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Text -- Romans 11:4 (NET)

Strongs On/Off
Context
11:4 But what was the divine response to him? “I have kept for myself seven thousand people who have not bent the knee to Baal.”
Parallel   Cross Reference (TSK)   ITL  

Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Names, People and Places:
 · Baal a pagan god,a title of a pagan god,a town in the Negeb on the border of Simeon and Judah,son of Reaiah son of Micah; a descendant of Reuben,the forth son of Jeiel, the Benjamite


Dictionary Themes and Topics: Salvation | Rome | ROMANS, EPISTLE TO THE | REVELATION, 3-4 | Quotations and Allusions | NUMBER | JERUBBESHETH | Israel | GRAFT | Election of Grace | ESCHATOLOGY OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, I-V | ELIJAH | ELECTION | BAAL (1) | ANSWER | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Vincent , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College , McGarvey

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Rom 11:4 - -- The answer of God ( ho chrēmatismos ). An old word in various senses like chrēmatizō , only here in N.T. See this use of the verb in Mat 2:12, ...

The answer of God ( ho chrēmatismos ).

An old word in various senses like chrēmatizō , only here in N.T. See this use of the verb in Mat 2:12, Mat 2:22; Luk 2:26; Act 10:22.

Robertson: Rom 11:4 - -- To Baal ( tēi Baal ). Feminine article. In the lxx the name Baal is either masculine or feminine. The explanation is that the Jews put Bosheth ...

To Baal ( tēi Baal ).

Feminine article. In the lxx the name Baal is either masculine or feminine. The explanation is that the Jews put Bosheth (aischunē , shame) for Baal and in the lxx the feminine article occurs because aischunē is so, though here the lxx has the masculine tōi .

Vincent: Rom 11:4 - -- Answer ( χρηματισμός ) Only here in the New Testament. For the kindred verb χρηματίζω warn , see on Mat 2:12; see on Luk...

Answer ( χρηματισμός )

Only here in the New Testament. For the kindred verb χρηματίζω warn , see on Mat 2:12; see on Luk 2:26; see on Act 10:22. Compare Rom 8:3. The word means an oracular answer . In the New Testament the verb is commonly rendered warn .

Vincent: Rom 11:4 - -- I have reserved ( κατέλιπον ) Varying from both Septuagint and Hebrew. Heb., I will reserve ; Sept., thou wilt leave .

I have reserved ( κατέλιπον )

Varying from both Septuagint and Hebrew. Heb., I will reserve ; Sept., thou wilt leave .

Vincent: Rom 11:4 - -- To Baal ( τῇ Βάαλ ) The feminine article is used with the name instead of the masculine (as in Septuagint in this passage). It occurs...

To Baal ( τῇ Βάαλ )

The feminine article is used with the name instead of the masculine (as in Septuagint in this passage). It occurs, however, in the Septuagint with both the masculine and the feminine article. Various reasons are given for the use of the feminine, some supposing an ellipsis, the image of Baal; others that the deity was conceived as bisexual; others that the feminine article represents the feminine noun ἡ αἰσχύνη shame Heb., bosheth , which was used as a substitute for Baal when this name became odious to the Israelites.

Wesley: Rom 11:4 - -- Nor to the golden calves.

Nor to the golden calves.

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- "did"

"did"

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- That is, wholly

That is, wholly

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- On the word "foreknew," see on Rom 8:29.

On the word "foreknew," see on Rom 8:29.

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- That is, "Know"

That is, "Know"

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- Literally, "in," that is, in the section which relates to

Literally, "in," that is, in the section which relates to

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- "pleadeth"

"pleadeth"

JFB: Rom 11:2-4 - -- (The word "saying," which follows, as also the particle "and" before "digged down," should be omitted, as without manuscript authority).

(The word "saying," which follows, as also the particle "and" before "digged down," should be omitted, as without manuscript authority).

JFB: Rom 11:4 - -- Not "the image of Baal," according to the supplement of our version.

Not "the image of Baal," according to the supplement of our version.

Clarke: Rom 11:4 - -- But what saith the answer of God - The answer which God made assured him that there were seven thousand, that is, several or many thousands; for so ...

But what saith the answer of God - The answer which God made assured him that there were seven thousand, that is, several or many thousands; for so we must understand the word seven, a certain for an uncertain number. These had continued faithful to God; but, because of Jezebel’ s persecution, they were obliged to conceal their attachment to the true religion; and God, in his providence, preserved them from her sanguinary rage

Clarke: Rom 11:4 - -- Who have not bowed the knee - Baal was the god of Jezebel; or, in other words, his worship was then the worship of the state; but there were several...

Who have not bowed the knee - Baal was the god of Jezebel; or, in other words, his worship was then the worship of the state; but there were several thousands of pious Israelites who had not acknowledged this idol, and did not partake in the idolatrous worship.

