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Why does Judaism describe the Jewish people as chosen by God?

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Jerusalem: Western Wall, Temple Mount — Judaism The Western Wall, in the Old City of Jerusalem, all that remains of the retaining wall surrounding the Temple Mount.

In Judaism, the concept of the chosen people describes the belief that God selected the Jewish people to enter into a unique covenant with Him. This relationship is not viewed as a source of special privilege, but rather as a commitment to specific spiritual obligations.12

The primary purpose of this election is for the Jewish people to serve as a witness to God’s reality and to transmit His laws and truth to the rest of the world. By obeying God’s commandments and living according to His statutes, the people of Israel are intended to act as an instrument for bringing humanity toward the acknowledgment of God.1

Historically, this doctrine evolved from the belief that Yahweh was the national God of Israel into a broader understanding of God as a universal deity. In this context, the Jewish people’s mission is to exemplify God’s will, a responsibility that has historically provided a sense of identity and purpose, even through periods of suffering and Diaspora. Modern interpretations continue to emphasize this role as a "consecrated brotherhood" dedicated to a world mission.1