Romans 9:33

Behold, &c. The quotation is a combination of Isaiah 8:14; Isaiah 28:16, and is closely after the Heb., but widely differs from the LXX. of Romans 8:14. Both passages (q. v.) refer to the great Promise, which was proposed to Israel of old as a better ground of trust than earthly policy or religious formalism, but was rejected by the worldly majority. Here, as so often, St Paul is led to see in a promise which had a present meaning for Isaiah's time, a revelation of truth for the whole history of Israel in relation to Him who is the innermost theme of all Scripture prophecy. In such cases the question "what did the Prophet intend?" is only subordinate to "what did his Inspirer intend?" In the Speaker's Commentary, on Isaiah 28, the paraphrase of the eminent Rabbi Rashi is quoted: "Behold I have established a King, the Messiah, who shall be in Zion a stone of proof."

a stumblingstone and rock of offence i.e. Christ, as the Object of humble and absolute confidence and hope. Cp. Psalms 118:22; Matthew 21:42; 1 Corinthians 1:23; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 2:6-8. "Offence:" in its antique sense of an obstacleat which the foot trips.

shall not be ashamed So too LXX. of Isaiah 28:16. The Heb. has "shall not make haste." The idea is the same in both; to "make haste" was to be in the hurry of fear, as when a refuge breaks down before a foe; and so to be "ashamed of," or bitterly disappointed in, the refuge.

In this prophetic passage St Paul is led to find (1) a predictionof Israel's stumbling at the truth of Christ our Justification, and thus to re-assure minds disquieted by the sight of Israel's unbelief; (2) a proclamationof Faith (reposed on Christ) as the means of salvation. See below, Romans 10:11.