_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 9:1. I SPEAK IN CHRIST THE TRUTH.—Not to be rendered, “I speak the truth in Christ.” The apostle, not as a man merely, but as a member of Christ, in His name, as His apostle. Romans 9:2.—λύπη, ὀδύνη, sorrow and pang. Romans 9:3.—St. Paul considers personal happiness subord... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 9:13. AS IT IS WRITTEN, JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED—There is no necessity to soften the “hated” into “loved less”; the words in Malachi proceed on the fullest meaning of ἐμίσησα (Wordsworth). The words refer to temporal conditions (Alford). Romans 9:14.—τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν.... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 9:17.—According to Sir G. Wilkinson, the Pharaoh here meant was Thothmes III., not drowned, but overthrown in the Red Sea. Reigned twenty-five years after that event. So Jewish tradition carried on afterwards a vigorous war with the northern nations. Sculptured records of his... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 9:25.—Refers not only to the gathering again of the Israelites rejected in the carrying away by Shalmaneser, but also of the Gentiles rejected at the building of Babel; remnants elected from both. Romans 9:27.—Only few out of the ten tribes returned to Judæa; few left by Se... [ Continue Reading ]
_CRITICAL NOTES_ Romans 9:31.—νόμ. δικ., and not δικ. νομοῦ, because Israel and not the Gentiles had in the economy of mercy a law which taught what was right; law not making righteous, but declaring what is right. Romans 9:32.—ὡς indicates the supposition that their works were good works. Romans... [ Continue Reading ]