Chosen and Different
Why Hebrew Israelites Cannot Follow the Nations
Set Apart for a Purpose
The Most High did not call Israel to blend in with the nations. We are not like everyone else — we are chosen, set apart, and called to walk in holiness. Yet, many Hebrew Israelites are still following the ways of the nations — their holidays, fashion, music, and lifestyles — as if we have forgotten who we are.
“For thou art an holy people unto YAHUAH thy Elohim: YAHUAH thy Elohim hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.”
— Deuteronomy 7:6
We are not supposed to be like the other nations. We are supposed to lead them back to the truth, not follow their customs. When we imitate them, we dishonor the covenant YAH made with us.
Following the Nations Leads to Spiritual Death
The Bible warns repeatedly that following the nations’ ways leads to idolatry and destruction. Israel has a long history of being punished for adopting the customs of the nations, from worshiping false gods to taking on pagan traditions.
“And ye shall not walk in the manners of the nation, which I cast out before you: for they committed all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.”
— Leviticus 20:23
“Learn not the way of the heathen…”
— Jeremiah 10:2
When we celebrate Christmas, Easter, or other pagan holidays, we are doing exactly what YAH warned us not to do. When we follow trends of the world — in fashion, music, or entertainment — we are bowing to Babylon’s influence.
Why YAH Calls Israel “A Holy Nation”
To be “holy” means to be set apart — different in every way. Our diet, worship, clothing, and behavior are supposed to reflect YAH’s commandments, not the culture around us.
“Ye shall be holy: for I YAHUAH your Elohim am holy.”
— Leviticus 19:2
The nations around us live by their own laws, their own traditions, and their own desires. But we live by Torah, the law of the Most High, which defines what is clean, pure, and acceptable.
When Israel acts like the nations, we become spiritually weak, losing the power and favor that comes from being obedient to YAH’s ways.
(See our book, The Symbiotic Relationship: Grace & Law)
Imitating Their Customs Is Spiritual Slavery
When we adopt the customs of other nations, we are returning to the same spiritual slavery that caused us to be scattered in the first place.
Pagan holidays like Christmas and Easter are rooted in idol worship.
Worldly fashion promotes lust, vanity, and pride rather than modesty and righteousness.
Entertainment and music glorify sin, rebellion, and materialism.
“Ye shall make you no idols nor graven image, neither rear you up a standing image… to bow down unto it: for I am YAHUAH your Elohim.”
— Leviticus 26:1
We must recognize these practices for what they are — tools designed to pull Israel away from covenant living.
Israel’s Role: To Lead, Not Follow
Israel was never meant to copy the nations — we were called to be a light to them.
“I YAHUAH have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand… and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.”
— Isaiah 42:6
Our role is to show the world what obedience, holiness, and covenant living look like. But when we follow their customs, we can no longer lead. We become just like them — confused, lawless, and powerless.
The Dangers of Wanting to Be “Like Everyone Else”
Israel has made this mistake before. In 1 Samuel 8, the people demanded a king so they could “be like the nations.” YAH told Samuel:
“They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.”
— 1 Samuel 8:7
Wanting to be like the nations is a rejection of YAH’s leadership. It’s saying, “We prefer their ways over Your ways.” That mindset has led Israel into captivity time and time again.
How to Remain Chosen and Different
Keep YAH’s Commandments – The Torah defines what sets us apart (Exodus 19:5–6).
Reject Pagan Customs – Refuse to celebrate or participate in holidays or traditions rooted in idolatry.
Dress Set Apart – Modesty and fringes (Numbers 15:38) remind us who we are.
Live Righteously – Show love, justice, and integrity in all we do.
Teach Our Children the Truth – Pass down our culture, laws, and history so they don’t fall into the world’s trap.
(See our book, The Path: Of Righteousness)
We Are Chosen — So We Must Live Like It
The Most High did not choose Israel so we could look, act, and live like everyone else. He chose us to be different — a nation of priests, a light to the world, and a people set apart.
“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
— 1 Peter 2:9
It’s time to stop imitating the nations. It’s time to embrace our identity, our Torah, and our Messiah. We are chosen. We are different. And we are called to walk the narrow path — no matter what the world thinks.
(See our book, Peace Be Still John 14:27: Peace For Everyday Living, His Shalom)
Shalom,
If you would like to have more information about our beliefs please check out our books: Unknown Hebrew Collection
Also, if you would like to know more about our new books and have access to promo codes please sign up to our Newsletter: Newsletter
Follow us at Substack for weekly blogs about a wide range of Israelite topics: Substack
Finally, if you would like to contact us or email us directly please go to: Email Us