SPECIAL TOPIC: YHWH'S GRACE ACTS TO ISRAEL

It must be stated clearly that the Exodus, the Wilderness Wandering, and the Conquest were grace acts on YHWH's part (i.e., Gen. 15:12-21), not merited rewards due to Israel's actions:

1. It was YHWH's love for "the fathers" ‒ Deut. 4:37-38; 7:8; 10:15 (i.e., Patriarchs)
2. It was not Israel's number ‒ Deut. 7:7
3. It was not Israel's strength and power ‒ Deut. 8:17
4. It was not Israel's righteousness or uprightness ‒ Deut. 9:5-6
5. YHWH continues to love Israel even amidst judgment ‒ Jer. 31:3

It must be added how often Israel is characterized as "stubborn" (see SPECIAL TOPIC: STUBBORNNESS). YHWH's mercy and grace (see SPECIAL TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS OF ISRAEL'S GOD [OT]) are highlighted against the backdrop of His covenant people's recurrent disobedience and idolatry.

SPECIAL TOPIC: COVENANT

SPECIAL TOPIC: KEEP

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