Question: What is the source of the term chosen people?
Rabbi,
Where exactly was the expression "Chosen People" coined? I am looking for the chapter and verse.
Thanks, Gary
Answer: Dear Gary,
Your question is very good as I believe there is no actual source.
Chosen People (Am HaNivchar in Hebrew) is a term that Jews coined to reflect the A-lmighty's calling us his first born son by the burning bush. In addition, it was stated many, many times in the Torah that we are the descendants of specific forefathers who had a special relationship with God. Overall, the term reflects our belief that God has assigned us an important role to play in His world. Thus, "Chosen People" is a sort of catch phrase for these general concepts.
Tikun Olam (fixing the world) is also a popular Jewish term. Tikun Olam is generally used to refer to a humanistic concept of doing good. However, the phrase actually comes from the Aleinu prayer. The prayer says Tikun Olam B'Malchut Shadai, which means to fix the world beneath the kingship of G-d. Thus, its popular meaning has strayed a bit from its original meaning.
I do not mean to belittle these terms at all. The very fact that G-d's holy nation Israel chooses to use these terms imbues them with some legitimacy.
Here are a selection of verses that support the concept of "Chosen People."
"Now therefore, if you will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people. For all the earth is mine: and you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:5-6).
"The L-rd did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all people; but because the L-rd loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your ancestors." (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)
"You only have I singled out of all the families of the earth: therefore will I visit upon you all your iniquities." This idea is also expressed in Deuteronomy 14:2.
I highly recommend reading further on the much maligned concept of chosenness at Torah.org. It is a wonderful site. In particular, I recommend reading R. Avi Shafran's article Choosing to be Chosen.
I hope I have been helpful,
Rabbi A. Page