TSK: Rom 11:4 - -- I have reserved : 1Ki 19:18 Baal : Num 25:3; Deu 4:3; Jdg 2:13; 1Ki 16:31; 2Ki 10:19, 2Ki 10:20; Jer 19:5; Hos 2:8; Hos 13:1; Zep 1:4

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Rom 11:4 - -- The answer of God - ὁ χρηματισμός ho chrēmatismos . This word is used no where else in the New Testament. It means an or...

The answer of God - ὁ χρηματισμός ho chrēmatismos . This word is used no where else in the New Testament. It means an oracle, a divine response. It does not indicate the manner in which it was done, but implies only that it was an oracle, or answer made to his complaint by God. Such an answer, at such a time, would be full of comfort, and silence every complaint. The way in which this answer was in fact given, was not in a storm, or an earthquake, but in a still, small voice; 1Ki 19:11-12.

I have reserved - The Hebrew is, "I have caused to remain,"or to be reserved. This shows that it was of God that this was done. Amidst the general corruption and idolatry he had restrained a part, though it was a remnant. The honor of having done it he claims for himself, and does not trace it to any goodness or virtue in them. So in the case of all those who are saved from sin and ruin, the honor belongs not to man, but to God.

To myself - For my own service and glory. I have kept them steadfast in my worship, and have not suffered them to become idolaters.

Seven thousand men - Seven is often used in the Scriptures to denote an indefinite or round number. Perhaps it may be so here, to intimate that there was a considerable number remaining. This should lead us to hope that even in the darkest times in the church, there may be many more friends of God than we suppose. Elijah supposed he was alone; and yet at that moment there were thousands who were the true friends of God; a small number, indeed, compared with the multitude of idolaters; but large when compared with what was supposed to be remaining by the dejected and disheartened prophet.

Who have not bowed the knee - To bow or bend the knee is an expression denoting worship; Phi 2:10; Eph 3:14; Isa 45:23.

To Baal - The word "Baal"in Hebrew means Lord, or Master. This was the name of an idol of the Phenicians and Canaanites, and was worshipped also by the Assyrians and Babylonians under the name of Bel; (compare the Book of Bel in the Apocrypha.) This god was represented under the image of a bull, or a calf; the one denoting the Sun, the other the Moon. The prevalent worship in the time of Elijah was that of this idol.

Poole: Rom 11:4 - -- The answer of God the word properly signifieth the oracle, or answer of God given in the tabernacle from the mercy-seat; but it is generally taken fo...

The answer of God the word properly signifieth the oracle, or answer of God given in the tabernacle from the mercy-seat; but it is generally taken for any Divine answer, or direction received from God: see Mat 2:12 Heb 11:7 , where the same word is used. The apostle doth not repeat the whole answer of God, as it is recorded in 1Ki 19:15-18 , but so much only as was pertinent to his purpose.

I have reserved to myself he saith not: They have reserved themselves, but, I have reserved them: q.d. Of my own free grace I have kept them from idolatry and apostacy.

Seven thousand men a certain number for an uncertain. There were doubtless women amongst them; but they are noted by the more worthy sex.

Who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal the word image is not in the Greek; but the article being of the feminine gender, it was necessarily understood.

Gill: Rom 11:4 - -- But what saith the answer of God unto him?.... The divine response, or oracle, the בת קול, "Bath Kol", or voice from heaven; the still small voic...

But what saith the answer of God unto him?.... The divine response, or oracle, the בת קול, "Bath Kol", or voice from heaven; the still small voice of the Lord, which Elijah heard, 1Ki 19:12,

I have reserved to myself; for his worship and service, to be partakers of his grace, inheritors of his kingdom, to show forth his praise, and for his name's sake, for his honour and glory: these he reserved in eternal election, in the council and covenant of peace; separated them in time from others by his grace, and preserved them from the general defection and apostasy: even

seven thousand men: meaning either that precise and exact number, which was but small in comparison of the very large multitude of persons that were in the ten tribes, or else a certain number for an uncertain:

who have not bowed the knee; a sign of reverence and adoration:

to the image of Baal; Jezebel's god, the god of the Zidonians; a name common to many of the "deities" of the Gentiles, and signifies "lord", or "master"; we read of "Baalim" in the plural number, for there were "lords many" of this name: in the Greek text the article is of the feminine gender, wherefore our translators have supplied the word image. This word has, in the Septuagint version, sometimes a feminine article as here; see 2Ki 21:3; but in 1Ki 19:18, from whence this passage is taken, the article is masculine, as it is also in Jdg 2:11, and in other places. This deity being either of both sexes, or of no distinguished sex; or it may be, the reason it has so often a feminine article is, because it was a young heifer, or in the form of one; so in the history of Tobias 1:5, it is said, that "all the tribes which apostatized together sacrificed", τη βααλ τη δαμαλει, "to Baal the heifer". The apostle's view in mentioning this instance is to show, that when the church and cause of God are at the lowest, God has always some true worshippers of him; and that he never casts away his foreknown people, whose numbers are generally more than they are thought to be by the saints themselves; good men, as Elijah, may be mistaken in this matter; all which he accommodates to the then present state of God's people, in Rom 11:5.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Rom 11:4 A quotation from 1 Kgs 19:18.

