Romans 9:16-17

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 9:14-16

What shall we say then? Unrighteousness with God? ("Is there" supplied in the Authorized Version somewhat weakens the force of the expression.) God forbid! For to Moses he saith, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. The argument (thus introduced by γὰρ ) requires two understood premisses—that God cannot possibly be unrighteous,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 9:14-18

Moses and Pharaoh. But was not this free election of God an unrighteous thing? Nay, verily. For, if they would think of it, the very antithesis of character which stood out so boldly at the threshold of their natural history, and in its results had made them what they were, was a conspicuous example, even according to God's own showing, of this electing liberty. Moses, the man after God's own heart, was chosen by God freely for the salvation of Israel from Egypt, and the consequent... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 9:14-24

( b ) In the next section injustice on the part of God, in thus electing the objects of his mercy according to the good pleasure of his will, is repudiated. As in Romans 6:1 and Romans 7:7 , a false inference from what has been said is introduced by τί οὗν ἐροῦμεν , and indignantly rejected by μὴ γένοιτο , followed by reasons against the inference. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Romans 9:17-18

For the Scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose (rather, for this very purpose ) did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my Name might be declared throughout all the earth . The conclusion follows: So then he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth . The passage quoted in Romans 9:17 , taken (as it is intended to be) in conjunction with the whole history as given in Exodus—and especially with the passages in... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 9:16

So then - It follows as a consequence from this statement of God to Moses. Or it is a doctrine established by that statement.Not of him that willeth - This does not mean that he that becomes a Christian, and is saved, does not choose eternal life; or is not made willing; or that he is compelled to enter heaven against his own choice. It is true that people by nature have no desire of holiness, and do not choose eternal life. But the effect of the influences of God’s Spirit on the heart is to... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Romans 9:17

For the Scripture saith - Exodus 9:16. That is, God saith to Pharaoh in the Scriptures; Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:22. This passage is designed to illustrate the doctrine that God shows mercy according to his sovereign pleasure by a reference to one of the most extraordinary cases of hardness of heart which has ever occurred. The design is to show that God has a right to pass by those to whom he does not choose to show mercy; and to place them in circumstances where they shall develope their... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 9:14-16

Romans 9:14-16. What shall we say then? To this. The apostle now introduces and refutes an objection. Is there unrighteousness, or injustice, with God? In the distribution of his providential blessings, in this or any other instance that can be produced? Was it unjust in God to choose Jacob and his posterity to be the members of his visible church on earth, and to inherit the promises in their literal meaning, rather than Esau and his posterity? Or to accept believers who imitate the... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Romans 9:17-18

Romans 9:17-18. For Or, moreover, rather, as it seems γαρ ought to be translated, (the passage here quoted being no proof of what immediately goes before,) God has an indisputable right to reject those who will not accept his blessings on his own terms. And this he exercised in the case of Pharaoh; to whom, after many instances of stubbornness and rebellion, he said, as it is recorded in Scripture; For this very thing have I raised thee up That is, unless thou repent, this will surely be... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Romans 9:6-29

God chooses according to his will (9:6-29)Paul’s first assertion is that the promise of God has not failed. He reminds his readers of what he said earlier, namely, that people who are Israelites physically are not necessarily Israelites spiritually. In other words, not all who are physically descended from Jacob (Israel) are the true people of God in the spiritual sense (6; cf. 2:28-29; 4:11-12).To illustrate that not all descendants of a chosen person are truly God’s people, Paul refers to the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Romans 9:16

willeth . Greek. thelo . App-102 . Isaac willed, Esau ran. read more

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