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Priscilla: Romans 11:1-10
The Remnant of Israel

1 I say then, Did not God thrust away His people? Let it not be! For I also am an Israelite, out of Abraham’s seed, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 “God did not thrust away His people” whom He foreknew. Psa. 94:14 Or do you not know what the Scripture said in Elijah, how he pleaded with God against Israel, saying,

3 Lord, “they killed Your prophets,” “and they dug down Your altars,” “and only I am left, and they seek my life.” 1 Kg. 19:10

4 But what does the Divine answer say to him, “I reserved to Myself seven thousand men who did not bow a knee to Baal.” 1 Kg. 19:18

5 So then, also in the present time a remnant according to election of grace has come into being.

6 But if by grace, no longer is it of works; else grace no longer becomes grace. But if of works, it is no longer grace; else work is no longer work.

7 What then? What Israel seeks, this it did not obtain, but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened;

8 even as it has been written, “God gave to them a spirit of slumber, eyes not seeing and ears not hearing” until this day. Isa. 29:10; Deut. 29:4

9 And David said, “Let their table become for a snare and a trap, and for a stumbling block,” and a repayment to them;

10 “let their eyes be darkened, not to see, and their back always bowing.” LXX-68:23, 24; MT-Psa. 69:22, 23

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Dear God, my Beloved Father, today I offer my reflection on the Word of God in Romans 11:1-10 regarding the remnant of Israel to You.

Dear God, I understand verses 1 and 2 to mean that the Israelites have always rebelled against You, yet You have never given up on them. It is due to Your mercy and faithfulness to Your covenant with Abraham that You promised to bless his descendants, making the Israelites as numerous as the sand of the sea and making them Your own people forever. You kept Your promise, yet You will also punish those Israelites who do not have faith and do not obey You.

Dear God, I understand verses 3 and 5 to mean that Paul talked about the Prophet Elijah pleading with You about the rebellion of the Israelites. They destroyed the altars of God, persecuted and try to killed Elijah and other prophets. Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left among the Israelites, yet You told him that You had reserved for Yourself seven thousand people who had not bowed down to Baal. Among the Israelites who rebelled, there was still a remnant of people who truly believed in You. They were the ones chosen by Your grace, not by anyone’s works.

Dear God, I understand verse 6 to mean that “by grace” refers to Your mercy bestowed upon humankind for their redemption. Humans do not need to do anything but receive Your grace for salvation. Only after a person has received Your salvation, been freed from the power and consequences of sin, and been given the status of Your child, can they receive other blessings from You and do the good works You have prepared for them. You will reward and pay each person according to their works, but the grace of salvation is given by You.

Dear God, I understand verses 7 and 8 to mean that the people of Israel could not find righteousness by obeying Your law and were not accepted by You. On the other hand, people from other nations were accepted by You because they believed in Your salvation. Those who were not chosen by You had a hardened conscience and continued to live in sin, and be lost forever. Paul spoke of the spiritual state of the people of Israel, who rebelled against You and did not accept Your salvation. Therefore, their spirits were dormant, and they could not comprehend spiritual matters. Their spiritual eyes and ears could not perceive or hear things that belonged to God.

Dear God, I understand verses 9 and 10 to mean that King David had cursed the people of Israel, those who deliberately sinned, as they had become Your adversaries. All their pleasures and amusements would become snares and stumbling blocks, causing them harm. That is the deserved retribution that You have for them. They will bear the burden of their sins forever and never find solace. Their eyes will never behold You and Your glory.

I thank You, Father, for giving me the understanding of the Gospel so that I can receive Your salvation. You have also assisted me in comprehending and obeying Your commandments. Please grant me wisdom in all things and always help me to know the truth of the Word of God. Sanctify me so that I may be holy every day. Amen.

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
04/02/2023