Why were the Gentiles not without hope even though they were alienated from Israel?
They were not without hope because Christ's death, burial, and resurrection was soon to take place. Though alienated from Israel's commonwealth and covenant promises, the resurrection from the grave would bring new life, pictured by wheat growing from one kernel to many, securing hope beyond their former alienation.
Les explains that Paul writes to Gentiles that at that time, when God was dealing with the circumcision and the circumcision had no time for Gentiles in spiritual things, Gentiles were without Christ, aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. That was the lot of those Greeks. But they were not without hope, because what was soon to take place was death, burial, and resurrection. When He came forth from the grave, like wheat that grows up not just one kernel but maybe a hundred, this is the whole concept of Scripture. Les says God saturated nature with death, burial, and resurrection; the seasons remind us of it: winter dead and dormant, then springtime new life, resurrection life. That is why the Lord planned Easter in the springtime, though Satan adulterated it; we look beyond Satan's adulterations to the truth that everything is wrapped up in His death, burial, and resurrection.