Chapter 9 deals with Israel’s past history;
chapter 10 with the present; and chapter 11 with the
future. Paul’s purpose in these chapters is to explain
how God set aside His chosen people; how He had an
eternal purpose for the Gentiles; what that purpose was;
and how He would restore the nation of Israel at some
future date.
Paul was burdened for the nation of Israel. No
other nation had had the wonderful opportunities and
blessings; yet Israel spurned them and rejected the
righteousness of God.
The key word in this chapter is righteousness.
The Jews wanted righteousness, but tried to get it in
the wrong way–through works. Religious people today are
no different. They think God will accept them for their
good works. There are two classes of righteousness–
works and faith. The Jews would not submit to faith
righteousness; their racial and religious pride turned
them from simple faith to blind religion. They rejected
Christ and clung to the Law, not realizing that Christ
was the very One for whom the Law had been preparing the
way, and that He, Himself, ended the reign of the Law.
There are several practical points presented in
chapter 10. First, salvation is for all. Verse 13 says,
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord
shall be saved.” Another is found in verse 17 which
says, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by
the word of God.” It is important that the Word of God
be presented to lost sinners. It is the Word that
convicts and gives the faith that leads to Christ.
Finally, in our reading today, chapter 11
discusses Israel’s future and answers the question, “Has
God permanently cast aside His people, or is there a
future for the nation?” There is a future for Israel. At
the end of the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, the nation of
Israel will be redeemed and regenerated as a nation.
God’s promised covenant is quoted in verse 27 (see also
Jeremiah 31:31-34). This new covenant will apply to the
nation of Israel when they turn from their sins and
trust Christ as their Lamb.