What Old Testament prophecy is fulfilled in Romans 9:25? Romans 9:25—What Prophecy Is Paul Citing? “As He says in Hosea: ‘I will call them My people who are not My people, and I will call her beloved who is not beloved.’ ” The Exact Old Testament Source • Hosea 2:23 ─ “And I will sow her for Myself in the land, and I will have compassion on Lo-ruhamah, and I will say to those called Lo-ammi, ‘You are My people’; and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” • Paul also echoes Hosea 1:10 ─ “In the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’” Original Setting in Hosea • Hosea ministered to the northern kingdom of Israel, pronouncing judgment for unfaithfulness. • God had symbolically named Hosea’s children Lo-Ruhamah (“Not pitied”) and Lo-Ammi (“Not My people”) to illustrate Israel’s broken covenant. • Yet even while announcing judgment, God promised future mercy: a day when “Not My people” would again be called “My people.” Paul’s Inspired Application in Romans 9 • In the immediate context (Romans 9:24-26), Paul is explaining how God’s gracious call now reaches both Jews and Gentiles. • By quoting Hosea, he shows that Scripture itself foresees God extending covenant mercy beyond ethnic Israel. • The literal promise of Israel’s restoration remains intact; Paul simply notes that the same divine principle—God’s right to call whomever He wills—now enfolds Gentiles as well. Other New Testament Echoes • 1 Peter 2:10 applies the Hosea theme to the church: “Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” • Ephesians 2:11-13 describes Gentiles “formerly excluded from the commonwealth of Israel” now “brought near by the blood of Christ.” Key Takeaways for Today • God keeps His word literally: the Hosea promise of restored Israel stands, yet its gracious principle is wide enough to embrace the nations. • No one is beyond God’s reach; He delights to transform “Not My people” into “My people.” • The church’s diverse makeup showcases the fulfillment of Hosea’s prophecy and magnifies God’s mercy. |
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