Book of Romans - Chapter 11 - Verse 7

The verse 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded' is a part of Paul's discussion on the relationship between the nation of Israel and the concept of election in the book of Romans. In this verse, Paul is acknowledging that not all of Israel has embraced the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. He explains that it is not simply being a physical descendant of Abraham that guarantees salvation, but rather it is through faith and acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah that one can obtain the righteousness they seek. Paul refers to the concept of election, emphasizing that there are those who have been chosen and have received this righteousness, while others have been blinded to this truth. This verse serves as a reminder that salvation is not based on heritage or tradition, but on faith and the acceptance of God's grace.

Within this verse from Romans 11:7, the theological interpretation centers around the concept of election and divine sovereignty in salvation. The passage speaks to the fact that Israel, as a whole, did not attain the righteousness they sought through the law because they sought it through works rather than faith. However, it also highlights the idea that a remnant, chosen by God for salvation, did obtain this righteousness. This contrast between Israel as a nation and the elect emphasizes the role of God's sovereign choice in salvation, as well as the importance of faith in receiving His gift of grace. Additionally, a word study of 'blinded' in this context reveals that it signifies a spiritual blindness or hardness of heart that prevents people from recognizing and accepting the truth of God's salvation. Therefore, this verse underscores the theological principles of election, faith, and spiritual blindness in the context of salvation.