Deuteronomy 7:7
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God's choice wasn't based on Israel's size or strength, but on His own heart. The verse emphasizes they were the fewest, highlighting that His love and selection were entirely His initiative, not a reward for their merit or numbers. This sets the stage for understanding His grace as the sole foundation of their special relationship with Him.
It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses is reminding Israel that God chose them not because they were a great or powerful nation, but precisely the opposite. Before they enter the Promised Land and drive out numerous, stronger peoples, he emphasizes that their immense size or strength was never the reason for God's favor. This choice was entirely based on God's sovereign love and faithfulness to his promises made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Why would God pick Israel? Was it their impressive numbers or their superior qualities? This verse might surprise you.
The foundational truth here is that God's selection of Israel wasn't based on anything they possessed or achieved.
Not Based on Merit
Pure Grace
God's choice is an act of pure grace. He 'set his love' on them, meaning He became deeply attached and committed to them. This wasn't earned; it was freely given. This emphasizes that God's purposes are sovereign and initiated by Him, not by human worthiness.
If it wasn't about Israel's size, what was it about? This verse points to a profound divine purpose behind their selection.
While Deuteronomy 7:7 explicitly states why God did NOT choose Israel, the surrounding context and other Scriptures reveal the purpose for which He choose them.
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A Holy People
God's ultimate aim in choosing Israel was to set them apart for Himself. He desired them to be a holy people, reflecting His own character and purity.
To Bear Witness
This election wasn't just for Israel's benefit; it was part of God's larger plan to reveal Himself to the world. Through Israel, God intended to make His name known and His power displayed.
Covenant Faithfulness
Furthermore, God's choice was rooted in His covenant promises to their ancestors, particularly Abraham. His love and commitment were steadfast, extending across generations.
Understand the original words
ʾāhab · Hebrew Verb
The Hebrew word for love in this context often implies a covenantal, loyal, and volitional commitment, rather than mere emotional affection. It denotes a deliberate choice to set one's affection upon and commit to the well-being of another.
This passage echoes the theme of God's sovereign choice, emphasizing that obedience and faithfulness are more pleasing to Him than outward displays or abundance, much like Israel's election was not based on their numbers.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29The Apostle Paul directly mirrors this concept, stating that God often chooses the weak, foolish, and lowly things of the world to shame the strong and wise, underscoring that God's selection is based on His purposes, not human merit or status.
John 15:16Jesus reminds His disciples that He chose them, not the other way around, reinforcing the divine initiative in election and service. This highlights that God's love and choice are the foundation for their calling and purpose.
Ephesians 1:4-5This passage speaks of God choosing believers in Christ before the foundation of the world, predestining them for adoption. It emphasizes that this choice is rooted in His good pleasure and love, entirely apart from any merit on our part.
Hosea 11:1The prophet recalls God's declaration, 'Out of Egypt I called my son,' reflecting the Exodus narrative. This points to God's passionate, fatherly love drawing Israel out, not because they were numerous or worthy, but because of His commitment.
gillDeuteronomy 7:7: "The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:"
The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you,.... He had done both, and the one as the effect and evidence of the other; he loved them, and therefore he chose them; but neither of them: because ye were more in number than any people; not for the quantity of them, nor even for the quality of them: for ye were the fewest of all…
calvinDeuteronomy 7:6-8: "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth."
But because the Lord loved you-- and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers-- hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand-- and redeemed you out of the house of bond-men-- from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.
Sed quia diligebat vos Jehova-- et custodire vole…
God's choice wasn't based on Israel's size or strength, but on His own heart. The verse emphasizes they were the fewest, highlighting that His love and selection were entirely His initiative, not a reward for their merit or numbers. This sets the stage for understanding His grace as the sole foundation of their special relationship with Him.
Moses is reminding Israel that God chose them not because they were a great or powerful nation, but precisely the opposite. Before they enter the Promised Land and drive out numerous, stronger peoples, he emphasizes that their immense size or strength was never the reason for God's favor. This choice was entirely based on God's sovereign love and faithfulness to his promises made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Moses is reminding Israel that God chose them not because they were a great or powerful nation, but precisely the opposite. Before they enter the Promised Land and drive out numerous, stronger peoples, he emphasizes that their immense size or strength was never the reason for God's favor. This choice was entirely based on God's sovereign love and faithfulness to his promises made to their ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
"It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples," — God's choice wasn't based on Israel's size or strength, but on His own heart. The verse emphasizes they were the fewest, highlighting that His love and selection were entirely His initiative, not a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
