11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were {f} blinded
(f) See Mr 3:5.
11:7 What then? What is the inference from the fact that the greater part of Israel has fallen away?
Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for. It is that Israel has not obtained what it hoped and sought for, justification by the law, and is under condemnation,
but the election hath obtained it. The election means the elect, and this term is applied to all believers. Here it is limited to that portion of the elect people, Israel, which had accepted Christ, and hence were an elect remnant. That election does not mean a decree that an individual shall be eternally saved is shown by 2Pe 1:10. If an individual was elected before time began to eternal salvation by a divine decree, no act of his could render his election surer. The scriptural election is one that requires diligence on our part, and effort to keep from falling.
The rest were blinded. Israel had eyes and saw not. See Isa 6:9 and see PNT Mt 13:14. The Savior says they were blinded because they closed their eyes. It was their own act.
11:7 What then - What is the conclusion from the whole? It is this: that Israel in general hath not obtained justification; but those of them only who believe. And the rest were blinded - By their own wilful prejudice.
11:1-10 There was a chosen remnant of believing Jews, who had righteousness and life by faith in Jesus Christ. These were kept according to the election of grace. If then this election was of grace, it could not be of works, either performed or foreseen. Every truly good disposition in a fallen creature must be the effect, therefore it cannot be the cause, of the grace of God bestowed on him. Salvation from the first to the last must be either of grace or of debt. These things are so directly contrary to each other that they cannot be blended together. God glorifies his grace by changing the hearts and tempers of the rebellious. How then should they wonder and praise him! The Jewish nation were as in a deep sleep, without knowledge of their danger, or concern about it; having no sense of their need of the Saviour, or of their being upon the borders of eternal ruin. David, having by the Spirit foretold the sufferings of Christ from his own people, the Jews, foretells the dreadful judgments of God upon them for it, Ps 69. This teaches us how to understand other prayers of David against his enemies; they are prophecies of the judgments of God, not expressions of his own anger. Divine curses will work long; and we have our eyes darkened, if we are bowed down in worldly-mindedness.
