You asked

what did 'holy' and 'possession' imply about israel's obligations to god and others at that time?

Adds the setting and its conversation across both testaments.

Exodus 19:5-6

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.””

Moses has led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and brought them to Mount Sinai. This passage records God's direct words to Moses, outlining the foundational covenant relationship offered to the people of Israel before the giving of the Ten Commandments and the detailed laws.

How might being chosen for a particular purpose influence a community's understanding of its role in the world today?

Then — the setting

This passage is set in the 13th century BCE (or 15th, depending on dating), at Mount Sinai. God is speaking to Moses, who is then to convey these terms to the newly liberated Israelites. They are a large group of former slaves, having just witnessed powerful displays of God's presence and deliverance. The concept of 'holy' (qadosh) in this context signifies being set apart for God's exclusive use and purpose, distinct from the common or profane. 'Possession' (segullah) implies a cherished, valuable treasure, not merely property, suggesting a unique relationship of care and devotion from God's side, and special responsibility from Israel's.

Across the Testaments

In the Old Testament, these verses establish Israel's unique identity as God's chosen people, distinct from other nations, with the responsibility of mediating God's presence to the world through their obedience. The New Testament picks up this language in 1 Peter 2:9, applying similar terms – 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession' – to the Christian community. While Israel's calling was ethnically defined, the New Testament extends this priestly and holy identity to believers from all nations, seeing it fulfilled through Christ and the Church. Both testaments emphasize that this 'chosenness' is not for exclusive privilege but for a mediating role to a wider world.

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

Deuteronomy 7:6
Reiterates Israel's status as a holy people and treasured possession.
1 Peter 2:9
Applies similar language of 'chosen race,' 'royal priesthood,' and 'holy nation' to early Christian communities.
Isaiah 61:6
Envisions a future where Israel serves as 'priests of Yahweh' to all nations.

Ask your own follow-up