The term "The People of the LORD" refers to those who are chosen, called, and set apart by God to be His own possession. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, beginning with the nation of Israel and extending to the Church in the New Testament. The People of the LORD are characterized by their covenant relationship with God, their commitment to His commandments, and their role as witnesses to His glory among the nations.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, the People of the LORD primarily refers to the Israelites, whom God chose as His special possession. This choice is first articulated in Genesis 12:1-3, where God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. This promise is reiterated and expanded in Genesis 17:7, where God establishes an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants.

The identity of Israel as the People of the LORD is further solidified at Mount Sinai, where God gives the Law through Moses. In Exodus 19:5-6 , God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This covenantal relationship is central to Israel's identity and mission.

Throughout the Old Testament, the prophets remind Israel of their unique status and call them to faithfulness. For instance, in Deuteronomy 7:6 , Moses tells the Israelites, "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, above all peoples on the face of the earth."

New Testament Expansion

With the coming of Jesus Christ, the concept of the People of the LORD expands to include Gentiles who believe in Him. The New Testament reveals that the Church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is now the People of God. This is articulated in 1 Peter 2:9-10 , where Peter writes, "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."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes this inclusion in Ephesians 2:11-13 , explaining that Gentiles, who were once "excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise," have been brought near by the blood of Christ. This new identity as the People of the LORD is based on faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Characteristics and Responsibilities

The People of the LORD are called to live in a manner that reflects their holy status. This includes obedience to God's commandments, love for one another, and a commitment to justice and righteousness. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet summarizes this calling: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Moreover, the People of the LORD are tasked with being witnesses to God's glory and proclaiming His salvation to the ends of the earth. Isaiah 43:10 states, "You are My witnesses, declares the LORD, and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He."

Eschatological Hope

The People of the LORD also hold an eschatological hope, looking forward to the fulfillment of God's promises in the new heavens and new earth. Revelation 21:3 captures this hope: "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 ultimate consummation underscores the eternal nature of the relationship between God and His people.