Romans 11:1-12

The Elect Remnant. Paul comes to the third part of his proof that God's word to Israel has not fallen through, despite the national rejection of Jesus Christ.

Romans 11:1; Romans 11:2 a. That God has not cast away His people (cf. 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalms 94:14, etc.), the Israelite Paul is a living proof God's people, that is, whom He foreknew (cf. Romans 8:29 *, 1 Peter 1:2).

Romans 11:2 b - Romans 11:4. One remembers how Elijah mourned over prophets slain and altars overthrown and cried, I alone am left, though 7000 Israelites bent no knee to Baal!

Romans 11:5 f. Even so to-day there is a remnant in whom Israel lives on (cf. Romans 9:29, etc.) those chosen in God's grace, on no ground of works and merit. Grace is grace no longer when works make their claim (cf. Romans 4:4 f.).

Romans 11:7. Thus finally the matter stands: Israel has missed the righteousness it sought (Romans 9:31 f., Romans 10:2 f.); only the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened. This hardening is not that of Romans 9:18 imperviousness to fear of judgment; but that of 2 Corinthians 3:14; Ephesians 4:18; Mark 3:22, the imperviousness to conviction described in the OT sayings quoted in Romans 11:8. The spirit of deep slumber, eyes unseeing and ears unhearing, mark a people sunk in spiritual lethargy: this condition God gave them (cf. Romans 1:18; Romans 1:24, etc.) a penal consequence of habitual sin; and it is chronic (cf. 2 Corinthians 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:15; Acts 7:51 f., Matthew 23:31). The imprecation cited from Psalms 69 (cf. John 19:28 f., Acts 1:20, quoting the same context) implies treachery, as well as stupidity, in anti-Christian Jews.

Romans 11:11 f. Sad as it is, Israel's error is a stumble, not a final fall, a trespass overruled for salvation to the Gentiles, whose gain will in turn stir Israel's jealousy (cf. Romans 10:19). Now if their trespass is a world-enrichment, how much more their replenishment! The calamity which distresses lovers of Israel, God turns into blessing for mankind; and in the world's blessedness Israel is bound to participate.