Romans 11:7-10 - Blindness

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There will always be a Jewish remnant of true believers! Paul continued.

Romans 11:7-10 (KJV)
⁷ What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
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.
⁹ And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
¹⁰ Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

According to verse 7 Israel had not wholly obtained the righteousness that she sought. The elect of God (the remnant) had obtained it, but the rest were blinded.

This blindness, according to Moses in the Torah, Isaiah in the Prophets, and David in the Writings (Psalms), came from God, like a spirit of slumber (ex. Isaiah 29:10). Most of the Jews could not see, nor could they hear (David H. Stern. Jewish New Testament Commentary, Jewish New Testament Publications, Clarksville, MD, 1992. p. 405). However, it must be remembered from earlier discussion, that God never blinds the eyes of those who would be willing to respond to Him.

Verses 9 and 10 are quotes from Psalm 69:22-23.

Psalm 69:22,23 (KJV)
²² Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap.
²³ Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake.

Paul used these verses to demonstrate the results of the blindness. Although the Jews had everything they needed for understanding, a virtual feast of truth, it became a snare, a trap, a stumbling block, and a recompense to those who disbelieved. Their eyes were darkened, and they remained slaves to sin (bowing down their backs is a picture of slavery).

Thankfully, Paul didn't end there. Romans continues with a message of hope! Stay tuned.

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