History and Identity of Israel in the Old Testament

Hey everyone! Welcome to your study notes for a really foundational part of the Bible: the story of ancient Israel. Ever wonder why the Old Testament focuses so much on this one group of people? This chapter will answer that question! We'll explore two massive ideas: Election (God choosing Israel) and Covenant (the special agreements God made with them).

Understanding this is super important because it sets the stage for everything else in the Bible, including the story of Jesus. Don't worry if these ideas seem big and complicated at first – we're going to break them down into simple, easy-to-understand pieces. Let's get started!


Part 1: The Theme of Election (Being Chosen by God)

What is 'Election'?

In simple terms, election means to be chosen. The Old Testament is built on the idea that God specifically chose the people of Israel out of all the nations on Earth for a special relationship and a special purpose.

Analogy Time! Think of it like being chosen for a special team, like the school's debate team or basketball team. You're not chosen because you're necessarily better than everyone else, but because the coach has a specific plan and needs you to play a particular role. Being chosen comes with both privileges (like getting a team jersey and special training) and responsibilities (like attending practice and following the rules).

This is exactly what happened with Israel. God chose them to be His team to show the rest of the world what He is like.

A Common Mistake to Avoid!

It's easy to think that God chose Israel because they were the best, biggest, or most powerful nation. The Bible says the opposite! God chose them to show that He can use ordinary, and sometimes weak, people to do amazing things. (See Deuteronomy 7:7-8). Their chosen status was about responsibility, not superiority.

The Rights and Duties of the 'Chosen People'

Being God's chosen people was a two-way street. It came with amazing blessings (rights) but also serious responsibilities (duties).

Rights (What God Promised Israel):

  • God's Presence: He promised to be their God and be with them.
  • Protection: He would guide and protect them from their enemies.
  • Land: He promised them a land of their own (the Promised Land, or Canaan).

Duties (What Israel Promised God):

  • Loyalty: They had to worship only the one true God and avoid idols.
  • Obedience: They had to follow God's laws, which guided them on how to live rightly with God and with each other.
  • Be a 'Light': Their ultimate job was to be a positive example to other nations, showing them God's goodness and justice. (See Isaiah 41:8-9).

Circumcision: The Physical Sign of Being Chosen

So, how did they remember they were part of this special team? One way was through circumcision. This was a physical mark for all male Israelites that served as a constant, visible reminder of their special relationship with God.

Why was it so important?

  • It was a sign of belonging to God's chosen people.
  • It was an outward symbol of the inner commitment they were supposed to have.
  • It was a mark of identity that set them apart from other nations.
Key Takeaway for Election

Election is God's act of choosing Israel for a special purpose. This choice wasn't based on Israel's merit but on God's grace. It gave them the privilege of a unique relationship with God but also the great responsibility to live according to His ways and be His representatives on Earth.



Part 2: The Theme of Covenant (The Special Agreement)

What is a 'Covenant'?

A covenant is much more than a simple promise. It's a formal, binding agreement between two parties, like a sacred contract or a marriage vow. In the Old Testament, covenants are the way God formally establishes and defines His relationship with people.

Key Features of God's Covenants:

  • God takes the initiative: God is always the one who starts the covenant.
  • It involves promises: God makes specific promises to His people.
  • It requires a response: People are required to respond with obedience and faithfulness.
  • There are signs: Covenants often had a physical sign (like a rainbow for Noah, or circumcision for Abraham).

The Three Key Covenants with Israel

Let's look at the three major covenants that shaped Israel's identity. A simple way to remember them is A.M.D. - Abraham, Moses, and David!

1. The Abrahamic Covenant (The Promise Begins)

This is the starting point for the story of Israel.

  • Who: God and a man named Abraham. (Genesis 12, 15, 17)
  • God's Promises:
    - Descendants: God promised Abraham he would become the father of a great nation, with descendants as numerous as the stars.
    - Land: God promised to give him and his descendants the land of Canaan.
    - Blessing: God promised to bless Abraham, and through him, all the families of the Earth would be blessed.
  • Abraham's Responsibility: To have faith in God, leave his homeland, and obey. The sign of this covenant was circumcision.
2. The Mosaic Covenant (The Law is Given)

This covenant was made with the entire nation of Israel after God rescued them from slavery in Egypt.

  • Who: God and the nation of Israel, through their leader Moses at Mount Sinai. (Exodus 19-24)
  • God's Promise: To be their God, to protect them, and to dwell among them. He confirmed His promise to bring them into the Promised Land.
  • Israel's Responsibility: To obey God's Law, summed up in the Ten Commandments. By following the Law, they would be a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation," showing the world a better way to live. This covenant defined how they should live as God's chosen people.
3. The Davidic Covenant (The Promise of a Forever King)

This covenant narrows the focus from the whole nation to the royal family line.

  • Who: God and King David. (2 Samuel 7, Psalm 89)
  • God's Promise: God promised David that his family line and his kingdom would endure forever. One of his descendants would always be on the throne.
  • David's Responsibility: To remain faithful to God.
  • Did you know? This is a hugely important promise for Christians, who believe Jesus is the ultimate descendant of David who fulfills this covenant by being the eternal King.

How Do Election and Covenant Relate?

This is a great question, and the answer is simple: they are two sides of the same coin!

  • Election is God saying, "I choose you!"
  • Covenant is God saying, "And here is the official agreement that defines our special relationship."

The election is the choice; the covenants are the terms of the relationship that result from that choice.

Quick Review: Covenant Cheat Sheet

Abrahamic Covenant:
Promise: Land, Descendants, Blessing.
Sign: Circumcision.

Mosaic Covenant:
Promise: God's presence and protection.
Requirement: Obedience to the Law (Ten Commandments).

Davidic Covenant:
Promise: An eternal kingdom and a forever king from his line.
Requirement: Faithfulness.

Key Takeaway for Covenants

Covenants are the formal agreements through which God established His relationship with Israel. From the foundational promises to Abraham, to the national laws given through Moses, to the promise of an eternal king through David, these covenants built upon one another to shape Israel's identity and history.


Great job getting through this! These ideas of being a chosen people (election) bound by a special relationship with God (covenant) are the bedrock of the Old Testament. Keep them in mind as you study, and you'll see how they connect to everything else!