The concept of the Jews as "The Lord's Portion" is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the unique relationship between God and the people of Israel. This designation underscores the special status of the Jewish people as chosen by God for His divine purposes.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of the Jews as God's portion is first introduced in the Pentateuch. In Deuteronomy 32:9 , it is written, "For the LORD’s portion is His people, Jacob His allotted inheritance." This verse highlights the intimate connection between God and Israel, portraying the nation as His treasured possession. The imagery of an inheritance suggests a deep, abiding commitment and a sense of belonging that is both exclusive and enduring.

Covenantal Relationship

The relationship between God and the Jews is fundamentally covenantal. The Abrahamic Covenant, as described in Genesis 12:1-3, establishes the foundation for this relationship, promising Abraham that his descendants would become a great nation through which all the families of the earth would be blessed. This covenant is reiterated and expanded upon in subsequent passages, such as Genesis 15 and 17, where God promises land, descendants, and a lasting relationship with Abraham's offspring.

The Mosaic Covenant further solidifies this relationship, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 : "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." Here, the Jews are called to a life of obedience and holiness, set apart for God's purposes.

Prophetic Affirmation

The prophets of Israel frequently reaffirm the Jews as the Lord's portion. In Isaiah 43:1 , God declares, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine." This personal claim emphasizes the enduring nature of God's commitment to His people, even amidst their failures and disobedience.

Jeremiah 10:16 also speaks to this unique relationship: "The Portion of Jacob is not like these, for He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the tribe of His inheritance—the LORD of Hosts is His name." This passage contrasts the living God with the idols of the nations, highlighting the distinctiveness of Israel's God and His people.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of the Jews as God's portion is expanded to include Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ. While the Jewish people retain their special status, the apostle Paul explains in Romans 11 that Gentiles are grafted into the rich root of Israel's olive tree. This inclusion does not negate the Jews' unique role but rather fulfills God's promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.

Theological Implications

The designation of the Jews as "The Lord's Portion" carries significant theological implications. It affirms God's sovereignty in choosing a people for Himself and His faithfulness in maintaining His covenant promises. This relationship serves as a testament to God's grace and mercy, as He remains committed to His people despite their shortcomings.

Furthermore, the Jews' role as God's portion underscores the call to holiness and obedience, serving as a model for all believers. As a kingdom of priests and a holy nation, the Jewish people are tasked with reflecting God's character and purposes to the world.

In summary, the Jews as "The Lord's Portion" is a profound biblical theme that highlights the special relationship between God and Israel, rooted in covenantal promises and extending to all who share in the faith of Abraham.Deuteronomy 32:9
For the LORD's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

How Much More Faithful to God the Gentiles are who are Converted ...
... more faithful to God the Gentiles are who are converted to Christ than the Jews. ...
to the numbers of the children of Israel; and the Lord's portion became His ...
/.../chapter cxxxi how much more faithful.htm

On the Lord's Passion iv. , Delivered on Wednesday in Holy Week.
... thoughts, what heart-searchings had ye, O Jews, when the ... wickedness, let us keep
[997] " the Lord's Passover with ... Martyr and others as a genuine portion of the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leo/writings of leo the great/sermon lv on the lords.htm

The Lord's Prayer for Unity.
... The most remarkable feature of this wonderful portion of the ... Taking Jews and Gentiles
Christ "makes in himself of ... There is one kingdom; the Lord says, "I will ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/the lords prayer for unity.htm

The Lord's Day --The Worship of the Apostolic Church --Its ...
... portion of the first century, the Christians and the Jews were frequently confounded.
It has often been asserted, that the Jews had a liturgy when our Lord ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the lords daythe.htm

Marcion Rejected the Preceding Portion of St. Luke's Gospel ...
... Chapter VII."Marcion Rejected the Preceding Portion of St. ... most faithful witness
of the Lord's nativity, kept ... 3656] the synagogue (like other Jews), yet the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter vii marcion rejected the preceding.htm

Expository Treatise against the Jews.
... unrighteously, O Israel, (and) whether that small portion of vinegar ... me, in my prayer
unto Thee, O Lord, I said ... mine enemies, deliver me," that the Jews may not ...
/.../expository treatise against the jews.htm

The Difference Between the Two Testaments.
... be understood as if the Lord had delivered his Law to the Jews without any ... For the
Lord's portion is his people; Jacob is the lot of his inheritance," (Deut.32 ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 the difference between.htm

The Lord's Supper.
... each of those who are present a portion of the ... holy Supper, was unfermented; for,
though our Lord distributed a ... bread was in ordinary use among the Jews at the ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the lords supper.htm

The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift
... they barred themselves in 'for fear of the Jews.' No doubt ... the salutation, 'Peace
be unto you!' Our Lord thereby marked off the previous portion of the ...
/.../the risen lords charge and.htm

Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and ...
... And never must we think that the Godhead is leader of Jews by lot, and ... himself for
the worship of the true God, says this, "He became Lord's portion;" and as ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput ix concerning the principalities.htm

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