Topical Bible: The Jews: A Holy Nation

◄ The Jews: A Holy Nation ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Jews, also known as the Israelites or Hebrews, are a people chosen by God to be His special possession and a holy nation. This designation is rooted in the covenantal relationship established between God and the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and later reaffirmed through Moses and the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai.

Covenantal Beginnings

The origins of the Jewish people as a holy nation can be traced back to God's call to Abram (later Abraham) in Genesis 12:1-3, where God promises to make him a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. This covenant is further elaborated in Genesis 17:7, where God declares, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you" .

The Exodus and the Law

The identity of the Jews as a holy nation is solidified during the Exodus from Egypt. God delivers the Israelites from slavery and leads them to Mount Sinai, where He establishes a covenant with them. In Exodus 19:5-6, God proclaims, "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 passage underscores the unique role of the Jews as a people set apart for God's purposes.

The Law and Holiness

The giving of the Law, encapsulated in the Ten Commandments and the broader Mosaic Law, serves as a guide for the Israelites to live as a holy nation. The Law covers various aspects of life, including moral, ceremonial, and civil regulations, all designed to reflect God's holiness. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy’" . This call to holiness is central to the Jewish identity and mission.

Prophetic Witness and Restoration

Throughout their history, the Jews often struggled to live up to their calling as a holy nation. The prophets frequently called the people back to faithfulness, warning of judgment while also promising restoration. Isaiah 49:6 highlights the broader purpose of Israel's election: "I will also make you a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth" . This prophetic vision points to the Jews' role in God's redemptive plan for all humanity.

The New Covenant and the Jewish People

In the New Testament, the concept of a holy nation is expanded to include all who believe in Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile. However, the Jewish people retain a special place in God's plan. Romans 11:1-2 affirms, "I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew" . The apostle Paul emphasizes that God's promises to Israel remain intact, and there is a future hope for their full inclusion.

Cultural and Religious Identity

Today, the Jewish people continue to maintain a distinct cultural and religious identity, rooted in their historical covenant with God. Jewish traditions, festivals, and practices serve as reminders of their unique calling and heritage. Despite the challenges and persecutions faced throughout history, the Jews remain a testament to God's faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises.

In summary, the Jews as a holy nation represent a central theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating God's desire to set apart a people for Himself, through whom He would reveal His character and purposes to the world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 19:6
And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

No Salvation to the Jews Except through Christ.
... Chapter XXVI."No salvation to the Jews except through Christ ... having His reward, and
His work before His face: and He shall call it a holy nation, redeemed by ...
/.../chapter xxvi no salvation to the.htm

Salvation to the Jews
... Notwithstanding Israel's failure as a nation, there remained among ... it was composed
of these faithful Jews who recognized ... If the first fruit be holy, the lump ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 35 salvation to the.htm

The Dispersion of the Jews, and their Desolate Condition for ...
... Now, since you join the Jews in denying that their ... wise artificer;" [3417] that is,
His Holy Spirit, who ... dews of divine grace were withdrawn from the nation. ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxiii the dispersion of the.htm

When the Nation of the Picts Received the Faith of Christ. [565 AD ...
... But then the most reverend and holy father and priest, Egbert, of the English nation,
who had ... keep on the fourteenth of the moon with the Jews, as some ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iv when the nation.htm

How Pompey had the City of Jerusalem Delivered up to Him but Took ...
... Now of the Jews were slain twelve thousand; but of ... But there was nothing that affected
the nation so much ... they were then under, as that their holy place, which ...
/.../chapter 7 how pompey had.htm

How the Romans Carried their Ensigns to the Temple, and Made ...
... on each side; those of the Jewish nation about Sinran ... brought your people, your city,
and your holy house to ... that would choose to assist the Jews before the ...
/.../chapter 6 how the romans.htm

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... Josephus was making this exhortation to the Jews, many of ... that arms were never given
to our nation, but that ... suppose that such as inhabit this holy place ought ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

The Situation of the Jews During this Period.
... seen in earlier chapters, the declarations of Holy Writ make it ... before that glad
time arrives, the Jews have to ... been the past experiences of "the nation of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/5 the situation of the.htm

Prediction About the Christians in Zechariah the Malignant Way ...
... Christians in Zechariah The malignant way which the Jews have in ... He is raised up
out of His holy clouds ... in the land of Babylon, where your nation were prisoners ...
/.../chapter cxv prediction about the christians.htm

The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar ... kindred, and tongue,
and people, and nation," 5:9 ... Hosea 14:8 to the pious Jews, who seemed ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm