תהלים, פרק ק״ה, פסוק ו׳

A powerful call is directed to the Israelites, urging them to remember their lineage and their unique connection with God [אבן עזרא, מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם]. This historical reflection begins by tracing their roots back to Abraham. He is highlighted as the foundational figure because he was the first patriarch to begin receiving God's commandments [אבן עזרא]. Through his faithful devotion, Abraham earned the distinct honor of being recognized as God's servant [מלבי״ם].

However, tracing the nation's origins solely to Abraham presents a broader historical reality, as his descendants also include other groups, such as those of Ishmael and Esau. A parallel account in the Book of Chronicles provides a key to understanding this distinction by focusing on the lineage of Israel rather than Abraham [רד״ק, מנחת שי]. To clarify the exact heritage, the focus immediately narrows to the children of Jacob. Jacob is singled out because he is the exclusive father of the Israelites, with no other nations sharing his direct lineage [אבן עזרא].

The children of Jacob are specifically identified as the ones selected by God [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. This distinction emphasizes that they are the chosen, special portion drawn from the wider family tree of Abraham [רד״ק, אלשיך, מצודת דוד]. Out of His own free will, God chose them from all others to be His unique people and to dedicate themselves to serving Him [מלבי״ם].