Q: To those who read and understand the Bible and God - Why are the Jews Gods' chosen people?

Question

This never made sense to me! How could God, father to all mankind, have a favorite?

Please don't give me the scriptural reasons why - I have already consumed that information. I'm asking on a spiritual level; a level from the heart. A parents point of view. How could God have a favorite? (I know he didn't use the word favorite - but it conveys the sentiment best if you're looking at it from a ‘child of his’, point of view)

What do you think he was trying to say and why say it in such an alienating way?

Answer 1

The Chosen People

by Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Appreciating an often-misunderstood idea.

The Jewish nation is often referred to as "the Chosen People."

Many people (including Jews) are uncomfortable with this idea. They perceive the concept of a "Chosen People" as racist and mindful of the n**i concept of a supreme "Aryan" nation. It appears to contradict the accepted Western ideal of all people being equal before God.

Is the Jewish concept of choseness racist?

When the Torah refers to the Jewish people as "chosen," it is not in any way asserting that Jews are racially superior. Americans, Russians, Europeans, Asians and Ethiopians are all part of the Jewish people. It is impossible to define choseness as anything related to race, since Jews are racially diverse.

Yet while the term "Chosen People" (Am Nivchar) does not mean racially superior, choseness does imply a special uniqueness.

What is this uniqueness?  Historically, it goes back to Abraham. Abraham lived in a world steeped in idolatry, which he concluded was contradicted by the reality of design in nature.  So Abraham came to a belief in G-d, and took upon himself the mission of teaching others of the monotheistic ideal. Abraham was even willing to suffer persecution for his beliefs. After years of enormous effort, dedication and a willingness to accept the responsibility to be G-d's representative in this world, G-d chose Abraham and his descendents to be the teachers of this monotheistic message.

In other words it is not so much that G-d chose the Jews; it is more accurate that the Jews (through Abraham) chose G-d.

Chosenness was not part of G-d's "original plan." Initially all of humanity was to serve the role of G-d's messengers, but after the fall of Adam, humanity lost that privilege, and it was open for grabs. Only Abraham chose to take the mantle. If others would have (and they were offered the choice), they too would have joined in this special covenant which was sealed upon the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

If a privilege is offered to everyone willing to pay the necessary price, nobody can protest that those willing to make the extra effort are being shown favoritism. For example: It is reasonable that an employee who agrees to work overtime, attend training seminars, and manage special projects, should be entitled to a performance bonus -- particularly if each employee was given the same opportunity.

The essence of being chosen means responsibility. It is a responsibility to change the world -- not by converting everyone to Judaism, but by living as a model community upheld by ethics, morals and beliefs of one God. In that way, we can influence the rest of mankind, a "light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6).

Judaism is Universal

Further, Judaism is not exclusionary. A human being need not to be Jewish to reach a high spiritual level. Enoch "walked with God," and Noah had quite a high level of relationship, though neither were Jewish. Our tradition is that all of the 70 nations must function together and play an integral part in that "being" called humanity.

According to Judaism (Talmud - Sanhedrin 58b), any person can achieve a place in the World to Come by faithfully observing the seven basic laws of humanity. These seven laws are named the "Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah:

1) Do not murder.

2) Do not steal.

3) Do not worship false gods.

4) Do not be sexually immoral.

5) Do not eat the limb of an animal before it is killed.

6) Do not curse God.

7) Set up courts and bring offenders to justice.

Torah is for all humanity. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, he specifically asked God to heed the prayer of non-Jews who come to the Temple (1-Kings 8:41-43). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, which the prophet Isaiah referred to as a "house of prayer for all nations." Non-Jews were welcome to bring offerings to the Temple as well. In fact, the service in the Holy Temple during the week of Sukkot featured a total of 70 bull offerings, corresponding to each of the 70 nations of the world. In fact, the Talmud says that if the Romans would have realized how much they were benefiting from the Temple, they never would have destroyed it!

Most other religions say that non-believers are condemned to eternal damnation. Even the calendar systems of Christianity and Islam reflect an exclusionary philosophy; each begins with the birth of their respective religion. The Jewish calendar, on the other hand, begins with the creation of Adam, the first man, teaching us the intrinsic value of every human, even though the Jewish religion was not yet born.

For this reason, Jews do not proselytize in search of converts. One can still merit a place in heaven, no conversion necessary.

Conversion

An important component of Judaism's non-exclusionary approach is that any person -- regardless of national or racial background -- can choose to accept the Torah and become part of

Answer 2

Several people have said, "Because the Jews *wrote* the Bible."  Not only was the Hebrew Bible written BY Jews, it was written ABOUT Jews and FOR Jews.  It was not intended to be forced on non-Jews.  The Torah is God's instructions to Jews for how to LIVE here on earth and to be a light unto the nations.  No Jew will ever force Judaism on anyone -- not ever!

