The term "Jews" refers to the descendants of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and more specifically, the people of the tribe of Judah, one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Over time, "Jews" became a designation for the entire Hebrew nation, especially after the Babylonian exile. The Jews are often referred to as a "holy people" in the Bible, a designation that underscores their unique covenant relationship with God and their role in His divine plan.

Chosen by God

The concept of the Jews as a holy people is rooted in their selection by God as His chosen people. In Deuteronomy 7:6 , it is written, "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." This selection was not based on their numbers or power but on God's love and His covenant with their forefathers (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).

Covenant and Law

The holiness of the Jewish people is closely tied to the covenant established between God and Abraham, and later reaffirmed with Isaac and Jacob. This covenant was further expanded at Mount Sinai, where God gave the Law to Moses. The Law, including the Ten Commandments, set the Jews apart from other nations, providing them with a distinct identity and a code of conduct that reflected God's holiness. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’"

Priestly Nation

The Jews were called to be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6). This priestly role involved mediating God's presence and blessings to the world, serving as a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). The Jewish people were to live in a way that demonstrated God's righteousness and justice, thereby attracting other nations to the worship of the one true God.

The Promised Land

The holiness of the Jewish people is also connected to the land promised to them by God. The land of Canaan was given to the descendants of Abraham as an everlasting possession (Genesis 17:8). The land itself was to be a place where God's laws were observed, and His presence dwelt among His people. The Jews' occupation of the land was contingent upon their faithfulness to God's commandments, as seen in the blessings and curses outlined in Deuteronomy 28.

Messianic Hope

The Jewish people have a central role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the coming of the Messiah. The prophets foretold that the Messiah would come from the line of David, a Jew, and would bring salvation not only to Israel but to all nations (Isaiah 11:1-10). This messianic hope is a key aspect of Jewish identity and their understanding of their holy calling.

Preservation and Restoration

Throughout history, the Jews have faced numerous challenges, including exile and persecution. Yet, the Bible affirms God's commitment to preserving His people. Jeremiah 31:35-37 speaks of God's enduring covenant with Israel, promising that they will never cease to be a nation before Him. The prophetic writings also speak of a future restoration, where the Jews will return to their land and experience a renewed relationship with God (Ezekiel 36:24-28).

The New Covenant

In the New Testament, the concept of a holy people is expanded to include all who believe in Jesus Christ, the Jewish Messiah. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:16 , "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." The early church, composed of both Jews and Gentiles, is described as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation" (1 Peter 2:9), reflecting the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 22:18).

The Jews, as a holy people, continue to hold a significant place in God's plan, serving as a testament to His faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive purposes throughout history.Deuteronomy 7:6
For you are an holy people to the LORD your God: the LORD your God has chosen you to be a special people to himself, above all people that are on the face of the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 14:21
You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself: you shall give it to the stranger that is in your gates, that he may eat it; or you may sell it to an alien: for you are an holy people to the LORD your God. You shall not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Great Distress the Jews were in Upon the Conflagration of the ...
... Thus also before the Jews' rebellion, and before those ... which preceded the war, when
the people were come ... a light shone round the altar and the holy house, that ...
/.../chapter 5 the great distress.htm

The Gospel was Preached to Jews and Gentiles in Hades.
... For God is not only Lord of the Jews, but of all men, and more nearly the ... then, the
people was precious to the Lord, so also is the entire holy people; he also ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter vi the gospel was preached.htm

The Hard-Heartedness of the Jews, for whom the Christians Pray.
... Chapter CXXXIII."The hard-heartedness of the Jews, for whom the ... Why do you wrong
my people, and put to shame the ... near, and let the counsel of the Holy One of ...
/.../chapter cxxxiii the hard-heartedness of the.htm

No Salvation to the Jews Except through Christ.
... Chapter XXVI."No salvation to the Jews except through Christ ... Assuredly they shall
receive the holy inheritance of God ... Thee for a covenant of the people, for a ...
/.../chapter xxvi no salvation to the.htm

The Scattering of the People
... heathen land far from Jerusalem, his beloved and holy city ... But to those Jews who
had no trust in God to ... Jerusalem, and led many thousands of her people away to ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter v the scattering of.htm

In Palestine - Jews and Gentiles in the Land' - their Mutual ...
... to surround and command Jerusalem and the Jews on all ... he would have earnestly striven
to Grecianise the people. ... which hung above the entrance to the Holy Place ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vii in palestine -.htm

Cestius Sends Neopolitanus the Tribune to See in what Condition ...
... an example to other nations, burn your holy city, and ... Nay, indeed, the danger concerns
not those Jews that dwell ... cities also; for there is no people upon the ...
/.../chapter 16 cestius sends neopolitanus.htm

Dialogue of Justin, Philosopher and Martyr, with Trypho
... before Christ comes; in whom Christians, since they believe, are far more religious
than Jews. Chapter CXIX.--Christians are the holy people promised to ...
/.../justin/dialogue of justin philosopher and martyr with trypho/

Why the Passover is Said to be that of the "Jews. " Its ...
... the people when it does not sin is the people of God ... said to be that not of the Lord,
but of the Jews. ... of the Lord, which ye shall call chosen, holy." From the ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/11 why the passover is.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... weeks," he says, "are cut short upon thy people and upon ... certainly, but none of them
was called the Holy of holies ... Nor is it any use for the Jews to take refuge ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

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