Rom 11:9-10
(Rom. 11:9-10 ESV) 9 And David says, “Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them; 10 let their eyes be darkened so that they cannot see, and bend their backs forever.”
Paul next quotes from Psalm 69:22-23 to make a similar point regarding God’s darkening of the eyes of Israel. Except in this case, the psalmist is not asking for God to keep his enemies from understanding; he is asking for justice — that his enemies suffer as he has suffered. In fact, the curses he calls down on his enemies parallel his suffering recorded in vv. 1 – 10 —
Although the imprecations of these verses sound severe to modern ears, these wishes and petitions do focus on judgment in kind. They seek a reversal. Moreover, as prayers, they commit this just retribution to God. Because “they put gall in my food” (v. 21), may the table set before them become a snare (v. 22). Because “my eyes fail” (v. 3), may their eyes be darkened so they cannot see (v. 23). Because “I am a stranger to my brothers” (v. 8), may their place (or tents) … be deserted (v. 25). Because “I sink in the miry depths” (vv. 2–3, 14–15), may your salvation, O God, “set me on high” (Hb. teśaggebēnî, NIV protect me, v. 29). (On the book of life, see on 87:6.)
Robert L. Jr. Hubbard and Robert K. Johnston, Psalms, 2012, 288.
Therefore, the passage Paul quotes is not speaking of predestination or hardening but justice for the faithlessness of the Jews who reject Jesus. In fact, the earlier verses of the Psalm are often applied to Jesus — Continue reading →