For you are a people holy to the LORD your God.This phrase emphasizes the concept of holiness, which means being set apart for a special purpose. In the context of ancient Israel, holiness was not just a moral or ethical state but a status conferred by God. The Israelites were to be distinct from the surrounding nations in their worship, lifestyle, and obedience to God's commandments. This idea of being set apart is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are called to be holy (
1 Peter 1:15-16). The holiness of Israel was both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring them to live according to God's laws.
The LORD your God has chosen you
The concept of divine election is central here. God's choice of Israel was not based on their merit or size but on His sovereign will and love (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). This election is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's initiative in establishing a covenant relationship with His people. In the New Testament, this theme is expanded to include all who believe in Christ, as seen inEphesians 1:4-5, where believers are described as chosen before the foundation of the world.
to be a people for His prized possession
The term "prized possession" indicates a special treasure or valued property. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a king's treasured possession was something he valued above all else. This reflects the intimate and cherished relationship God desired with Israel. This concept is mirrored in1 Peter 2:9, where the church is described as a "chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession," highlighting the continuity of God's plan from Israel to the church.
out of all peoples on the face of the earth.
This phrase underscores the universal scope of God's sovereignty and His particular choice of Israel among all nations. It highlights the uniqueness of Israel's calling and mission to be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6). This selection was not for Israel's benefit alone but was intended to bring blessing to all nations, a promise first given to Abraham inGenesis 12:3. The ultimate fulfillment of this promise is found in Jesus Christ, through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:8).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe author of Deuteronomy, delivering God's laws and instructions to the Israelites.
2.
IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who are being addressed in this passage.
3.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who has chosen the Israelites as His special possession.
4.
Promised LandThe land of Canaan, which the Israelites are preparing to enter and possess as promised by God.
5.
CovenantThe agreement between God and the Israelites, where they are to follow His commandments and He will be their God.
Teaching Points
Chosen and Set ApartUnderstand that being chosen by God is a call to holiness and distinctiveness in the world.
God's Sovereign ChoiceRecognize that God's choice is based on His love and purpose, not on human merit or achievement.
Identity and PurposeEmbrace your identity as part of God's people, with a purpose to reflect His character and glory.
Faithfulness to the CovenantLive in obedience to God's commands as a response to His covenantal love and faithfulness.
Universal ApplicationWhile this passage speaks directly to Israel, it also foreshadows the inclusion of all believers as God's chosen people through Christ.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 7:6?
2.How does Deuteronomy 7:6 define our identity as God's chosen people today?
3.What responsibilities come with being "a people holy to the LORD"?
4.How does being "chosen" relate to New Testament teachings on believers' identity?
5.How can we live out our holiness in daily life and decisions?
6.What actions demonstrate our commitment to being "His treasured possession" now?
7.Why does Deuteronomy 7:6 emphasize Israel as a chosen people above others?
8.How does Deuteronomy 7:6 align with the concept of God's universal love?
9.What historical context led to the writing of Deuteronomy 7:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 7?
11.Does Psalm 117 conflict with other biblical passages that imply exclusivity or a chosen people, such as Deuteronomy 7:6, and if so, how?
12.What defines collectivism?
13.Why was Israel chosen by God?
14.What was the significance of Kristallnacht?What Does Deuteronomy 7:6 Mean
For you are a people holy to the LORD your God.God declares Israel “holy,” meaning He literally set them apart for His own purposes. This holiness is not earned but bestowed, as seen earlier inExodus 19:5-6 where the nation is called “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Because Scripture is entirely accurate, we understand that:
• Holiness speaks of separation from the world’s idolatry (Leviticus 20:26).
• It carries the positive charge to mirror God’s character, much like1 Peter 1:15-16 later urges believers to “be holy, because I am holy.”
The LORD your God has chosen youThis choice is God’s sovereign act of love.Deuteronomy 10:15 says, “Yet the LORD set His affection on your ancestors and loved them, and He chose you.” Key thoughts:
• The initiative is God’s, not Israel’s merit (Deuteronomy 7:7-8).
