How many of Israel actually responded to the word God sent to the whole nation?
Only a small remnant of Israel actually responded to the word God sent to the whole nation. Though all heard it, the believing element—those enlightened by faith—received it, and Scripture indicates this faithful remnant has always been small, even today.
Les explains that Isaiah 9:8 describes the LORD sending a word into Jacob, which lighted upon Israel. The word went to the whole nation, and they all heard it, but only the believing element—the true Israel—responded. Les teaches that this response was always a small remnant, and it still is today. The vast masses can hear and understand the Gospel, but percentage-wise only a few believe. Paul refers to this in Romans 9, showing that not all the children of Israel would be spiritual, only a few.
The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it hath lighted upon Israel.
More Questions
What does it mean that the LORD sent a word into Jacob and it lighted upon Israel?
Isaiah 9:8 means that when God spoke through the prophets the word went out to the whole nation of Israel, and they all heard it.