Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee.
"Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee." God asserts that foreigners would prove more receptive than covenant Israel. This shocking statement indicts Israel's hard-heartedness despite extraordinary privileges. Greater revelation brings greater responsibility and, when rejected, greater judgment. This principle appears in Jesus' ministry: Gentiles often demonstrated greater faith than Jews (Matthew 8:10). Grace doesn't depend on heritage but sovereign election.
Historical Context
The comparison (593 BC) between Israel and foreigners echoed earlier prophetic themes. Jonah's Ninevites repented at preaching; Israel resisted centuries of prophets. Jesus repeated this: the Queen of Sheba and Ninevites will condemn Israel's generation (Matthew 12:41-42). The early church's Gentile responsiveness versus Jewish resistance fulfilled this pattern. The principle warns against presuming on covenant privilege while neglecting genuine faith. External advantages mean nothing without Spirit-wrought conversion.
Questions for Reflection
How does comparing Israel unfavorably with pagans challenge assumptions about religious privilege?
What does Gentile receptivity versus Jewish resistance teach about sovereign grace transcending heritage?
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Analysis & Commentary
"Not to many people of a strange speech and of an hard language, whose words thou canst not understand. Surely, had I sent thee to them, they would have hearkened unto thee." God asserts that foreigners would prove more receptive than covenant Israel. This shocking statement indicts Israel's hard-heartedness despite extraordinary privileges. Greater revelation brings greater responsibility and, when rejected, greater judgment. This principle appears in Jesus' ministry: Gentiles often demonstrated greater faith than Jews (Matthew 8:10). Grace doesn't depend on heritage but sovereign election.