In the biblical context, "The People" often refers to the collective group of individuals who are part of God's covenant community. This term is used throughout the Scriptures to denote those who are chosen, called, and set apart by God for His purposes. The concept of "The People" is central to understanding the narrative of the Bible, as it encompasses the identity, mission, and destiny of those who belong to God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, "The People" primarily refers to the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God established a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2). This promise was reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, and it was through Jacob's twelve sons that the twelve tribes of Israel were formed. The Israelites are frequently referred to as "the people of God" or "My people" in the Scriptures.

Exodus 6:7 states, "I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians." This verse highlights the covenant relationship between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their identity as His chosen people.

Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites are called to be a holy nation, set apart to serve and worship God. Leviticus 26:12 declares, "I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be My people." This relationship is marked by God's laws, commandments, and statutes, which the Israelites are to follow as a sign of their covenant with Him.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of "The People" expands to include not only the Jews but also the Gentiles who come to faith in Jesus Christ. This inclusion is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through him (Genesis 12:3). The New Testament church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is seen as the new people of God.

1 Peter 2:9-10 articulates this expanded identity: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." This passage underscores the spiritual identity and mission of believers as God's people.

The Apostle Paul further explains this unity in Ephesians 2:14-15 : "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace." Through Christ, the barriers between Jew and Gentile are removed, and all believers are united as one people.

Theological Significance

Theologically, "The People" signifies those who are in a covenant relationship with God, marked by faith, obedience, and worship. This identity is not based on ethnicity or nationality but on faith in Jesus Christ. The people of God are called to live according to His will, reflecting His character and proclaiming His glory to the world.

The concept of "The People" also carries eschatological implications, as it points to the ultimate gathering of God's people in the new heaven and new earth. Revelation 21:3 proclaims, "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'" This future hope underscores the eternal relationship between God and His people, where they will dwell together in perfect harmony.