The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you. (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
The Hebrew word typically translated as “love” is אהבה ahavah. However, that is not the word used when the text says He set “His love” upon Israel. Instead the term is חשק chesek, understood to be “a longing” for someone without any real explanation other than the one desires the other. One might even say that this type of affection is not rational — at least according to man’s standard. In other words, God didn’t choose Israel because they were great and wonderful — to the contrary, they were fewer in number and least among the peoples.
There is no logic and rationale that resonates with our human understanding that would explain why He selected Israel above all others. In short, there was nothing special about them; that He chose them is what made them special. On the other hand, God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise. Even though they were but a small fragment of the world, Israel was chosen to accomplish something that would impact the entire world, that is, to be a “light to the nations.” Furthermore, it was through Israel that God introduced His Word to the world and, even more importantly, mankind’s Redeemer, Deliverer and future King. And so out of something very small, and seemingly insignificant, comes forth that which will impact the whole world and all of history.
This is, in effect, what Messiah related to His followers when He taught the parable of the mustard seed — a parable about the Kingdom of God and how it works in the world and in us. Though it is the least of all the seeds — small and seemingly insignificant — given the opportunity, it can overcome huge boulders and thrive in arid regions until it has grown large enough to benefit both man and birds (Matthew 13:31-32). Likewise, God’s purpose for mankind began with one man and then grew into a nation of people from which came the Savior of all men. And because of Him, we who have believed have the Kingdom of God within us, growing and thriving in spite of the conditions in this world.
In the appointed season, everything that began with His Word impregnating our hearts will come to pass when we see Him as He is. And so, no one should ever underestimate nor despise what seems to be small and insignificant, especially when the Almighty has set His love upon them. Great and mighty things will be done in His Name.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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