Jennifer 
Read the Daily Bible Verse – Deuteronomy 7:6 To Strengthen Your Spiritual Journey.
Deuteronomy 7:6 is a verse filled with profound significance. It speaks of God’s special relationship with the Israelites and His expectations for them. This verse is part of Moses‘ speech to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land, reminding them of their unique identity and calling.
The Context of Deuteronomy 7:6 KJV
Background of the Book of Deuteronomy
The Book of Deuteronomy is the fifth book in the Bible and is part of the Torah, the first five books of the Bible. It contains the final words of Moses to the Israelites before they enter the Promised Land. The Israelites had been wandering in the desert for forty years, and Moses was preparing them to enter the land promised to their forefathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
In Deuteronomy, Moses reminded the Israelites of God’s covenant with them, their journey, and the laws they were to follow. The central message of the book is a call to faithfulness to God. Deuteronomy serves as both a reaffirmation of the law and a final warning before the Israelites enter a new land and face new challenges.
The Importance of God’s Covenant
The Israelites were a people chosen by God. God made a covenant with them, promising to be their God and for them to be His people. This relationship was not based on the Israelites’ strength or merit but on God’s grace and love. Moses reminds the Israelites in Deuteronomy that their identity as God’s chosen people requires them to live according to His commands.
The verse in Deuteronomy 7:6 specifically addresses this special relationship and calls Israel to a higher standard of holiness because of God’s choice.
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.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 Meaning
“For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God”
In this phrase, God is reminding the Israelites of their special status as His people. The term “holy” means set apart or consecrated. Israel was not holy by their own actions but because God set them apart for His purpose. Holiness is an essential aspect of God’s character, and by choosing Israel, God was calling them to reflect His holiness in the world.
Being “holy” meant that Israel was to live differently from the nations around them. They were not to adopt the idolatrous practices or immoral behaviors of the nations they would encounter in the Promised Land. Their holiness was a reflection of their relationship with God, and their behavior was to mirror that relationship.
“The Lord thy God hath chosen thee”
God’s choice of Israel is an important aspect of this verse. It emphasizes God’s sovereignty and His grace. God did not choose Israel because they were the strongest or most numerous. In fact, Israel was a small and seemingly insignificant nation. God’s choice was based on His love and His desire to fulfill His promises to Abraham.
This act of choosing Israel shows us that God’s love is not based on human merit but on His will. In the New Testament, we see this idea continued as Christians are chosen by God through Christ, not because of anything they have done but because of God’s grace.
Ephesians 1:4-5 says, “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.”
“To be a special people unto himself”
Israel was to be a “special people” to God. The term “special” indicates that Israel was not like other nations. They had a unique calling and purpose in the world. God desired to use them to reveal Himself to the nations. The people of Israel were to be a light to the Gentiles, showing them the truth of the one true God.
Similarly, Christians today are called to be a “special people” as well. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are set apart for God’s purposes and are meant to reflect His character to the world around us.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “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 marvelous light.”
“Above all people that are upon the face of the earth”
This part of the verse underscores Israel’s elevated status among the nations of the earth. They were chosen by God to be His representatives and were called to live in a way that reflected His greatness. This does not mean that Israel was superior to other nations in terms of worth or value; rather, it signifies that Israel had a unique role in God’s plan for the world.
In a similar way, Christians today are not called to pride or arrogance. Our purpose is not to elevate ourselves above others but to serve and love those around us while sharing the message of the gospel.
Deuteronomy 7:6 Application in Life
1. Understanding Our Identity in Christ
Deuteronomy 7:6 highlights the special relationship that Israel had with God, and as Christians, we are reminded of our identity in Christ. Just as Israel was chosen by God to be set apart, Christians are chosen by God to live differently from the world. This means that our identity is rooted in our relationship with God, and we are called to live according to His standards.
We should not define ourselves by worldly success, wealth, or status. Instead, our worth and identity come from being chosen by God and being His holy people. This truth should transform the way we live, think, and interact with others.
2. Living as a Holy People
As God’s chosen people, the Israelites were called to be holy. In the same way, Christians are called to be holy in their thoughts, actions, and relationships. Holiness means living in a way that reflects God’s character and following His commands. It involves rejecting the sinful practices of the world and living in obedience to God.
1 Peter 1:16 says, “Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
Being holy does not mean being perfect, but it does mean striving to live in a way that honors God. As we seek to live holy lives, we reflect the character of God to those around us and fulfill our purpose as His people.
3. Embracing God’s Sovereign Choice
God chose Israel, not because of their greatness, but because of His love and grace. As Christians, we should embrace the fact that God has chosen us, not because we deserve it, but because of His mercy. This should lead us to humility and gratitude.
Understanding that we are chosen by God helps us to recognize that our lives are not our own. We are called to serve Him and live according to His will. This truth should lead us to deeper worship and a greater desire to live for Him.
4. Representing God to the World
Israel’s unique calling was to be a light to the nations, showing the world who God is. Christians today have the same calling. We are meant to represent Christ to the world by sharing the gospel and living out His love. Our lives should reflect the character of God so that others are drawn to Him.
Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
As God’s chosen people, we are called to be witnesses of His love and truth to a lost and hurting world.
5. Humility in God’s Calling
While Israel was chosen to be a special people, this calling came with responsibility. They were to live in obedience to God’s commands and be a reflection of His holiness. As Christians, we must not become prideful because of our status as God’s people. Instead, we should approach our calling with humility, recognizing that God chose us by His grace and not because of any merit on our part.
Romans 12:3 says, “For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly…”
Conclusion
Deuteronomy 7:6 is a powerful reminder of God’s special relationship with His people. Just as Israel was chosen by God to be set apart and reflect His holiness, Christians today are called to live as God’s chosen people. We are called to embrace our identity in Christ, live holy lives, represent God to the world, and approach our calling with humility.
As we reflect on this verse, we should be encouraged to live for God with a deeper sense of purpose, knowing that we are chosen and loved by Him. Let us embrace the responsibility that comes with being God’s people and seek to live in a way that honors Him and draws others to His truth.
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