Geneva Bible: Rom 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have ( b ) reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] ( c ) Baa...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Rom 11:1-36 - --1 God has not cast off all Israel.7 Some were elected, though the rest were hardened.16 There is hope of their conversion.18 The Gentiles may not exul...

MHCC: Rom 11:1-10 - --There was a chosen remnant of believing Jews, who had righteousness and life by faith in Jesus Christ. These were kept according to the election of gr...

Matthew Henry: Rom 11:1-32 - -- The apostle proposes here a plausible objection, which might be urged against the divine conduct in casting off the Jewish nation (Rom 11:1): " Hath...

Barclay: Rom 11:1-12 - --There was a question now to be asked which any Jew was bound to ask. Does all this mean that God has repudiated his people? That is a question that ...

Constable: Rom 9:1--11:36 - --V. THE VINDICATION OF GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS chs. 9--11 A major problem concerning God's righteousness arises out o...

Constable: Rom 11:1-36 - --C. Israel's future salvation ch. 11 In chapter 9 Paul glorified God's past grace in sovereignly electing...

Constable: Rom 11:1-10 - --1. Israel's rejection not total 11:1-10 The first pericope gives hope for the future by showing that even now some Jews believe. 11:1 The opening ques...

College: Rom 11:1-36 - --IV. THE SALVATION OF GOD'S TRUE ISRAEL (11:1-32) Thus far in chs. 9-10 Paul has painted a very dark picture of Israel. He has implied that they are ...

McGarvey: Rom 11:4 - --But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal . [Jezebel and Ahab, in thei...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: Romans (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Romans Spring of a.d. 57 By Way of Introduction Integrity of the Epistle The genuineness of the Epistle is so generally adm...

JFB: Romans (Book Introduction) THE GENUINENESS of the Epistle to the Romans has never been questioned. It has the unbroken testimony of all antiquity, up to CLEMENT OF ROME, the apo...

JFB: Romans (Outline) INTRODUCTION. (Rom. 1:1-17) THE JEW UNDER LIKE CONDEMNATION WITH THE GENTILE. (Rom. 2:1-29) JEWISH OBJECTIONS ANSWERED. (Rom 3:1-8) THAT THE JEW IS S...

TSK: Romans (Book Introduction) The Epistle to the Romans is " a writing," says Dr. Macknight, " which, for sublimity and truth of sentiment, for brevity and strength of expression,...

TSK: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Rom 11:1, God has not cast off all Israel; Rom 11:7, Some were elected, though the rest were hardened; Rom 11:16, There is hope of their ...

Poole: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 11

MHCC: Romans (Book Introduction) The scope or design of the apostle in writing to the Romans appears to have been, to answer the unbelieving, and to teach the believing Jew; to confir...

MHCC: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) (Rom 11:1-10) The rejection of the Jews is not universal. (Rom 11:11-21) God overruled their unbelief for making the Gentiles partakers of gospel pri...

Matthew Henry: Romans (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Romans If we may compare scripture with scripture, and take the opinion ...

Matthew Henry: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) The apostle, having reconciled that great truth of the rejection of the Jews with the promise made unto the fathers, is, in this chapter, further l...

Barclay: Romans (Book Introduction) A GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTERS OF PAUL The Letters Of Paul There is no more interesting body of documents in the New Testament than the letter...

Barclay: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) The Callus On The Heart (Rom_11:1-12) The Wild Olive--Privilege And Warning (Rom_11:13-24) That All May Be Of Mercy (Rom_11:25-32) The Cry Of The ...

Constable: Romans (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical Background Throughout the history of the church, from postapos...

Constable: Romans (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1-17 A. Salutation 1:1-7 1. The writer 1:1 ...

Constable: Romans Romans Bibliography Alford, Henry. The Greek Testament. 4 vols. New ed. Cambridge: Rivingtons, 1881. ...

Haydock: Romans (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE ROMANS. INTRODUCTION. After the Gospels, which contain the history of Christ, and the Acts of...

Gill: Romans (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS Though this epistle is in order placed the first of the epistles, yet it was not first written: there were several epistles ...

Gill: Romans 11 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS 11 The apostle having spoken of the calling of the Gentiles, and given a hint of the perverseness of the Jews in slighting t...

College: Romans (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION I. ROMANS: ITS INFLUENCE AND IMPORTANCE God's Word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Ps 119:105), and no part of it shine...

College: Romans (Outline) VIII. OUTLINE PROLOGUE - 1:1-17 I. EPISTOLARY GREETING - 1:1-7 A. The Author Introduces Himself - 1:1 1. A Slave of Christ Jesus 2. Call...

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