Isaiah 42:6 and Isaiah 49:6 are foundational texts that convey Israel's divine mission to be the “Ohr L’Goyim” (light to the nations), spreading the knowledge and righteousness of G-d to the world. These verses, along with others throughout the TaNaKh and the Brit Chadasha, emphasize the unique calling of the Jewish people to serve as Kingdom priests, intercessors, and representatives of G-d’s covenantal relationship with humanity. Yeshua and His disciples affirm this divine responsibility on the Jewish people, in the Brit Chadasha, calling for an ingathering of the exiles and the nations to establish G-d’s kingdom through the witness and example of the lives of Yeshua’s disciples.

 

The Obligation of Israel in the TaNaKh

 

The story of Israel’s divine calling unfolds like a sacred mission woven throughout the TaNaKh. At the birth of the covenant between G-d and the people of Israel, there was a clear expectation that Israel is meant to be more than just a chosen people for themselves—they are to be a beacon of light, an example of righteousness, and a conduit of G-d’s truth for the whole world. This calling, which begins with the patriarchs and is expanded upon through the prophets, is central to Jewish identity and our relationship with the nations.

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"I, the L-rd, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the nations." (Isaiah 42:6)

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In this passage, the prophet expresses that the role of Israel is elevated beyond merely being a people in covenant with G-d; they are to be conduit for divine light and righteousness, intended to guide the nations toward G-d. Israel is called to live out the covenant with G-d in a way that draws others to Him, reflecting His holiness through obedience to His commandments. This theme is deepened in Isaiah 49:6, where the L-rd speaks not only of restoring Israel but says, 

 

"It is too small a thing for you to be My servant to restore the tribes of Ya’acov and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth."

 

In short, it is not enough that Israel should focus inwardly on their own restoration—G-d’s vision is for His salvation to be spread across the earth through them and ultimately through the Mashiach. Thus, Israel is not only called to heal and gather its own people but to extend G-d’s message of salvation globally. 

 

Other TaNaKh Verses Highlighting Israel's Role

 

This idea, that Israel’s calling is to be a "light to the nations," is not limited to Isaiah alone. It is rooted in the very heart of the Torah. In Exodus 19:5-6, as G-d prepares to give Israel the Torah at Har Sinai, He tells them, 

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"Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation."

 

A priest is one who serves as a mediator between G-d and others, and Israel’s role as a “kingdom of priests” is to mediate G-d’s presence and holiness to the world. This priestly calling implies a responsibility to live out the commandments of the Torah in a way that shines G-d’s light for all to see. The passage frames Israel's role as the "kingdom priests," which implies both service and mediation between G-d and the nations. As the priests, Israel is to reflect G-d’s holiness through adherence to His commandments and make His presence known in the world. The Torah further communicates this role in passages like Deuteronomy 4:6-8, where Moshe tells the people, 

 

"Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.' What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the L-rd our G-d is near us whenever we pray to Him?"

 

Israel’s obedience to the Torah, their adherence to G-d’s ways, would be a testimony to the nations of the wisdom and righteousness of G-d. Even in the prophetic visions of the future, as seen in Micah 4:2, 

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"Many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the L-rd, to the temple of the G-d of Ya’acov. He will teach us His ways, so that we may walk in His paths.' The law will go out from Zion, the word of the L-rd from Jerusalem."

 

This eschatological vision portrays the nations coming to Zion to learn G-d’s Torah, further confirming Israel’s role as a teacher of divine wisdom to the world.

 

Talmudic Support for Israel's Divine Calling

 

The Talmud, too, supports this divine calling. In Sanhedrin 58b, the rabbis discuss the obligations of non-Jews to follow the Noachide laws, a moral code for humanity, but there is also an understanding that Israel plays a part in guiding the nations towards moral and spiritual understanding. Sukkah 55b describes the sacrifices offered on Sukkot, where 70 sacrifices are made for the nations, symbolizing Israel’s intercession on behalf of the world. These references reflect the ongoing recognition of Israel’s role as a light to the nations

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The Essence of "Ohr L'Goyim" in Rashi’s View

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Rashi’s interpretation of the scriptures in Isaiah 42 and 49, consistently centers around the Torah as the source of light. He sees the Jew's adherence to the Torah as their primary way of fulfilling the role of being an "Ohr L'goyim." The nations of the world, according to Rashi, will recognize the wisdom and beauty of God’s laws as they observe Israel’s commitment to them. Thus, Rashi affirms a common rabbinic principle that our "light" is not an abstract or mystical concept, but is very concrete: it is the wisdom, justice, and moral clarity that come from living according to the Torah.

