Romans 9:18

Commentary on Romans 9:18 (KJV)

Romans 9:18 is a profound and challenging verse that encapsulates the Apostle Paul's argument about God's absolute sovereignty in choosing whom He will show mercy to and whom He will allow to harden their hearts. This verse directly follows Paul's illustrations of divine election and serves as a summary conclusion to his theological discourse on God's just and unchallengeable will.

Context

This verse is found within a crucial section of Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically Romans chapter 9, where he addresses the perplexing issue of Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah, despite their status as God's chosen people. Paul defends God's faithfulness and justice by demonstrating that God has always exercised His sovereign right to choose individuals for His purposes, regardless of their lineage or works.

The immediate context of Romans 9:18 refers back to two key Old Testament examples:

• Jacob and Esau: In Romans 9:11-13, Paul highlights that God chose Jacob over Esau before either was born, emphasizing that God's choice was based on His purpose and not on any human merit or deed.
• Pharaoh: Paul then uses the example of Pharaoh from the Exodus narrative. In Romans 9:17, he quotes God's declaration that He raised up Pharaoh precisely to display His power and make His name known throughout the earth. The preceding verses, Romans 9:15-16, explicitly state, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." Verse 18 then serves as a forceful summary of this principle.

Key Themes

• God's Absolute Sovereignty: The primary theme is God's supreme authority and freedom. His decisions regarding mercy and hardening are not dictated by human will, effort, or merit, but by His own divine purpose and character. This underscores the idea that God is not obligated to anyone and acts according to His perfect wisdom.
• Divine Mercy: God's mercy is presented as a sovereign act of grace. It is a gift freely given to those He chooses, demonstrating His compassion and love. This mercy is not earned but is an expression of His unmerited favor.
• Divine Hardening: This is a challenging concept. God's "hardening" is understood not as making an innocent person evil, but often as a judicial act where God removes restraint or intensifies an existing resistance in those who have already hardened their own hearts against Him. In Pharaoh's case, the Old Testament shows Pharaoh hardening his own heart multiple times before God is said to harden it, suggesting that God confirmed and utilized Pharaoh's self-imposed stubbornness for His divine purposes, specifically to display His power (as in Exodus 9:16).
• Justice and Grace: The verse highlights the tension between God's unchallengeable will and human perceptions of fairness. Paul anticipates this objection in Romans 9:19-21, using the analogy of the potter and the clay to assert God's right to fashion humanity as He sees fit for His own glory.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "hardeneth" is sklērynei (σκληρύνει). It means to make hard, stiffen, or render stubborn. In the biblical context, especially regarding Pharaoh, it implies a strengthening of an existing disposition of resistance. It's not about God forcing someone to be evil, but rather allowing or confirming a person's chosen path of rebellion, ultimately using even that resistance to accomplish His sovereign plan.

Practical Application

While Romans 9:18 presents a profound theological truth that can be difficult to reconcile with human concepts of free will, it offers several practical applications:

• Humility and Gratitude: For believers, this verse should cultivate deep humility and gratitude, recognizing that their salvation is entirely a result of God's sovereign mercy and grace, not their own merit or striving.
• Trust in God's Character: It calls us to trust in God's ultimate goodness, justice, and wisdom, even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension. We are reminded that God's plan is perfect and purposeful.
• Emphasis on Mercy: The verse highlights the incredible gift of God's mercy. For those who have received it, it is a call to live in light of that profound grace.
• Sovereignty and Responsibility: While God is sovereign, Scripture also consistently calls humanity to repentance and faith. The mystery of divine sovereignty and human responsibility often coexist in biblical teaching (e.g., 1 Timothy 2:4 states God desires "all men to be saved"). This verse primarily underscores God's ultimate control and purpose in all things.