Why does Paul go back to the Old Testament in Romans 9?
Paul returns to the Old Testament in Romans 9 because the chapter deals with Israel's past and he must draw repeatedly on those Scriptures to make his point. This establishes God's continuing covenant relationship with Israel, showing He has not permanently set the nation aside despite the present age.
Les teaches that Romans 9 introduces Israel's past, and the Apostle Paul dips back into the Old Testament back and forth in order to make his point. Chapters 9, 10, and 11 deal with the nation of Israel: chapter 9 covers Israel's past, chapter 10 covers Israel as God looks at Israel today in the age of grace, and chapter 11 looks at what is still ahead for the nation of Israel. Les emphasizes that most of Christendom, including Roman Catholics, Protestants, and many other groups, refuses to accept that God is not through with Israel. Many have set Israel aside, and even back in the Reformation were basically anti-Semitic because they accused Israel of being the Christ killers, concluding God had turned to the church with all the promises given to Israel. But Les says, don't you believe it. This book is adamant that even though God has set Israel aside for the last 2,000 years, He is one day going to bring them back to the land and pick up where He left off with His covenant people.
More Questions
How should we understand Romans 9-11 in relation to the Old Testament?
We must tie Paul's teaching in Romans 9, 10, and 11 to the Old Testament account.