Why does God distinguish Israel from the Gentiles in the Old Testament?
God distinguishes Israel from the Gentiles in the Old Testament because He declared 'there is a difference.' This distinction is tied to Israel's history, such as the Passover and Exodus, and contrasts with the church age where Paul emphasizes there is no difference.
Les explains that the Old Testament establishes a clear distinction between Israel and the Gentiles. He notes that Peter reverted to the old mentality that Jews could not fellowship Gentiles, but in the church age, Paul emphasizes there is now no difference. However, Les says this truth must be brought back to the Old Testament where God says there is a difference, and we should not forget that. The context of Exodus shows this distinction through the Passover, which God instituted for Israel in Egypt, and the deliverance of the children of Israel from Pharaoh. Passover, still practiced by Orthodox Jews, goes back to Exodus chapter 12, where God told Moses and Aaron that the month would be the beginning of months for Israel.