Romans 11:2
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 11:2
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Chapter Context
Romans 11 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, faith, salvation. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 11:2
2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Analysis
God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew—the verb proegnō (προέγνω, "foreknew") denotes God's electing love from before creation, not mere prescience. This foreknowledge grounds Israel's security in God's eternal decree, not their performance. Paul then appeals to Scripture (1 Kings 19:10-14), citing Elijah's intercession against Israel (kata τοῦ Ἰσραήλ). The Greek preposition kata can mean "against," showing Elijah's despair had turned into accusation.
The rhetorical question ouk oidate (οὐκ οἴδατε, Wot ye not) assumes the Roman believers know the Elijah narrative but haven't applied it correctly. Elijah's isolation felt total—he believed he alone remained faithful. Paul will show (v. 4) that God's perspective differed radically from the prophet's. This pattern of a faithful remnant amid national apostasy becomes paradigmatic for understanding first-century Israel.
Historical Context
Elijah's crisis occurred during Ahab's reign (870s BC) when Baal worship dominated Israel under Jezebel's influence. The prophet's depression after Mount Carmel (1 Kings 19) led him to believe the entire nation had apostatized. Paul uses this historical precedent to interpret his own era.
Reflection
- What is the significance of God's 'foreknowledge' being the basis for His covenant faithfulness rather than Israel's merit?
- How does Elijah's misperception of Israel's spiritual state mirror potential misunderstandings about first-century Judaism?
- When have you felt like Elijah—isolated in faithfulness—and what does God's preservation of a remnant teach you?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: 1 Peter 1:2
- Parallel theme: Romans 9:23, Genesis 44:15, Psalms 94:14, Acts 3:17