafted into God’s family (Romans 11:17–21). The privilege and wealth of spiritual blessings once found exclusively in Israel’s covenant community become open to all who place their faith in the Messiah.

Responsibility Accompanies Calling

Israel’s calling is tethered to responsibility rather than indulgence. Time and again, God corrects Israel for unfaithfulness, admonishing them that with the privilege of revelation comes the expectation of obedience (Amos 3:2; Jeremiah 7:23–26). Their historical ups and downs—recorded in both Scripture and confirmed by textual and archaeological evidence (for example, the Babylonian conquest verified by the Babylonian Chronicles)—testify to a God who blesses obedience, disciplines disobedience, and stands ready to show mercy.

This pattern provides a template for understanding God’s way with every nation. Although there is a distinct covenant relationship with Israel, it points to a principle: everyone is accountable to the Creator’s moral standard, and each nation stands before Him equally in judgment or blessing.

A Blessing to All Nations

God’s overarching design is all-encompassing. The special focus on Israel paves the way for the Messiah’s entrance into the world. A unifying theme across the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament is that all tribes, tongues, and peoples find ultimate blessing in this promised King. Consequently, Israel’s favored status serves as the channel for extending grace worldwide.

Genesis 22:18 reiterates the same promise: “Through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” This forward-looking element unveils the selfless nature of God’s plan: though Israel is chosen, the outcome of that choice extends to every corner of humanity.

Conclusion

The biblical account portrays every person as equally valued while also describing Israel’s specific role in God’s saving work. Far from negating human equality, this distinction serves God’s purpose of bringing salvation to all people. Through Israel’s covenant, the Messiah came forth, carrying redemptive hope for every nation. In this sense, the “favoritism” shown to Israel is actually an invitation for all people to encounter the grace of God and join the covenant family.

By recognizing Israel’s election as a function of divine purpose, rather than a statement of inherent superiority, the Scriptures uphold the shared dignity of humanity. Every person can share in the blessings originally promised through Israel, ultimately revealing God’s love for the entire human family.