Romans 11:10

"David says, “Let their table be made a snare, a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them."

Key Reflection

In Romans 11:10, Paul draws on David's psalm (Psalm 69:22) to convey a powerful message of divine judgment. The image of "their table" becoming a snare and trap underscores the idea that those who rejected Jesus and the gospel would experience their own downfall—a form of retribution that aligns with God's justice, as David prays for his enemies' destruction in his psalm. This verse connects to broader themes of divine sovereignty and the consequences of rejecting Christ within the larger narrative of salvation history.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 10. Let their eyes be darkened. This is taken literally from the psalm, and was evidently the main part of the passage which the apostle had in his eye. This was fulfilled in the insensibility and blindness of the Jews. And the apostle shows them that it was long ago predicted, or invoked, as a punishment on them for giving the Messiah vinegar to drink, Ps 69:21,23. And bow down their back alway. The Hebrew (Ps 69:23) is, "Let their loins totter or shake;" that is, as one does when he has on him a heavy burden. The apostle has retained this sense. It means, let them be called to bear heavy and oppressive burdens; let them be subjected to toil or servitude, as a reward for their sins.

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