Paul makes the case that Israel has rejected God’s call throughout Romans. Chapter 10 ended with Paul pointing out Israel’s disobedience and hardened hearts. But has God rejected them? No! Some were turning (Paul was one!) to God them and many are turning to Him now. Hard hearts are breaking! Pray for those working with Jews to show them the truth! God chose Israel and gave them access to the truth. Even though they were not the best stewards with it, God chose them.

Paul then begins to explain that Israel has been grafted in. The established “olive tree” of Israel has had the Gentiles grafted in – in part because God hardened hearts to open the world up to His message, that Israel was meant to show the whole time! Verse 25 suggests that this hardening was only for a time (likely during Christ’s ministry) to accomplish His purposes. Now it is a choice, and one with eternal consequences! Let’s not be hard hearted towards God!