Israel’s Rejection and God’s Purpose
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What Does Romans 9:6 Mean?
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)
Other 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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Paul addresses the silent question of what has become of Israel, since God appears to be setting Israel aside. It might seem that God failed in His dealings with them—He gave them the Covenant, but the people did not want to keep it. Yet Paul argues that Israel is not being set aside and that this situation is misunderstood. The word of God has not failed. The key is understanding who truly belongs to Israel: only those whose heart has been circumcised (Romans 2:29). Being physically descended from Israel does not make one part of true Israel. Even a Gentile who is circumcised in the heart is, in God's eyes, an Israelite.