According to the Hebrew Bible, God did many things for the People of Israel, solidifying a covenant relationship with them and thus laying the foundation for his demands of allegiance and love. Here are some key actions:
* Liberation from Slavery in Egypt: This is arguably the foundational act. God delivered the Israelites from centuries of slavery under the oppressive rule of the Pharaohs. He performed miraculous plagues, parted the Red Sea, and destroyed the Egyptian army, enabling their escape.
* The Covenant at Mount Sinai: God established a covenant (a binding agreement) with the Israelites at Mount Sinai. He gave them the Ten Commandments and the rest of the Law (Torah), which provided a framework for their relationship with Him and with each other.
* Providing for Their Needs in the Wilderness: During their 40 years of wandering in the desert, God miraculously provided them with food (manna from heaven) and water (from a rock). He also protected them from their enemies and provided guidance in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
* Giving Them the Promised Land: God promised to lead the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey, and after many trials and tribulations, He eventually fulfilled that promise, helping them conquer and settle the land of Canaan.
* Protecting Them from Their Enemies: Throughout their history, God intervened to protect the Israelites from their enemies, granting them victories in battle and saving them from annihilation.
* Establishing Them as a Nation: God chose the Israelites to be his chosen people, setting them apart to be a light to the nations and to bring his message of salvation to the world. He established a kingdom, gave them laws and customs, and provided them with prophets and leaders.
It's important to note that the Hebrew Bible also depicts times when God punished the Israelites for their disobedience and idolatry. However, these actions were ultimately meant to correct them and lead them back to faithfulness, reinforcing the idea that the covenant was conditional upon their obedience.
In summary, God's actions toward the People of Israel, as described in the Hebrew Bible, were acts of liberation, provision, protection, and establishment, all designed to foster a relationship of love, loyalty, and obedience.