Romans 9:27-28
And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that Isaiah's cry isn't just a prediction of future salvation, but an impassioned lament, a grieving over the vast majority of Israel who won't be saved, even amidst their immense numbers. Paul uses this prophecy to show that God's faithfulness doesn't guarantee salvation for every descendant, but rather highlights His sovereign choice to save a "remnant."
Paul is explaining why God's chosen people, Israel, have largely rejected Jesus. He's already shown that God isn't bound to bless everyone simply because they are descendants of Abraham, and now he turns to a prophecy from Isaiah. This prophecy speaks about the vastness of Israel, like the sand of the sea, but starkly declares that only a small part of them will ultimately be saved.
Why does Paul describe Isaiah's words about Israel not just as speaking, but as a 'cry'? What does this intense language reveal about the message and its reception?
The word 'crieth' (or 'cries out') in this verse is more than just a descriptor of Isaiah's action; it conveys a sense of urgency, deep emotion, and perhaps even anguish. The original Greek suggests an impassioned utterance, even a scream of anguish.
A Message of Grave Importance
A Contrast in Reception
Israel's vastness is compared to the grains of sand. What does this incredible image tell us about God's people, and why does the prophecy then pivot to such a small number being saved?
The verse vividly contrasts the immense population of Israel with the small number destined for salvation. This isn't just a numerical observation; it's a theological statement about God's plan and human response.
An Ocean of Descendants
Understand the original words
she'ar · Hebrew Noun
A theological concept referring to a small portion of the nation of Israel that remains faithful to God and is preserved by His grace for salvation, despite the majority's rebellion.
sōzō · Greek Verb
The state of being delivered from sin, divine judgment, and eternal separation from God. It is a work of God's grace received through faith.
Paul quotes Isaiah's prophecy about a 'remnant' being saved, not just to describe past historical events like the Babylonian exile, but to explain God's ongoing plan where salvation is extended to Gentiles and not automatically to all ethnic Israelites. This shows that God's election is based on His sovereign choice, not merely on national identity.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
Isaiah delivers his prophecies, including warnings about judgment and promises of a future remnant, during a time of political instability and impending Assyrian threat to the Northern Kingdom of Israel and Judah.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom
The Northern Kingdom of Israel is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and many of its inhabitants are exiled, illustrating the concept of a remnant being left behind.
c. 605-586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The Babylonian Empire deports a significant portion of Judah's population, including elites and skilled workers, to Babylon, marking a period of severe judgment and scattering for the people of Israel.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
Under Cyrus the Great, a remnant of the Jewish exiles is permitted to return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, demonstrating a partial restoration but not a full national renewal.
This is the direct Old Testament passage Paul is quoting, highlighting God's judgment and the salvation of a remnant even amidst His people's sin.
Jeremiah 23:3Similar to Isaiah's prophecy, Jeremiah speaks of gathering the remnant of Israel and bringing them back, emphasizing that God will not forsake all His people.
Ezekiel 14:22-23This passage shows that even in judgment, a remnant will be preserved, illustrating the theme of God's faithfulness to a chosen few amidst widespread unfaithfulness.
Romans 11:5Paul directly echoes this concept of an 'election of grace' in his discussion of Israel's future, reinforcing the idea that salvation is by God's sovereign choice, not by national identity.
vincentRomans 9:27: "Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:"
Crieth (κράζει)An impassioned utterance. See on Luke 18:39; compare John 7:28, John 7:37; Acts 19:28; Acts 23:6. Mostly of an inarticulate cry. "The prophet in awful earnestness, and as with a scream of anguish, cries over Israel" (Morison).Concerning (ὑπέρ)Lit., over, as proclaiming a judgment which hangs over Israel.
cambridgeRomans 9:27: "Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:"
27 . Esaias also ] Better, But Esaias . There is a contrast: Hosea speaks of the bringing in of Gentile believers; Isaiah of the rejection of all Jews except Jewish believers. crieth ] Perhaps the word refers to the power and intensity of Isaiah’s prophetic manner. So Meyer. concerning ] The Greek preposition is lit. over; and possibly it may be r…
What's easy to miss is that Isaiah's cry isn't just a prediction of future salvation, but an impassioned lament, a grieving over the vast majority of Israel who won't be saved, even amidst their immense numbers. Paul uses this prophecy to show that God's faithfulness doesn't guarantee salvation for every descendant, but rather highlights His sovereign choice to save a "remnant."
Paul is explaining why God's chosen people, Israel, have largely rejected Jesus. He's already shown that God isn't bound to bless everyone simply because they are descendants of Abraham, and now he turns to a prophecy from Isaiah. This prophecy speaks about the vastness of Israel, like the sand of the sea, but starkly declares that only a small part of them will ultimately be saved.
Paul is explaining why God's chosen people, Israel, have largely rejected Jesus. He's already shown that God isn't bound to bless everyone simply because they are descendants of Abraham, and now he turns to a prophecy from Isaiah. This prophecy speaks about the vastness of Israel, like the sand of the sea, but starkly declares that only a small part of them will ultimately be saved.
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The Crucial Remnant
Paul uses Isaiah's prophecy to discuss God's choices. How does this passage balance God's absolute power with the reality of human involvement and the fate of individuals?
This verse, nestled within a complex argument, grapples with the profound tension between God's sovereign plan and the reality of human salvation and rejection.
God's Unfettered Choice
The 'Return' or 'Salvation'
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Crucifixion
Jesus, the Messiah, begins his public ministry, calling both Jews and Gentiles, but is ultimately rejected and crucified by the Jewish leadership.
c. AD 40-60— this verse
Apostolic Ministry to Jews and Gentiles
The apostles, including Paul, preach the gospel throughout the Roman Empire, seeing both Jewish and Gentile conversions, while many Jews continue to reject Christ.
"And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.”" — What's easy to miss is that Isaiah's cry isn't just a prediction of future salvation, but an impassioned lament, a grieving over the vast majority of Israel who won't be saved, even amidst their im…
