Romans Chapter 11 Vs. 3

 

The Remnant of Israel

Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. Rom 11:3

Lord, they have... Quoted from 1Ki. 19:10-18. This proves the doctrine of the remnant, according to the election of grace (Rom. 11:5-6; Isa. 1:9; refs.).

1Ki. 19:10-14 “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” “And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake:” “And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.” “And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it] that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?” “And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, [even] I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.”

We can see from this that God is interested in just one prophet that belongs to Him. God will not forsake His own. Just as any parent will not forsake their children, God will not forsake His own.

Paul’s second proof that God has not rejected His people was taken from Israel’s history during Elijah’s ministry. The prophet was deeply depressed, having fled for his life from Jezebel. Paul said, Elijah… appealed to (entynchanei, “petitioned”; trans. “intercedes” in Rom. 8:27 and “is… interceding” in Rom. 8:34) God against Israel. Paul then quoted part of the prophet’s complaint (1Ki. 19:10, 19:14), reversing the order of the details quoted and concluding with Elijah’s lament, I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me. Elijah considered himself the only believing person left in Israel.