QEDOSH YISRAEL: HOLY ONE OF ISRAEL

Understanding Holiness

The title Qedosh Yisrael (ke-DOSH yis-ra-AIL) translates to the Holy One of Israel. To grasp the meaning of this title, it's essential to understand that holiness is not just an attribute of God but encompasses the totality of His being. God exists above and apart from the world He created, embodying a purity and separateness that defines His essence.

Holiness implies a distinction from sin, but it also involves God's absolute hostility toward it. Created beings—such as people, places, and things—can be made holy through their relationship with God. For instance, the people of Israel were designated as holy because of God's choice, and this holiness was to be expressed through adherence to rituals and moral laws that set them apart for His service.

In the New Testament, the term for “holy” is hagios. Even demons recognized the holiness of Jesus, calling Him “the Holy One of God.” When Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice for our sins, He bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s character, striving to be holy as He is holy.

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Praying to Qedosh Yisrael

A Reflection on God’s Commands

Imagine coming across a scrap of paper with Leviticus 19:1-18 written on it. This passage contains commands from God to Moses, emphasizing the importance of holiness and ethical conduct:

• Be holy because I, Yahweh your Elohim, am holy.
• Leave some grain in your fields for the poor and foreigners.
• Don’t cheat or oppress anyone.
• Be considerate of those with disabilities.
• Forgive and avoid holding grudges.
• Pay workers promptly.

Repeatedly, God links each command to His identity: “I am the LORD your God.” This connection shows us that God is deeply concerned about justice, kindness, and generosity. He desires His people to emulate His character and values.

From this passage, we learn that God hears the cries of the marginalized, loves justice, and seeks a relationship with humanity. Holiness, then, involves restoring God’s image in us, despite our fallen nature.

A Prayer for Holiness

Qedosh Yisrael, Holy One of Israel, thank you for revealing the truth about who you are and what you expect from us. I revere you and desire to be like you, yet I know I cannot achieve this without your help. Draw me into deep repentance, fix what is broken within me, and give me your heart and mind. I aspire to be holy because you, my LORD and God, are holy.

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Promises Associated with Qedosh Yisrael

1. “When that day comes, the deaf will hear the words written in the book. The blind will see out of their gloom and darkness. Humble people again will find joy in Yahweh. The poorest of people will find joy in Qedosh Yisrael.” (Isaiah 29:18-19)

2. “With one sacrifice he [Christ] accomplished the work of setting them apart for God forever. The Holy Spirit tells us the same thing: ‘This is the promise that I will make to them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my teachings in their hearts and write them in their minds.’” (Hebrews 10:14-16)

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Conclusion

Qedosh Yisrael—the Holy One of Israel—embodies the essence of holiness and calls us to a higher standard of living. Through His commands, we see a God who values justice, kindness, and relationship. In striving for holiness, we reflect His character and fulfill our destiny as beings made in His image, restoring the fractured relationship between humanity and God. With His help, we can pursue a life of holiness that honors His name and reflects His nature.