• His choosing displays unwavering covenant faithfulness (Psalm 33:12).
• In the New Testament, the same pattern of gracious election is applied to all who are in Christ (Ephesians 1:4).
to be a people for His prized possession“Prized possession” (sometimes rendered “treasured possession”) conveys deep value.Exodus 19:5 parallels this: “you shall be My treasured possession.” Consider:
• God protects and cherishes what is His (Malachi 3:17: “They will be Mine … I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him”).
• The idea carries forward to the church, where believers are described as “a people for His own possession” (Titus 2:14;1 Peter 2:9).
• The literal treasure language underscores God’s intimate commitment to His people.
out of all peoples on the face of the earth.Here God highlights Israel’s unique role among nations.Genesis 12:1-3 promised that through Abraham’s line all families of the earth would be blessed, affirming:
• Election has a global purpose; Israel’s distinctiveness becomes a channel of blessing (Isaiah 49:6).
•Amos 3:2 reminds Israel, “You only have I known of all the families of the earth,” emphasizing both privilege and responsibility.
•Romans 9:4-5 confirms that to Israel belong “the covenants,” showing God’s plan never wavers.
summaryDeuteronomy 7:6 asserts, with literal certainty, that God set Israel apart, chose them in love, values them as His special treasure, and did so distinctly among all nations. The verse reveals God’s faithful character, His sovereign grace, and His missionary heartbeat to bless the world through a people wholly devoted to Him.
(6)
An holy people.--Not merely "a holy nation" (as in
Exodus 19:6), but "a holy
people" i.e.,a
stateof which holiness to Jehovah was the very constitution. If God pleased to establish such a state, manifestly its laws could allow no toleration of anything displeasing to Him. And it is also manifest that nothing but Divine revelation would authorise the establishment of such a constitution.
A special people.--The same word with the "peculiar treasure" ofExodus 19:5 and the "jewels" ofMalachi 3:17. The private property of King David is described by the same word (1Chronicles 29:3), "mine own proper good." (See alsoDeuteronomy 14:2;Deuteronomy 26:18;Psalm 135:4 ) . . .
Verse 6. -
An holy people; a people consecrated to God, to be holy as he is holy (cf.
Leviticus 11:43-45;
Leviticus 19:2;
Leviticus 20:26;
Leviticus 21:6;
Deuteronomy 23:14).
A special people unto himself; literally,
to be to him for a people of property (
סְגֻלָּה), a people his own, his peculiar property (cf.
Exodus 19:5;
Deuteronomy 14:2;
Deuteronomy 26:18; and, for the meaning of the word,
1 Chronicles 29:3, "mine own proper good;"
Ecclesiastes 2:8, "peculiar treasure of kings"); LXX.,
λαὸς περιούσιος, applied by St. Paul to Christians as the chosen and special property of Christ (
Titus 2:14:). Above all people; rather,
out of or
from among all the peoples.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Forכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionyouאַתָּ֔ה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youare a peopleעַ֤ם(‘am)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockholyקָדוֹשׁ֙(qā·ḏō·wōš)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6918:Sacred, God, an angel, a saint, a sanctuaryunto the LORDלַיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour God.אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeThe LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour Godאֱלֹהֶ֗יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativehas chosenבָּחַ֣ר ׀(bā·ḥar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 977:To try, selectyou to beלִהְי֥וֹת(lih·yō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, beas a peopleלְעַ֣ם(lə·‘am)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockfor His prized possession,סְגֻלָּ֔ה(sə·ḡul·lāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5459:Possession, propertyabove allמִכֹּל֙(mik·kōl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everypeoplesהָֽעַמִּ֔ים(hā·‘am·mîm)Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe faceפְּנֵ֥י(pə·nê)Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceof the earth.הָאֲדָמָֽה׃(hā·’ă·ḏā·māh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 127:Ground, land
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a holy people (Deut. De Du) 
