Romans 9:9

9.For the word of promise is this, etc. He adds another divine testimony; and we see, by the application made of it, with what care and skill he explains Scripture. When he says, the Lord said that he would come, and that a son would be born to Abraham of Sarah, he intimated that his blessing was not yet conferred, but that it was as yet suspended. (291) But Ishmael was already born when this was said: then God’s blessing had no regard to Ishmael. We may also observe, by the way, the great caution with which he proceeds here, lest he should exasperate the Jews. The cause being passed over, he first simply states the fact; he will hereafter open the fountain.

The exposition of [Gesenius ] , adopted by [Tholuck ] and [Stuart ] , “when the time shall be renewed,” does not comport with the passage, as it introduces a tautology. [Hammond ] says, that the Hebrews interpret the expression in Kings as meaning the time between the conception and the birth. — Ed.