Definition: What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Romans 11:7. It’s a really important and somewhat complex verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in plain language: “What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.” Let's unpack each part: 1. “What then?” – This is a question. It’s not just a statement of fact, it’s asking us to think about what this means. It’s a call for understanding. 2. “Israel hath not obtained that which he seeks for” - This refers to the Jewish people in ancient Israel. They were focused on achieving specific things – maybe wealth, power, or religious observance – and they were seeking something. They weren't really getting it. 3. “But the election hath obtained it” - This is the key part. “Election” means that God has chosen a specific group of people for a particular purpose. It’s like He’s selected them out of all the possibilities to be fruitful and blessed. The "election" here isn't about giving them something; it’s about giving them something special . 4. “And the rest were blinded” - This is where it gets a little more nuanced. “The rest” refers to all people – not just the Jewish people. They weren't all seeing what was happening. They were blinded because they weren’t understanding the true nature of God’s plan or the importance of this special group. So, putting it all together: God has chosen a specific group (Israel) to be fruitful and blessed – that means to live lives filled with purpose and goodness. But, these people aren't fully understanding their destiny. They are not seeing what is happening, and they’re focused on things other than what God intended for them. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the entire Church – all believers throughout history. It’s a reminder that: God’s plan is complex: He doesn't just give people what they want. He gives them specific purposes and opportunities. We need guidance: We should be mindful of our own desires and not become so focused on our goals that we lose sight of God’s will. Faith is crucial: Believing in God and trusting in His plan is essential for true understanding and fulfilling our purpose. In essence, this verse encourages us to look beyond our own desires and focus on what God has chosen for us. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points further? Give an example of a similar concept from another Bible verse?