Romans 11:9

"According as it is written, “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.”"

Key Reflection

The verse Romans 11:9 draws from Isaiah 29:10 and describes a divine judgment where God caused the Israelites to remain spiritually blind and deaf. This was done through a "spirit of stupor" and "eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear," a condition that persisted even until the time Paul wrote. This passage reflects a broader biblical theme of both divine sovereignty in bringing about judgment and the persistent blindness of those who reject God’s word, highlighting the enduring nature of this spiritual state as "to this very day."

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verses 9,10. And David saith, etc. This quotation is made from Ps 69:22,23. This psalm is repeatedly quoted as having reference to the events recorded in the New Testament. See Barnes "Ac 1:20". This quotation is introduced immediately after one that undoubtedly refers to the Lord Jesus. Ro 11:21, "They gave me also gall for my meat, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink." The passage here quoted immediately follows as an imprecation of vengeance for their sins. "Let their table," etc. The quotation is not made, however, either literally from the Hebrew or from the Septuagint, but the sense only is retained.

Related Verses

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