Full Idea
Having transferred their right to God, the Hebrews believed their kingdom was the kingdom of God, that they alone were the children of God, and that other nations were enemies of God, whom for that reason they regarded with extreme hostility.
Gist of Idea
Hebrews were very hostile to other states, who had not given up their rights to God
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (Tractatus Theologico-Politicus [1670], 17.23)
Book Reference
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Theological-Political Treatise', ed/tr. Israel,Jonathan [CUP 2007], p.222
A Reaction
[He cites Psalm 139:21-2] So, according to Spinoza, they did not become the chosen people because they thought God had chosen then, but because they were the only state trying to align itself with God.
Related Idea
Idea 19932 The early Hebrews, following Moses, gave up their rights to God alone [Spinoza]