John Trapp Complete Commentary - Romans 9:4
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God , and the promises; Ver. 4. The adoption ] For Israel was God’s firstborn, and so "higher than the kings of the earth," Psalms 89:27 . And the glory ] The ark of the covenant, 1 Samuel 4:21 , whence Judea is called "the glorious land," Daniel 11:41 . As for the ark, it is elsewhere called God’s face, Psalms 105:4 . Yea, God himself, Psalms 132:5 . The... read more
John Trapp Complete Commentary - Romans 9:3
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Ver. 3. Were accursed ] Devoted to destruction, αναθεμα , as those malefactors among the heathens were, that in time of common calamity were sacrificed to their infernal gods, for pacifying their displeasure, that the plague might cease. Out of greatest zeal to God and love to his countrymen, the apostle wisheth himself anathema, that is, not to be separated from the Spirit and grace... read more