Kadosh - Holy

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“I am יָהוָה, that is My Name; and My glory will I not give to another”. Yeshayahu – Isaiah 42:8. (JPS)

Throughout this site I will use any of the following three versions of the TaNaKh: 1. “Jewish Publication Society” (JPS), 2. “Sefaria.org” (SEF), 3. “Mechon-Mamre.org” (MEC).

Colour coded details of the - TaNaKh: 1. Torah = History & Law, 2. Nevi’im = The Prophets. 3. *Ketuvim = all other Writings).

*The Ketuvim - includes; Poetical books - Psalms, Proverbs, Job, the Megillot, or Scrolls - Song of Solomon, Ruth, Lamentations of Jeremiah, Ecclesiastes, and Esther, prophecy of Daniel, and history of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Chronicles I & II.

Some minor alterations have been made relating to Names and Attributes having been corrected.

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Kadosh - קָדוֹשׁ

דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6.

With Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, Phd.

As we will most likely know, “Kadosh” - קָדוֹשׁ is generally translated as “Holy”, however, we should really understand that it also has a much deeper understanding.

For what was our role originally to be? We were to be separate to the world, and were set aside for אֱלֹהִים-hwhy (The LORD G-d), blessed be He. Thus we are not like the world or things that are of the world! This study will cover a good number of points.

Let us read: דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6. In Ivrit - then in English.

כִּי עַם קָדוֹשׁ אַתָּה, לַיהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ: בְּךָ בָּחַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ, לִהְיוֹת לוֹ לְעַם סְגֻלָּה, מִכֹּל הָעַמִּים, אֲשֶׁר עַל-פְּנֵי הָאֲדָמָה

“For thou art a holy people unto the אֱלֹהֶיךָ-hwhy (LORD thy G-d): for אֱלֹהֶיךָ-hwhy hath chosen thee to be His own treasure, out of all peoples that are upon the face of the earth”. דְּבָרִים - Devarim - Deuteronomy 7:6. “mechon-mamre.org” - (MEC).

Reflection on Deuteronomy 7:6.

Let us look at an Historical and Literary Context, for this verse comes at the culmination of Moshe’s (Moses) charge to Yisrael as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land.

He reminds a generation that never experienced Egypt of their unique calling and covenant relationship.

Key points:

It follows warnings against adopting Canaanite idolatry.

It reiterates themes first introduced at Sinai (“a kingdom of priests, a holy nation”).

It emphasizes choice and setting apart as central to Yisrael’s national identity.

Here are the Core Themes:

1... Holiness - קָדוֹשׁ:

Holiness means to be “Set apart.” For Yisrael’s (Israel’s) were chosen to live a good and a faithful life, upholding our Mitzvoth’s, whilst always worshipping our אֱלֹהִים - (G-d), by doing what is right including keeping our diet, etc. All of this illustrates a people who should be distinct from all neighbouring nations.

2 ... Divine Election:

Election isn’t merit-based. It’s rooted in אֱלֹהִים promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and sustained by divine love and faithfulness.

בָּחוּר (Bāḥûr) can refer refers to a chosen one or elect individuals.

3... Treasured Possession - סְגֻלָּה:

Yisrael is depicted as אֱלֹהִים private property valued above all other nations, not for privilege alone but for responsibility.

The Hebrew word סְגֻלָּה (Segulah) primarily means treasured possession, special property, or a chosen people. It signifies something highly valued and cherished, often in a covenantal or familial sense. In the context of the Hebrew Bible, it frequently refers to the Jewish people as אֱלֹהִים special treasure.

Theological Significance:

1... Let us commence with - Covenant Faithfulness:

Election carries an implicit covenant: אֱלֹהִים remains committed, and Yisrael is called to loyalty, obedience and justice.

Missionary Impulse:

Being “holy” and “treasured” is not insular (ignorant of, or uninterested). Our witness to character’s and justice among the nations points to a broader purpose.

2... Grace and Responsibility:

The verse balances unmerited divine favour with the weight of living up to that blessed favour through “righteous conduct” and of course “ethical leadership”.

3... Practical Implications Today:

“Identity” ... Community Distinctiveness we should model integrity, generosity and compassion in everyday life as a tangible sign of being “set apart.” Thinking about the global outlook, our vocation is not withdrawal but we should engage and reflect אֱלֹהִים character in a pluralistic world.

4... Further Reflections:

How does ‘holiness’ shape your daily decisions, let’s say at work, with relationships, or social justice?

In what way might we be treasured, well let’s translate that into being called for stewardship; giving and using the talents we have been given to do good?

Just consider how ‘election’ inspires humility, and why? For the status we have been appointed with should give us challenges and hope for every generation called to embody both Divine election thus will fulfil our role with a willing and a loving responsibility!

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The “Hebraic Studies” motto is, and we clearly state;

“The More Torah, the More Life”,

For our Elohim is the One who gave us our ... Life!

May the Shalom (Peace) of יָהוָה-צְבָאוֹת - (YHVH LORD of hosts) be with you, and always continue to uphold our ‘Shabbat’ and the ‘Yom Tovim’ and continue saying your daily תפילה - Tefillah (Prayers) and regular בְּרָכָה - Be’ra’chah (blessings) before food and drinks, etc!

Rabbi, Dr. Reuven Ben Avraham-Goossens, PhD.

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