Summary of the Text The Apostle Paul emphasizes that he is speaking the truth in Christ and that his conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit. He confesses deep sorrow and unceasing anguish for his own people, Israel. He declares that he could wish to be accursed and cut off from Christ for their sake. To them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, and the promises. The patriarchs are theirs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ.However, God’s word has not failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to true Israel; only the children of the promise are counted as offspring. This is seen in Isaac, and further in Rebecca’s twins, Esau and Jacob. Before they were born or had done anything good or bad, God’s purpose of election stood. As it is written, “The older will serve the younger” and “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” God’s will is based on His call, not on human works.
Who is God?
The God who does not ignore deep human suffering (vv. 1–3): Paul’s lament takes place within the Holy Spirit. God knows and shares the pain we feel for His people.
The God of grace who grants redemptive privileges (vv. 4–5): Adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, and promises—all are gifts from God. The phrase “Christ is from them” shows that God’s plan of redemption has been realized in history.
The Faithful God who does not let His Word fail (v. 6): Even in the face of human unbelief, God’s promise never collapses.
The God who establishes children by promise, not lineage (vv. 7–9): “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” Becoming a child of God is not a result of natural conditions, but the result of His promise.
The Sovereign God who chooses before any deeds (vv. 10–12): Before the children were born or had done any good or evil, God’s will was declared. This proves that the foundation of salvation is God’s choice, not human merit.
The God who sets the standard of love and hate (v. 13): “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” This is not emotional fickleness, but a sovereign choice according to His redemptive purpose.
2. Revelation 19:17–21
Summary of the Text An angel standing in the sun cries out to all the birds flying in midair to gather for the great supper of God. This is a feast of judgment where they will eat the flesh of kings, generals, the mighty, and all people, both free and slave. Then the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gather to wage war against the Rider on the white horse and His army. The beast and the false prophet are captured and thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. The rest are killed by the sword coming out of the mouth of the Rider, and all the birds gorge themselves on their flesh.
Who is God?
The God who declares judgment (vv. 17–18): The angel cries out from the sun. God’s judgment is not a secret act but a public declaration.
The Absolute Sovereign over all authorities (v. 18): Kings, generals, the mighty, slaves, and the free—no status or power can exempt one from His judgment.
The God who sovereignly handles the alliance of evil (v. 19): Though the beast and the kings of the earth gather, even their assembly is not outside God’s control.
The God of justice who finally removes evil (v. 20): The beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the lake of fire. God’s judgment is not a temporary sanction but a final verdict.
Jesus Christ, who judges with the authority of the Word (v. 21): “The sword coming out of his mouth”—the Word of God is not only the power of creation but also the authority of final judgment.
