God chose the Israelites (the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) for a special purpose. He offered them an opportunity to become the model nation of His way of life for all nations, so that all people could have His blessings. He blessed Israel because of the faith and obedience of Abraham, but He made it clear it wasn’t because they were great or righteous (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; 9:6). Unfortunately, they failed to be the model nation God desired; and because of their national sins, they incurred God’s punishment. God loves all people and He is now working spiritually with individuals from all nations (1 Timothy 2:4; Galatians 3:28-29). But He still has a special purpose for the descendants of Israel in the future.