The verb translated as known
suggests intimacy (e.g., Genesis 4:1; Psalm 1:6; Jeremiah 1:5), and it is used to refer to God’s decision to make a covenant with the people of Israel (see further Deuteronomy 7:6–11). Israel is the only nation with whom the Lord is in covenant.1 Of all the families of the earth the Lord has chosen to set his love upon the people of Israel.2
2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth; therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.