Romans 11:1-10

GOD’S MERCY ON ISRAEL

Romans 11:1-24

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

In this section Paul points out that not all Jews have rejected God’s message of salvation. He draws upon the experience of Elijah to show that there had always been a faithful remnant among the people. In Paul’s day, there was still a remnant living by faith, under the law (Rom_11:5). After all, Paul was a Jew; so were Jesus’ disciples and nearly all of the early Christian missionaries. Part of God’s sovereign choice involves bringing a remnant of his people back to himself. This truth forbids any hint of anti-Semitism—God’s plan still includes the Jews.

Rom 11:1 I ask, then, has God rejected His own people, the nation of Israel? Of course not! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin. Rom 11:2 No, God has not rejected His own people, whom He chose from the very beginning. Do you realize what the Scriptures say about this? Elijah the prophet complained to God about the people of Israel and said, Rom 11:3 "LORD, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." Rom 11:4 And do you remember God's reply? He said, "No, I have 7,000 others who have never bowed down to Baal!"

If you have never read the story of Elijah it is a great story and can be found at 1Ki_18:18. That is start of when he took on the priests of Baal. It is a must read and one that you will never forget. God’s power was shown to the max.

Rom 11:5 It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace—His undeserved kindness in choosing them. Rom 11:6 And since it is through God's kindness, then it is not by their good works. For in that case, God's grace would not be what it really is—free and undeserved. Rom 11:7 So this is the situation: Most of the people of Israel have not found the favor of God they are looking for so earnestly. A few have—the ones God has chosen—but the hearts of the rest were hardened. Rom 11:8 As the Scriptures say, "God has put them into a deep sleep. To this day He has shut their eyes so they do not see, and closed their ears so they do not hear." Rom 11:9 Likewise, David said, "Let their bountiful table become a snare, a trap that makes them think all is well. Let their blessings cause them to stumble, and let them get what they deserve. Rom 11:10 Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and let their backs be bent forever."

Life Application New Testament Commentary:

11:7-10 This verse provides an excellent summary of Romans 9–11. The nation had earnestly sought the favor of God by doing works of the law (see Rom_10:2-3). But God did not accept them. Instead, he accepted the few who had been chosen. Israel’s failure was foreseen by God and, in fact, brought about by him (see Rom_9:22-23; Rom_9:33). Their being made unresponsive was confirmation of their inability to understand and their insensitivity to God’s word and God’s call. When God judged them, he removed their ability to see, hear, and repent; thus they would experience the consequences of their rebellion. But this is not the same as rejection; rather, it confirms their response to God. Paul illustrates this from two passages in Scripture (as follows).

Quoting from Deu_29:4 and Isa_29:10, their unresponsiveness was like a deep sleep. When people repeatedly refuse to listen to God’s Good News, they eventually will be unable to hear and understand it. Israel’s present misinterpretation of their Scriptures and refusal to accept Christ as their Messiah is a continuation of their tendency to misunderstand God’s plans and purposes for them. Paul saw this happening in the Jewish congregations he visited on his missionary journeys.

Next, Paul quoted from Psa_69:22-23 (a psalm thought to be prophetic about the suffering of the Messiah). These words of David were originally a curse directed at Israel’s enemies. Paul turns the curse around and points it at the Jews! These blessings should have drawn Israel to God and thus led them to Christ; instead, they became a snare, a trap. Israel’s blessings had led to pride that led them away from God. Thus, not only did they miss the Messiah when he came, but they also persecuted and killed him.

(me again) This whole set of verses are sad. The Jews had their hearts hardened and therefor were oblivious to any preaching from Paul or others. All because they were stubborn. If you read the story of Elijah, you can see this had happen before. Elijah felt he was alone but God told him there were 7000 others. Elijah then felt empowered to take on Baal. That was a bad day for the priest of Baal. Read the story please it is well worth it.