Isaiah pointed out to his people that they were chosen to be a servant of God, and to be a light to the Gentiles (Isa. 49:3, 6). [A Gentile is anyone who is not Jewish, that is, not a descendant of Jacob
(Israel).] So Israel was a nation formed through divine action to provide a cohesive community of people who were entrusted with God's truth embodied in the covenants and laws. They were his writers and protectors
of the written word, i.e., scripture.
Before Abraham and Sarah, there were no Hebrews, Israelites, or Jews. In fact, Abraham paid honor and tithe to a non-Hebrew priest of the most high God named Melchizedek (Gen. 14:17-20). Moses' father-in-law
was a Midianite priest who worshipped the God of Israel (Ex. 2:16-21; 18:12). The law given to Moses contained provisions for accepting strangers and sojourners among them (Ex. 12:11-48). Except for Passover, a
Gentile could worship at the tabernacle and offer sacrifices and attend sacrificial feasts (Ex. 12:48; Dt. 16:11). If a Gentile man was circumcised he would observe the Passover (Ex. 12:48).