Jews were not chosen for special rewards -- they were chosen for special obligations -- to be a light unto the world!  The ultimate reward for Christians is salvation and eternal life.  For Jews, saving a life in this world is the ultimate reward.  Perhaps we will receive special rewards in the afterlife for saving one or more lives here on earth, but that is not our focus.  A Jew seldom, if ever, thinks about the afterlife.  Our mission is here on earth and following God's 613 commandments.  

Anyone can become a part of the *Chosen people" by converting to Judaism and accepting the 613 commandments.  However, there is no special reward for doing so.  Why would you?

I Samuel 12:6 "And Samuel said to the people, "The Eternal [is witness], the One who CHOSE Moses and Aaron, and who brought your ancestors out of Egypt."

Commentary from Plaut's URJ Torah:

"*Chose*. Literally, "made." Asah is the key word in God's creative process. Israel exists because God *made* something of this people.”

The Chosen People

by Rabbi Shraga Simmons

Appreciating an often-misunderstood idea.

The Jewish nation is often referred to as "the Chosen People."

Many people (including Jews) are uncomfortable with this idea. They perceive the concept of a "Chosen People" as racist and mindful of the n**i concept of a supreme "Aryan" nation. It appears to contradict the accepted Western ideal of all people being equal before God.

Is the Jewish concept of choseness racist?

When the Torah refers to the Jewish people as "chosen," it is not in any way asserting that Jews are racially superior. Americans, Russians, Europeans, Asians and Ethiopians are all part of the Jewish people. It is impossible to define choseness as anything related to race, since Jews are racially diverse.

Yet while the term "Chosen People" (Am Nivchar) does not mean racially superior, choseness does imply a special uniqueness.

What is this uniqueness?

Historically, it goes back to Abraham. Abraham lived in a world steeped in idolatry, which he concluded was contradicted by the reality of design in nature.

So Abraham came to a belief in God, and took upon himself the mission of teaching others of the monotheistic ideal. Abraham was even willing to suffer persecution for his beliefs. After years of enormous effort, dedication and a willingness to accept the responsibility to be God's representative in this world, God chose Abraham and his descendents to be the teachers of this monotheistic message.

In other words it is not so much that God chose the Jews; it is more accurate that the Jews (through Abraham) chose God.

Choseness was not part of God's "original plan." Initially all of humanity was to serve the role of God's messengers, but after the fall of Adam, humanity lost that privilege, and it was open for grabs. Only Abraham chose to take the mantel. If others would have (and they were offered the choice), they too would have joined in this special covenant which was sealed upon the giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

If a privilege is offered to everyone willing to pay the necessary price, nobody can protest that those willing to make the extra effort are being shown favoritism. For example: It is reasonable that an employee who agrees to work overtime, attend training seminars, and manage special projects, should be entitled to a performance bonus -- particularly if each employee was given the same opportunity.

The essence of being chosen means responsibility. It is a responsibility to change the world -- not by converting everyone to Judaism, but by living as a model community upheld by ethics, morals and beliefs of one God. In that way, we can influence the rest of mankind, a "light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6).

Judaism is Universal

Further, Judaism is not exclusionary. A human being need not to be Jewish to reach a high spiritual level. Enoch "walked with God," and Noah had quite a high level of relationship, though neither were Jewish. Our tradition is that all of the 70 nations must function together and play an integral part in that "being" called humanity.

According to Judaism (Talmud - Sanhedrin 58b), any person can achieve a place in the World to Come by faithfully observing the seven basic laws of humanity. These seven laws are named the "Laws of Noah," since all humans are descended from Noah:

1) Do not murder.

2) Do not steal.

3) Do not worship false gods.

4) Do not be sexually immoral.

5) Do not eat the limb of an animal before it is killed.

6) Do not curse God.

7) Set up courts and bring offenders to justice.

Torah is for all humanity. King Solomon built the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, he specifically asked God to heed the prayer of non-Jews who come to the Temple (1-Kings 8:41-43). The Temple was the universal center of spirituality, which the prophet Isaiah referred to as a "house of prayer for all nations." Non-Jews were welcome to bring offerings to the Temple as well. In fact, the service in the Holy Tem

Answer 3

A simple answer - we're considered chosen because WE chose to keep G-d's 613 laws - the covenant.  G-d didn't choose us, we chose G-d.

Answer 4

They were not necessarily HIS "favorite". They were entrusted the oracles of GOD's truth. They were to be beacons of light to the nations that surrounded them. Unfortunately, they squandered the privilege and it was eventually given to the Gentiles.

