Romans 9:4 – “The people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul is listing the great spiritual blessings that God had given to the Israelites. He is emphasizing that Israel was not just any nation-God had chosen them, revealed Himself to them, and given them incredible privileges.

Paul’s sorrow in the previous verses now makes even more sense. Israel had received so much from God, yet many of them rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This rejection was not because they lacked knowledge or opportunities. They had been given the adoption as God’s people, they had seen God’s glory, they had the covenants, the Law, the temple worship, and the promises of God. Despite all of these blessings, they had still turned away from Christ.

Paul’s point here is not to boast about Israel’s history but to highlight the tragedy of their unbelief. God had set them apart, but they had missed the fulfillment of all these blessings in Jesus.

Historical Context

The Jewish people had a unique relationship with God throughout history. Starting with Abraham, God had made a covenant with them, promising to bless them and make them a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). He later confirmed His covenant with Isaac, Jacob, and their descendants.

Here are the blessings Paul mentions, along with their historical significance:

1. “The adoption to sonship” – Israel was chosen as God’s special people (Exodus 4:22, Deuteronomy 14:1).
2. “The divine glory” – The presence of God, known as the Shekinah glory, was with Israel in the tabernacle and temple (Exodus 40:34-38, 1 Kings 8:10-11).
3. “The covenants” – God made several covenants with Israel, including those with Abraham (Genesis 15), Moses (Exodus 19-24), and David (2 Samuel 7:8-16).
4. “The receiving of the law” – God gave Israel the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20).
5. “The temple worship” – The sacrificial system in the tabernacle and temple allowed Israel to worship and seek forgiveness (Leviticus 1-7).
6. “The promises” – God promised Israel a Messiah, a kingdom, and blessings for obedience (Genesis 12:3, Isaiah 9:6-7).

Paul is showing that Israel had been given every spiritual advantage. But having these blessings was not enough-they needed to respond in faith.

Theological Implications

1. God’s blessings do not guarantee salvation – Israel had received incredible gifts from God, but many still rejected Christ. This shows that being part of a religious community or having spiritual privileges does not automatically make someone right with God.
2. God’s faithfulness in history – Despite Israel’s rejection of Christ, God’s promises to them remain. Paul later explains that God has a plan for Israel’s future (Romans 11:25-27).
3. The importance of responding to God’s revelation – Just as Israel was blessed but still needed faith, people today must not take God’s Word for granted. Hearing the gospel is not enough-each person must personally trust in Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “theirs” repeatedly emphasizes that these blessings truly belonged to Israel. He lists each blessing one after another, building momentum to show just how much God had given them.

This structured list also highlights contrast: Israel had all these blessings, yet many still did not believe in Christ. Paul is making a powerful point-privilege without faith leads to a tragic outcome.

Biblical Cross-References

• Exodus 19:5-6 – Israel was chosen by God to be His treasured possession.
• Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – God’s love for Israel was based on His choice, not their merit.
• Jeremiah 31:31-34 – A prophecy about the new covenant that would come through Jesus.
• Hebrews 8:6 – Jesus is the mediator of a better covenant, fulfilling all of God’s promises.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Paul’s words are a reminder that having religious knowledge or traditions is not enough. Many people grow up in church, hear about God’s promises, and even participate in worship, but unless they personally place their faith in Christ, they are missing the point-just as many Israelites did.

This verse challenges Christians to appreciate the blessings they have in Christ and to not take them for granted. It also reminds believers to share the gospel with those who, like Israel, may have heard the truth but have not yet responded to it.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love for Israel is clear-He gave them everything they needed to know Him. Even though many rejected Christ, God did not abandon them. Paul later explains that God still has a plan for Israel and that His love is persistent (Romans 11:1-2).

This verse also shows that God’s love is not limited to one group of people. While Israel was given these blessings first, God’s plan always included salvation for the whole world (Genesis 12:3, Romans 1:16).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the fulfillment of all the blessings Paul lists in this verse:

• Adoption to sonship – Through Christ, believers are adopted into God’s family (John 1:12, Galatians 4:5-7).
• The divine glory – Jesus is the full revelation of God’s glory (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:3).
• The covenants – Jesus established the new covenant through His blood (Luke 22:20).
• The law – Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly and offers righteousness through faith (Matthew 5:17, Romans 3:21-22).
• Temple worship – Jesus is the final sacrifice, making temple sacrifices unnecessary (Hebrews 10:1-14).
• The promises – Jesus is the promised Messiah and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel (2 Corinthians 1:20).

While Israel received these blessings first, they ultimately point to Christ, who offers salvation to all who believe in Him.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What blessings have you received from God that you sometimes take for granted?
2. How can this verse help you appreciate God’s faithfulness in history?
3. Why do you think many Israelites rejected Jesus despite having so many spiritual privileges?
4. How does this verse challenge you to respond to God’s revelation in your own life?
5. How can you share the gospel with people who may be religious but have not personally trusted in Christ?