ome people feel uneasy and question why God appears to show special love and blessing toward the Israelites, as though He were being partial. This misunderstanding has led many today to view the Jewish people negatively. However, Scripture makes it clear that God’s choice of Israel was not an act of favoritism. He set them apart to be a priestly nation—through whom His character would be made known and His plan to bless all nations would unfold.

To Become a Priestly Nation

As to why God chose the Israelites, we find the following: "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.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19:5-6) According to God's Word above, the Israelites would become God's "treasured possession" if they obeyed His voice and kept His covenant. A treasured possession is something that is known, cared for, and protected by its owner. Therefore, God will also know, care for, and protect them.

A Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation

It is said that they will become a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. A kingdom refers to those who enjoy the best blessings. Priests receive the best blessings because when people offer the finest sacrifices and bread to God, He gives them all to His priests. Therefore, priests receive the best blessings.

God's intention was for the Israelites to be priests. A priest is one who offers sacrifices and offerings for sins, and who performs sacred duties on behalf of the people (Hebrews 5:1, 8:3). Thus, the Israelites were to serve as priests for all mankind. Therefore, God specially brought them out from Egypt with great power and trained them specifically to carry out His work. Because they were a priestly nation, He kept them separate from other nations so that they would not intermingle with them. He taught them to live cleanly in every aspect of their daily lives, from eating and drinking to their conduct. For forty years, He trained them in the wilderness, where it was impossible for people to survive naturally or by human strength. He provided water from the rocks and manna from heaven. He kept them warm with clouds and cool with breezes; their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet blister. He also fought against their enemies so that they would never be without protection. Through all these things, He taught them to understand His power. Although they could not see God, they experienced Him during the day through clouds, at night through fire on the pillars, and in the temple through His voice. All of this was training for them to become priests.

They were to serve as priests for all mankind, teaching people about God and praying for them.

However, they rebelled against the Lord and turned to worship false gods instead of obeying Him. Because of this, the Lord handed them over to destruction by their own hands, and drove them out as a conquered people to other nations.

New Priests

When the Israelites were unable to serve as priests for the Lord, God gave the responsibility of priesthood to those who believe in the Messiah. Peter wrote: "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (1 Peter 2:9). Peter wrote this letter to believers. He said that believers are a royal priesthood.  They are called a chosen people to declare the praises of God. However, while they desire the kingdom, believers do not wish to perform priestly duties.

Why do believers not perform the work of a priest today? The first reason is that they do not know who they are. They do not know that they are priests. The second reason is that they do not want to perform the work of a priest, but rather prefer to do the works of this world. They are more attracted to worldly work than the work of a priest because the worldly work brings in good income, receives praise and admiration from people. However, the true work of a priest is very noble and fruitful. God will take care of all things needed for every person, from food, clothing, and shelter. Yet, since God does not give benefits quickly like humans do, people may lose patience. We encourage everyone to be willing and eager to perform the work of a priest without resisting God's will unlike what the Israelites did.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:6)

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