22. Thine own people. Compare 2 Sam. 7:24. It was a thought of constant comfort and cheer to the true Israelite to know that he belonged to God’s people—a people chosen, protected, and redeemed by Him. However, the same knowledge lulled many into a false security by causing them to ignore two facts: (1) that this status of “chosen people” was also conditional on obedience (Ex. 19:5, 6); and (2) that true Israel included not merely the Hebrews, but people gathered from the ends of the earth, “every one that is called by my name” (Isa. 43:1-7, 21; Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; 26:4).
