Elected for the Diaspora
1 Tsefet 1:1-2 “to the selected ones predetermined to sojourn[1] in the Diaspora”[2]
The phrase ἐκλεκτοῖς παρεπιδήμοις διασπορᾶς… κατὰ πρόγνωσιν θεοῦ (selected ones predetermined to sojourn[3] in the Diaspora) is more specific than we may realize. Hakham Tsefet’s (Peter) words here are to those who have been “selected” specifically for life in the Diaspora. These “elect” souls differ from the ones “elected” who are to live in Eretz Yisrael. This” predetermination”[4] is G-d’s providence[5] in action. Those sent (selected) to live in Diaspora are specifically suited for the task of redeeming the cosmos. Not every Jewish soul has the capacity of living in the Diaspora. However, some Jewish souls need to be initiated in Eretz Yisrael before being “scattered to foreign soil” – diaspora.
However, not every Jewish soul can live in Eretz Yisrael. This “election” was by or through the foreknowledge of G-d and thus a definitive type of “Election.”