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Moreover, Rashi’s view is that this role is fully realized in the messianic era, when the Jewish people, through their faithfulness, will help lead the nations to a greater understanding of God. In the meantime, their role is to live in such a way that the nations are drawn to God’s truth by their example. This mission is accomplished not by force but through the quiet, consistent practice of righteousness.

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Therefore, for Rashi, the Jewish people’s role as a "light to the nations" is intertwined with their adherence to the Torah. By living in obedience to God’s commandments, Am Israel becomes an example of righteousness, wisdom, and divine justice for the world. This light is not simply a privilege of being God’s chosen people but a responsibility to influence the nations positively, guiding them towards a recognition of God’s sovereignty and righteousness. Ultimately, Rashi sees this mission as culminating in the messianic era, when Israel’s example will inspire the nations to turn to God, fulfilling the divine vision of a world united in the worship of the Creator.

 

Yeshua’s Perspective in the Brit Chadasha

 

How does Rashi's perspective track with Yeshua's? When we turn to the teachings of Yeshua in the Brit Chadasha, we find this very same concept reaffirmed and expanded. Yeshua, as a Jewish rabbi, saw His mission as part of this grand narrative. Though He was initially sent to “the lost sheep of Israel,” Yeshua made it clear that His message was meant to extend beyond the boundaries of Israel, to the nations of the world. In Matthew 5:14-16, He tells His disciples, 

 

"You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."

 

Yeshua amplifies the message of being a light to the world and teaches His followers that they are called to be visible embodiments of G-d’s righteousness, just as Israel is called to be a light to the nations. This mission becomes explicit in Matthew 28:19-20, often called the Great Commission, where Yeshua instructs His disciples, 

 

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

 

This charge to take the message of the Kingdom of G-d to the nations echoes Isaiah’s vision of Israel as a light to the world. Yeshua saw His disciples not just as messengers to Israel but as bearers of the good news to all humanity, tasked with spreading G-d’s righteousness and calling others into a life of obedience to His commandments. In the book of Acts 1:8, Yeshua again emphasizes the global nature of this mission, telling His disciples, 

 

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

 

The task begins with Israel but is meant to reach the entire world, just as the prophets had envisioned. Yeshua’s message aligns with the prophetic expectation that Israel, as the chosen people of G-d, would bring the nations into a relationship with Him. Here, Yeshua commissions His disciples to start their mission from Israel and extend it to the entire world, echoing the TaNaK’s vision of Israel’s global spiritual role.
 

The Apostles and Their Writings

 

The apostles of Yeshua continue to reflect this mission in their writings. 1 Peter 2:9 calls the followers of Yeshua a “chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” directly echoing the language of Exodus 19:5-6. Shimon Kefa is reminding the early believers, predominantly Jews, that they are continuing Israel’s priestly role, called to declare the praises of G-d to the world. James 2:12 further urges believers to live according to the “law of liberty,” which reflects the Torah’s ethical demands, reminding them that their obedience is a testimony to G-d’s righteousness, underscoring the ongoing relevance of Israel’s divine mission.

 

Rav Shaul, too, speaks of Israel’s ongoing mission in Romans 11:11-12, where he explains that Israel’s temporary stumbling has led to salvation for the Gentiles. Yet, this does not mean that Israel’s role is over—rather, it highlights the necessity for Gentiles to be grafted into the larger mission of spreading G-d’s light. Revelation 1:6 also affirms this priestly mission for the followers of Yeshua, which states, "And has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His G-d and Father—to Him be glory and power for ever and ever!"John is affirming that the followers of Yeshua are joint heirs with Israel in the role as "kingdom priests," reflecting the mission to spread G-d's holiness and truth.

 

Together, these scriptures—from the TaNaKh to the Brit Chadasha—paint a unified picture of the divine calling placed in Israel and, by extension, the followers of Yeshua. It is a calling to be a light to the nations, to live out G-d’s righteousness through obedience to His commandments, and to extend His kingdom across the earth. Whether through the Torah, the prophets, or the teachings of Yeshua and His disciples, the mission remains the same: to make an abode for G-d on earth by reflecting His holiness and inviting the nations to join in the covenantal relationship with the Creator.