Do you ever read Peter's and Paul's writings? They both quote that prophecy as being fulfilled in the believing remnant of Jews and gentiles, ie, the body of Christ.
Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the sons of the living God. Romans 9:24-26
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a 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: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10
Many commentators use 1 Peter 2:9–10 to argue for "replacement theology" (supersessionism), claiming the Church has taken over the titles and role of Israel. Fruchtenbaum strongly rejects this, arguing that Peter's words do not conflict with the future national restoration of Israel.
Fruchtenbaum's exegesis rests on two primary pillars:
1. The Targeted Audience: The Jewish Remnant
Fruchtenbaum emphasizes that 1 Peter was written specifically to Jewish believers, not to the Church at large or a Gentile audience.
Throughout Scripture, there are always "two Israels": Israel the Whole (all physical descendants of Jacob) and Israel the Remnant (only those Jews who actively believe and follow God). In the New Testament era, this Jewish Remnant exists inside the body of Messiah (the Church).
"It is important to recognize that the contrast Peter makes here is not between the Church and Israel, or between believers and non-believers, or between unbelieving Jews and believing Gentiles. Rather, the contrast here is between the Remnant and the Non-Remnant of Israel."
— Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum
2. Reiterating, Not Transposing, Old Testament Titles
Because Peter is addressing Hebrew Christians, he isn't stripping Israel's titles ("chosen race," "royal priesthood," "holy nation") to pass them off to a new, Gentile-dominated entity. Instead, he is reiterating these foundational covenant identities to the Jewish individuals who actually accepted their Messiah.
Unbelieving Israel had temporarily forfeited the experiential benefits of these titles. However, the believing Jewish remnant still rightfully possessed them.
3. The Context of the Hosea Quote
When Peter references Hosea in verse 10 ("which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God"), he is referencing a strictly Jewish context. In the book of Hosea, God conditionally judged national Israel, declaring them Lo-Ammi ("not my people") and Lo-Ruhamah ("not pitied/no mercy") due to their idolatry.
Fruchtenbaum notes that while the final, glorious fulfillment of Hosea's prophecy awaits the end-time national restoration of all Israel, the spiritual reality of that restoration is already alive in the present-day Jewish Remnant. By placing their faith in Jesus, these Jewish believers have experientially become "God's people" again and have "obtained mercy" ahead of the rest of their nation.
Conclusion
By interpreting 1 Peter 2:9–10 as an address to the Jewish Remnant rather than the Gentile Church, Fruchtenbaum protects the integrity of Old Testament covenants. The Church has not replaced Israel; rather, the Jewish believers within the Church are experiencing a foretaste of the redemption that will one day sweep across the entire nation of Israel.
Conserving their strength for the false flag to come if peace prevails, perhaps? Practically the whole world is waiting for the pariah state to do what it always does when it doesn't get its way. I just hope that the criminals face justice this time.
