Deuteronomy 7:6

KJV

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For thou art an holy {H6918} people {H5971} unto the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430}: the LORD {H3068} thy God {H430} hath chosen {H977} thee to be a special {H5459} people {H5971} unto himself, above all people {H5971} that are upon the face {H6440} of the earth {H127}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For you are a people set apart as holy for ADONAI your God. ADONAI your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his own unique treasure.

Berean Standard Bible

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 out of all peoples on the face of the earth.

American Standard Version

For thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 7:6 stands as a profound declaration of Israel's unique identity and purpose, rooted entirely in the sovereign election and steadfast love of the LORD God. It articulates that Israel is not merely one nation among many, but a people set apart, consecrated, and singularly chosen by God to be His treasured possession, distinguished above all other peoples on earth by virtue of His gracious and unmerited favor. This verse serves as a foundational theological statement, underpinning the covenant relationship and calling Israel to a life of distinct faithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 7:6 is embedded within Moses's second major address to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, immediately prior to their entry into the Promised Land. The preceding verses (Deuteronomy 7:1-5) issue stern warnings against making covenants with the inhabitants of Canaan, commanding the Israelites to utterly destroy their altars, sacred pillars, and Asherim, and to show no mercy. This command for radical separation is directly predicated on Israel's unique status as a "holy people" and "special people" as declared in verse 6. The subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 7:7-11) further elaborate on the *reason* for God's choice—not Israel's greatness, but His love and covenant faithfulness—and the blessings of obedience, reinforcing the imperative for exclusive devotion to the LORD. The entire chapter emphasizes the purity of worship and the avoidance of idolatry as essential to maintaining their covenant relationship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Israelites stood at a pivotal moment, poised to transition from nomadic wilderness existence to settled life in Canaan. This land was already inhabited by various peoples (Hittites, Girgashites, Amorites, Canaanites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites), whose cultures were deeply steeped in polytheism, idolatry, and morally corrupt practices, including child sacrifice and ritual prostitution. Moses's address in Deuteronomy, a "second law," served as a crucial re-indoctrination and spiritual preparation for the immense challenges and temptations they would face. The declaration of their "holy" and "special" status was not merely a theological statement but a practical mandate for cultural and religious distinctiveness, designed to prevent assimilation and apostasy in a hostile spiritual environment. It reminded them that their identity and future lay solely in their unique relationship with the LORD, not in conforming to the surrounding nations.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is a powerful articulation of several core themes central to Deuteronomy and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Election and Sovereign Choice**, emphasizing that Israel's status as God's people is entirely a result of His unmerited grace and deliberate initiative, not their own merit or might (as reiterated in [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - Not Because of Your Numbers")). Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Holiness and Consecration**, signifying that Israel is "set apart" for God's exclusive purposes, distinct from all other nations. This holiness is a conferred status, calling them to live lives that reflect God's character and adhere to His laws, thereby serving as a light to the nations (cf. [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Nations")). Finally, the concept of Israel as God's "special people" (Hebrew: *segullah*) introduces the theme of **God's Treasured Possession**. This term, also found in [Exodus 19:5](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5 - A Treasured Possession"), conveys a profound intimacy and value, portraying Israel as God's personal, cherished property, distinct from all other peoples on the face of the earth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **holy (Hebrew, _qadosh'_):** This term signifies being "set apart," "consecrated," or "sacred." It describes something or someone designated for sacred use or relationship with God, distinct from the common, profane, or impure. For Israel, it meant being separated from the idolatrous practices and moral corruption of other nations, dedicated exclusively to the LORD and His purposes. Their holiness was not an inherent moral perfection but a relational status conferred by God's choice and covenant.
* **chosen (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** This verb means "to select," "to choose," or "to elect." It emphasizes God's deliberate, sovereign, and purposeful act in selecting Israel out of all the nations. This choice was not based on any intrinsic quality or numerical superiority of Israel (as [Deuteronomy 7:7](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7 - Not Because of Your Numbers") makes clear), but solely on God's own initiative, love, and faithfulness to His covenant oath. It highlights divine grace as the foundation of their relationship.
* **special people (Hebrew, _segullah'_):** This is a rich and significant term, meaning a "peculiar treasure," a "valued possession," or "private property." It conveys the idea that Israel was God's most cherished and highly valued possession, distinct from all other nations. It speaks to the intimacy, preciousness, and unique claim God had over them, akin to a king's personal treasury. This term underscores God's deep affection and the unique bond He shared with Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God:"** This opening clause establishes Israel's fundamental identity. They are not holy by their own merit, but declared "holy" by virtue of their relationship with the LORD their God. This status implies a call to live in a manner consistent with their consecrated identity, set apart from the world's practices and dedicated to God's will and worship.
* **"the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself,"** This is the core declaration of divine election. It clarifies that Israel's "holy" status is a direct result of God's sovereign, deliberate, and gracious choice. The phrase "unto himself" emphasizes the exclusivity and intimacy of this relationship; Israel is not merely chosen, but chosen to be God's own unique, treasured possession, for His purposes and glory.
* **"above all people that are upon the face of the earth."** This concluding phrase underscores the unparalleled distinction of Israel's election. It is a hyperbole emphasizing their singular position among all humanity, highlighting the uniqueness of God's covenant relationship with them. This "above all" status is not for self-exaltation but for a unique responsibility to bear witness to the one true God among the nations.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 7:6 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** of "the LORD thy God" (occurring twice) serves to emphasize the divine actor and the personal, covenantal nature of the relationship. This repetition underscores that Israel's identity and election are solely grounded in their God. The phrase "above all people that are upon the face of the earth" functions as **Hyperbole**, exaggerating for effect to stress the absolute uniqueness and unparalleled distinction of Israel's chosen status. This is not meant to be a literal ranking but a theological statement of their singular position in God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Covenant Language**, particularly through the terms "holy people" and "special people," which are deeply embedded in the Mosaic covenant framework. These terms are not merely descriptive but prescriptive, implying a reciprocal obligation of faithfulness and obedience from Israel in response to God's gracious election. The overall effect is one of profound **Emphasis** on God's sovereign grace and Israel's resultant identity and responsibility.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 7:6 lays the theological groundwork for understanding God's particularistic election within a broader universal plan. Israel's chosenness was not an end in itself, but a means through which God would reveal Himself to the world and ultimately bring salvation. Their "holy" and "special" status was a divine gift, establishing a unique covenant relationship that set them apart to be a distinct witness to God's character and commands. This election served as the basis for the Law, the prophetic word, and the entire redemptive history culminating in Christ. It teaches that God initiates relationship, not based on human merit, but on His own sovereign love and purpose, calling a people to Himself for His glory and for the blessing of all nations.

