Why did God deal so severely with Israel according to Romans 11:22?
According to Romans 11:22, God dealt severely with Israel because they had rejected so much after He had offered them so much. His severity fell on them when they fell, while His goodness extends to others who continue in His goodness, warning Gentiles not to become high-minded.
Les explains that Romans 11:22 presents both the goodness and severity of God. God had offered Israel so much, but because they rejected so much, He dealt with them severely. Israel is the natural branch that was not spared, and Gentiles are warned to fear rather than be high-minded. Les teaches that Gentiles are fast approaching the same place where God will finally be fed up with the Gentile world system that rejects His offer of grace, His blessings, and believing who He is. Then God will do the same thing: He will break off the Gentile, and when He is through with the Gentile, He will put the Jew back. This shows God is not through with Israel; He will yet fulfill all the promises made to Abraham. In the interim, while Israel has been blinded, Gentiles have been brought into the place of blessing.
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
More Questions
What does Romans 11:22 mean by the goodness and severity of God?
Romans 11:22 presents two aspects of God's dealing: His goodness and His severity, with severity directed toward those who fell, namely Israel.