Commentaries:
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Romans 9:6
"It is not that the word of God has taken no effect" must be understood in light of why he is writing this. The silent question is, "What about Israel?" as God seems to be setting Israel aside. It appears as if God has been a failure in His dealings with Israel. He gave them the Covenant, but the people did not want to keep it. But Paul argues that, no, Israel is not being set aside. He is saying, "No, you don't really understand what's going on." It is not that the word of God has taken no effect.
"For they are not all Israel who are of Israel." Who is a Jew? Who is really part of Israel? Only those whose heart has been circumcised (Romans 2:29)! If a Gentile is circumcised in the heart, in God's eyes he is an Israelite!
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Eleven)Related Topics: Circumcision of the Heart | Circumcision, Spiritual | Israel of God | Israel's Restitution | Israel, Identity of | Israelite, Spiritual | Spiritual Israelite | Spiritual JewOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing Romans 9:6:
Genesis 35:10-11
Matthew 10:5-7
Luke 16:22
John 3:7
Galatians 4:24-26
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What Does Romans 9:6 Mean?
The concern about God seemingly setting Israel aside is addressed in Romans 9:6, which asserts that the word of God has not failed. Despite appearances of failure in God's dealings with Israel, especially as the people did not keep the Covenant, the true understanding is that not all who are of Israel are truly Israel. A deeper distinction exists: true Israel consists of those with circumcised hearts, as referenced in Romans 2:29. Even a Gentile, if circumcised in heart, is considered an Israelite in God's eyes. Thus, God's word remains effective, as the identity of Israel is not merely physical descent but a spiritual condition of the heart.