Why are Jews chosen by God?

For many, the phrase “chosen by God” raises questions: What does it mean? Why were the Jews chosen? And what are the implications of this belief? This article explores the origins, meaning, and significance of the Jewish concept of "chosenness."

Origins of Chosenness in the Hebrew Bible

The concept of Jews as the chosen people originates in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), specifically in God’s covenant with the patriarch Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abraham to leave his homeland, promising to make his descendants into a "great nation" through whom "all the families of the earth shall be blessed." This promise is reaffirmed to Abraham’s son Isaac and grandson Jacob, forming the basis of a unique relationship between God and the Israelites.

Later, at Mount Sinai, the Israelites receive the Torah and enter into a covenant with God, as described in Exodus 19:5-6: "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." This passage is foundational for the concept of chosenness: it is tied to a covenantal relationship and a sense of mission.

What Does "Chosen" Mean?

The notion of chosenness does not imply that Jews are inherently superior to other peoples. Rather, it means that the Jewish people were selected for a particular purpose and responsibility. Jewish tradition emphasizes that being chosen is not a privilege, but a call to service and ethical living. The prophet Amos, for example, quotes God as saying: "You only have I singled out of all the families of the earth—that is why I will call you to account for all your iniquities" (Amos 3:2). Here, chosenness brings heightened moral accountability, not favoritism.

The Purpose of Chosenness

According to Jewish thought, being chosen involves a mission to bear witness to God’s presence and to model ethical monotheism. The Torah sets out a comprehensive code of laws and values, instructing Jews to pursue justice, kindness, and holiness. Through observing these commandments (mitzvot) and striving to create a just society, Jews are meant to serve as a "light unto the nations" (Isaiah 42:6, 49:6), inspiring others by example rather than by conquest or coercion.

Chosenness as Covenant, Not Privilege

Chosenness is rooted in a mutual covenant—a two-way relationship between God and the Jewish people. This covenant involves obligations: Jews are expected to follow God’s teachings and uphold the ethical vision of the Torah. In return, God promises to protect and sustain them, though Jewish history is replete with challenges, exile, and suffering. The idea of chosenness is thus more about responsibility than reward, and it is accompanied by the freedom to accept or reject the covenant’s terms.

Universalism and Particularism

The Hebrew Bible affirms that all people are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and rabbinic teachings emphasize that righteous individuals of all nations have a share in the world to come. Chosenness, therefore, is not exclusionary, but rather a unique calling within the broader tapestry of humanity.

Misunderstandings and Historical Impact

The idea of Jews as the chosen people has often been misunderstood or misrepresented, sometimes leading to prejudice or resentment. Critics have falsely characterized it as a claim of superiority, while some Jews themselves have wrestled with its implications, especially in the context of suffering and persecution.

Jewish thinkers have responded by stressing humility and the burdens of chosenness. The 20th-century philosopher Abraham Joshua Heschel wrote, "To be is to stand for, to represent a cause, to have a mission, to be involved with God. The sense of being chosen is the awareness of a task, not the sense of being different."

Contemporary Relevance

Today, many Jews view the doctrine of chosenness as a source of identity and inspiration, while also interpreting it in universalistic terms. Some see it as a reminder to contribute positively to society, to fight for justice, and to uphold ethical standards. Others wrestle with its meaning in a modern, pluralistic world, seeking ways to balance particular identity with universal values.