* [Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5 "Exodus 19:5-6 - A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation")
* [Isaiah 43:20-21](/isaiah/43-20 "Isaiah 43:20-21 - The People I Formed for Myself")
* [Amos 3:2](/amos/3-2 "Amos 3:2 - You Only Have I Known")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 7:6 offers profound insights into the nature of God's relationship with His people, transcending its original context to speak to believers today. While the Mosaic covenant was specific to ancient Israel, the underlying principles of divine election, consecrated identity, and treasured status resonate deeply with the New Covenant reality. Through Christ, believers are grafted into God's family, becoming part of a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")). This means our ultimate worth and identity are not derived from our achievements, social status, or worldly accolades, but from God's gracious, sovereign, and unmerited choice and love for us. This understanding should inspire profound gratitude, humility, and confidence, knowing that we are dearly loved and uniquely purposed by the Creator of the universe. Consequently, we are called to live lives that reflect this "set apart" status, embodying God's character, values, and ethical standards in a world often opposed to them. Our distinctiveness is not for isolation, but for witness, demonstrating the transforming power of God's grace and inviting others into His treasured family.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice of you impact your sense of identity and self-worth?**
* **In what specific ways are you called to live as a "holy people" or "set apart" in your daily life and interactions?**
* **What does it mean to you personally to be considered God's "special treasure" or "valued possession"? How should this understanding shape your priorities and actions?**

### FAQ
**What does "holy people" mean for Israel and for us today?**

Answer: For ancient Israel, being a "holy people" (Hebrew: *qadosh*) meant they were "set apart" or "consecrated" by God for His exclusive purposes. This holiness was not an inherent moral perfection but a relational status conferred by God's covenant choice. It implied a call to live distinctly, observing God's laws, worshiping Him alone, and separating themselves from the idolatrous and immoral practices of the surrounding nations. They were to be a unique witness to God's character in the world. For believers today, while the specific Mosaic covenant is fulfilled in Christ, the principle of holiness remains. Through faith in Jesus, we are declared righteous and made holy (sanctified) in Christ (cf. [1 Corinthians 1:2](/1_corinthians/1-2 "1 Corinthians 1:2 - Sanctified in Christ Jesus")). We are called to live out this positional holiness practically, by pursuing moral purity, spiritual devotion, and ethical conduct that reflects God's character, being "salt and light" in the world (cf. [Matthew 5:13-16](/matthew/5-13 "Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light")). We are set apart for God's glory and purposes, just as Israel was.

**Was God's choice of Israel arbitrary or based on their merit?**

Answer: Deuteronomy 7:6 explicitly states that the LORD "hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself." The very next verses, [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - Not Because of Your Numbers"), directly address this question, stating: "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers..." This makes it abundantly clear that God's choice was not based on Israel's size, strength, righteousness, or any inherent merit. Instead, it was an act of pure, sovereign grace, rooted in His unconditional love (Hebrew: *ahavah*) and His faithfulness to His covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's election is always an expression of His free will and unmerited favor, demonstrating His character as a God of grace and covenant fidelity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 7:6 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the New Covenant community, the Church. Israel, as God's "holy people" and "special treasure," was a type and shadow of the true people of God gathered in Christ. Jesus Himself is the perfectly "holy" one, utterly set apart for God's purposes, embodying the very holiness to which Israel was called but consistently failed to achieve. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ establishes a new covenant, making possible a deeper, internal holiness for all who believe. The church, comprised of both Jew and Gentile, becomes the true "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Chosen Race, a Royal Priesthood")), inheriting the spiritual promises made to Israel. We are chosen "in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). Christ's work not only makes us God's treasured possession but also empowers us by the Holy Spirit to live out the holiness that was merely commanded under the old covenant. The ultimate purpose of Israel's election—to be a light to the nations—is fully realized in Christ, who is the light of the world ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and through His body, the Church, which continues to bear witness to His saving grace to the ends of the earth. Thus, Deuteronomy 7:6 points forward to the broader, more inclusive, and spiritually empowered reality of God's people in Christ, united by faith and indwelt by the Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 14:2

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that [are] upon the earth.

Exodus 19:5

Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine:

Exodus 19:6

And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These [are] the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

1 Peter 2:9

But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

1 Corinthians 6:19

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

Malachi 3:17

And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.