Romans 11 – question 3
How Paul Uses Elijah Story to Explain God’s Plan for Israel
In Romans 11:1-6, Paul refers to an episode in Elijah’s life to illustrate his argument about the faithful remnant of Israel and God’s sovereign Grace. Here’s how to recall these events and relate them to the context of Romans 11.
The Episode of Elijah Cited by Paul (1 Kings 19:9-18)
After the confrontation on Mount Carmel and the destruction of Baal’s prophets (1 Kings 18), Elijah fled into the wilderness, fearing for his life because of Jezebel’s threats. Discouraged, he complained to God, saying:
“I alone am left, and they seek my life to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:10).
But God responded by revealing that there were still 7,000 men who had not bowed the knee to Baal (1 Kings 19:18). This revelation shows that even in times of widespread Apostasy, God always preserves a faithful remnant by His Grace.
The Connection to Romans 11
In Romans 11:9-11, Paul addresses the question of Israel’s destiny and asks: Has God rejected His people ?
In Romans 11:1-6, Paul strongly affirms that this is not the case, using Elijah’s story to illustrate that God always keeps a remnant of faithful believers within Israel. Paul writes:
“2 God didn’t reject his people, which he foreknew. Or don’t you know what the Scripture says about Elijah ? How he pleads with God against Israel : 3 “Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars. I am left alone, and they seek my life.” (1 Kings 19:10,14) 4 But how does God answer him ? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” (1 Kings 19:18) 5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of Grace. ” (Romans 11:2-5).
Paul uses this reference to show that even though many in Israel rejected Christ, God has not abandoned His people. He continues to call a remnant through His sovereign election by grace, not by works.
What Paul Explains in Romans 11
- God Has Not Rejected Israel (Romans 11:1-2)
- Paul himself is an example of a Jew who believes in Christ.
- Just as in Elijah’s time, there is still a faithful remnant.
- The Principle of the Remnant and Grace (Romans 11:3-6)
- As in Elijah’s day, not all have fallen away; some are chosen by God.
- This remnant is not based on works but on God’s grace.
- A Partial Hardening of Israel (Romans 11:7-10)
- Those who rejected Christ were hardened (referencing Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23).
- This hardening has opened the door for the salvation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11-12).
- The Future Salvation of Israel (Romans 11:25-27)
- Israel’s hardening is only temporary.
- A future revival will come when “all Israel will be saved.”
Theological and Practical Implications
- Elijah’s story reminds us that God is sovereign and always keeps a people for Himself. Even when it seems like total rejection, God preserves a faithful remnant.
- Salvation is based on God’s grace, not human effort. Just as the 7,000 in Elijah’s time were preserved by divine choice, so today the believing Jews are part of God’s election by grace.
- Israel’s rejection led to the inclusion of the Gentiles. Paul explains that Israel’s temporary hardening allowed the Gentiles to enter salvation, but this does not mean that Israel is permanently rejected.
Conclusion
Paul uses the example of Elijah to teach that God has never abandoned Israel but has always preserved a faithful remnant. Likewise, today, God continues to call a remnant of Jewish believers to Faith in Christ, and one day, all Israel will be saved (Romans 11:26). This passage highlights God’s Sovereignty in salvation history and His plan to bring both Jews and Gentiles into unity in Christ.