The designation of Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” in Exodus 19:6 has profound significance for understanding Israel’s identity and mission as God’s chosen people. This verse comes within the context of God establishing his covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai after delivering them from slavery in Egypt. Let’s explore the meaning of this verse in detail:
Israel as a Kingdom of Priests
The description of Israel as a “kingdom of priests” highlights their role as intermediaries between God and the nations. In the Ancient Near East, priests served as representatives of the people before God and vice versa. As a kingdom of priests, all Israelites were called to function as priests, offering sacrifices, interceding for the people, teaching God’s law, and representing God before the watching world. This was in contrast to other nations where priestly duties were confined to a select few. God was calling all Israel to minister before Him and mediate His presence to others.
Later in the Torah, God designates the tribe of Levi as functioning priests in a more formal capacity on behalf of the people (Exodus 28, Numbers 3:5-13). But the original vision was for all Israel to reflect a priestly identity. Thus, 1 Peter 2:9 describes the church using priestly language from Exodus 19 – God’s people are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” Just as ancient Israel was called to priestly service, so now the church fulfills that calling by representing God and declaring His praises in the world (1 Peter 2:9).
Israel as a Holy Nation
Describing Israel as a “holy nation” highlights their call to be set apart from other nations as God’s special possession and to reflect His character. The Hebrew word translated “holy” (qadosh) carries the meaning of being separate, set apart, distinct. As a holy nation, Israel was to be distinct from the world in its devotion to God and His purposes. The laws given at Sinai (Exodus 20-23) were meant to shape Israel into a society reflecting God’s righteous character. Everything from laws about theft, fair treatment of foreigners, marital unfaithfulness, honesty, and respect for human life were grounded in who God is and were meant to display His holiness.
As a holy nation, Israel was also called to be exclusively devoted to Yahweh as their God. The first two commandments given at Sinai declare “you shall have no other gods before me” and “you shall not make for yourself a carved image” (Exodus 20:3-6). Israel’s call to holiness included maintaining exclusive loyalty and allegiance to the LORD as their God.
So in summary, the designations of Israel as a kingdom of priests and a holy nation speak to their core identity and purpose. As priests, they were to minister before God and mediate His presence. As a holy nation, they were to reflect God’s character and remain exclusively loyal to Him among the other nations.
The Significance of Israel’s Calling
Understanding Israel’s identity as a kingdom of priests and holy nation sheds light on a number of important issues:
- It highlights God’s purpose for redemption. God did not free Israel from Egypt merely for their own benefit. He freed them to be His representatives to the nations and witnesses of His glory and character.
- It provides the basis for Israel’s laws and practices that distinguished them from other Ancient Near East societies. Their calling as a priestly and holy nation was meant to shape them into an exemplary society reflecting God’s ideals.
- It implies a future hope for Israel fulfilling its calling. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel struggled to live up to these ideals. But prophets like Isaiah looked forward to a day when Israel would fulfill its purpose and draw the nations to worship the true God (Isaiah 60:1-3).
- It foreshadows God’s plan of redemption for people from all nations. Exodus 19:6 ultimately points forward to what Peter applies to the church – God sought to raise up a people from all nations who would function as priests declaring His praises (1 Peter 2:9-10).
In summary, this verse unlocks God’s stunning purpose – to make a people for Himself who would mediate His presence and display His glory. Israel’s calling as priests and a holy nation anchors them in their covenant relationship with God and shapes their entire national identity and mission.
How Should We Respond to Israel’s Calling Today?
While Exodus 19:6 had its initial application to ancient Israel, the church today can learn much from this calling:
- We should be reminded that God’s purpose for redeeming us is to send us out as His witnesses. We are saved and called into God’s family for the sake of mission.
- We must pursue holiness and distinctiveness from the world as God’s people. Compromise with ungodliness obscures our witness to God’s character.
- We are all called into ministry as “priests.” The priesthood of all believers calls every Christian into God’s service, not just church leaders.
- Our priestly calling includes intercession for the lost world. We mediates God’s blessing to the nations when we pray for their salvation.
- We declare God’s praises as priests when we proclaim the good news of what He has done in Christ. He has called us to be mouthpieces for His glory.
May this priestly and holy calling inspire us to deeper devotion to God and compassionate outreach to the world with the good news of Christ!