Romans 11:7-10

 

Romans 11:7-10

Let Their Eyes Be Darkened

 

Rom 11:7  What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded 

Rom 11:8  (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear unto this day. 

Rom 11:9  And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them: 

Rom 11:10  Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always. 

 

           1.      Israel, for the Time Being, Has Been Blinded to the Truth – vs. 7*

a.       Because Israel sought self-righteousness, they stumbled over God’s provision for sin

                                                              i.      Romans 10:2-3 

b.      Not all Israel is blinded to the truth, some have been saved, because of the mercy of God.

                                                              i.      This is proof that God’s judgment on His people is temporary and that someday they will be returned to their God. Demonstrating again God’s unending love for His people.

1.      Romans 11:1 

           2.      Israel’s Blindness is a Part of God’s Plan for Them – vs. 8-10*

a.       The question is, was God surprised by Israel’s rejection of the Messiah? No, absolutely not! It was always a part of God’s plan for His people to reject the Messiah so that people from all the nations of the earth could be brought into His Kingdom.

                                                              i.      Israel was unwilling to hear the plea of their preachers – vs. 8*

1.      Paul’s condemnation is a blending of Isaiah 29:10 and Deuteronomy 29:4, but he is not the first to give this condemnation of Israel.

a.       Isaiah 29:10 

b.      Deuteronomy 29:4 

2.      Isaiah gave it

a.       Isaiah 6:9-10 

3.      Jeremiah gave it

a.       Jeremiah 5:20-21 

4.      Ezekiel gave it

a.       Ezekiel 12:2 

5.      Jesus gave it

a.       Matthew 13:10-17 

6.      This passage in Romans was not the only time Paul warned Israel

a.       Acts 28:25-28 

                                                            ii.      Israel was satisfied with their own self-worth – vs. 9*

1.      Psalm 69:20-24 

                                                          iii.      Israel eyes were darkened in preparation for a devastating judgment – vs. 10*

1.      Isaiah 65:12 

2.      Isaiah 51:22-23 

          3.      Is Israel’s Blindness a Rational for Anti-Semitism?

a.       No, Absolutely not! All of this a warning for Gentile believer. Do not harden your heart to God’s love.

                                                              i.      Those who come against Israel will be judged

1.      Assyria was raised up by God to judge Israel

a.       Isaiah 10:5-6 

2.      For this they were judged

a.       Jeremiah 51:24 

                                                            ii.      If God would discipline His people to bring them back to Himself, He will do whatever is necessary to keep you in the center of His love.

1.      Hebrews 12:5-7