GOD bless

Answer 5

Because there are blessings predicated upon the descendants of a righteous man [or righteous men].  The children of Israel were so blessed because of the covenants their forefathers [Abraham, Isaac, & Jacob] made with God.

It was not favoritism.  These same covenants are available to all mankind - we just have the records of God's dealings with the children of Israel thru the words of the prophets which were saved and compiled into the Old Testament.

Answer 6

This is more musing on my part, but you use two different words to describe the Jews:  "chosen" and "favorite".  I think they have different meanings.

The Jews were God's "chosen" people, but does that mean they are his "favorite"?  I don't believe so.  God chose them for a certain purpose, which He fulfilled through them.  But as for being his favorite--notice in which order he puts them:

Eze 16:55  When thy [Jerusalem's] sisters, Sodom and her daughters, shall return to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters shall return to their former estate, then thou and thy daughters shall return to your former estate.

Jerusalem comes behind Sodom(!), and her arch-rival Samaria.  

Historically, the Jews have had an extremely harsh time.  Most of Israel was destroyed and scattered.  Who knows how many people who call themselves Jews actually have Abraham as a forefather.  There's the holocaust and the inquisition.  Today Israel is surrounded by people who still want to destroy her.  This just doesn't seem like a very favored position to me.

God bless.

Answer 7

Because they wrote the Bible. The "God" it refers to, in most cases, is YHWH, their national deity.

Answer 8

Because the jews wrote the old testament they cast themselves as the favorites

if the irish had written it they would be the chosen

the catholics call themselves the true faith

everyone wants to be seen as important

Answer 9

The Answer is, of course, because the Jews wrote the bible.

The obvious follow-up is "why did the Jews write the bible."

The answer is that, despite the myths of great military conquests they wrote about themselves, they were individualistic nomadic herders and farmers and wrote a moral code with few class distinctions, unlike the class-based empires that surrounded them.  Their views became the basis for a worldview based on human equality that eventually evolved.

Answer 10

Because the Jews wrote the Bible.

Seriously.

Answer 11

So people would convert to their religion. If God allowed anyone to be any religion, the religious leaders would gain no income, as people might choose another religion to follow, perhaps one that does not require giving 10% of your income.

Answer 12

It was Abraham who was chosen because of his righteousness.  With him, God made a covenant to bring Christ into the world, to give him a great nation and descendants too many to count.  

From Abraham was Issac and from Issac was Jacob who was later renamed Israel.   From him came the twelve sons which became the twelve tribes.  When that country was divided, Israel was later conquered and no longer there.  That left only Judah and Benjamin, but it was know for Judah and later just called Jews.  

So, the Jews were a chosen nation because of the righteousness of Abraham.  

From the Jews, we have Christ and the scriptures.  While God could have chosen any nation in the world, He chose them and that way we would know an impostor because it all came through Abraham.  

Answer 13

The Jews were chosen to be a nation of priests to bring the knowledge of God to the world. That is now the mission of the church.

Exo 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.

1Pe 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:

Answer 14

He wanted them to be an example to us all, as to what we should be like but alas they like everyone else, have failed God.

Save Jesus.

Answer 15

It wasn't that.  It was the conduct of Abraham and his descendants in worshiping the true God faithfully.

By choosing 1 nation, God could show His power and name.  As long as the Jews were faithful to Jehovah, nothing could harm them.  Not even armies 50 times their size.  When they stopped being faithful, a kid with a stick could beat them up.

All other nations could see this and knew what protected them.  This exhaulted Jehovah's name.  It has been a good example for us today.

With all the religions and governments in the world, why should we believe in God?  Looking back at Israel, we see He can protect His people.  He honors His promises.  He keeps His word.

We can see all political earthly governments fail at keeping most promises after election.  They fail to solve any problem without creating 5 more at least.  Science and most religions offer no better.  

Most religions do not worship the true God of the Bible, just as those Jews back then waffled back and forth in service and away from service to Jehovah.  Most religions waffle just away from Jehovah in favor of just what and how they want to behave.   Israel showed that was not the way to please Jehovah or gain His favor and protection.

Another major point overlooked by almost everyone------non-Jews who wish to join Israel and worship Jehovah were allowed to do so.  Even by God's laws to be treated as family, not just residents or strangers who live down the road.  So it wasn't just for "Jews only, all others need not apply" signs put up.  All who wanted to worship Jehovah and abide by the God given laws could stay and thrive.

Good news for us today.

Answer 16

I would say because Christ was a Jew, came through Jewish lineage.

Answer 17

Because of the faith and obedience of one man: Abraham.