Definition: Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Romans 9:27. It’s a really interesting and complex idea that gets to the heart of how God views humanity and his plan for salvation. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that even though Israel (a group of people historically significant to Judaism) looks like a huge, vast amount of sand – meaning incredibly numerous – God can still save some individuals through a special process. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel…” - This refers to the book of Isaiah, which was written during the time of Jesus. It’s essentially a prophetic account from the perspective of someone who sees God’s plan and understands his ways. “…Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea…” – This is where it gets a little more metaphorical. "The sand of the sea" represents something incredibly vast, immense, and difficult to measure. It’s so large that it's almost impossible to grasp its entirety. "...a remnant shall be saved:" - This means that even though Israel looks like a huge quantity, God has chosen to save some people – those who are special and deserving – through his grace and mercy. So, what does this all mean? It suggests: God's Favor is Unconditional: He doesn’t just give gifts or blessings based on how much something is (like the sand). He gives them to those who are truly worthy, even if they don’t meet all the criteria. God's Grace is Key: It highlights God's mercy and his willingness to extend help to people, regardless of their efforts or circumstances. It’s Not About Quantity: The verse isn't saying that everyone will be saved. It’s about a select few who are deemed worthy by God. Important Context - A Bit More Depth This passage is often interpreted as relating to the historical and political situation of Israel during the time of Jesus. It speaks to the idea that God’s plan is not always perfectly clear or predictable, and sometimes, through unexpected means, salvation can be found. In short, it's a beautiful and thought-provoking statement about God’s love and his willingness to work through difficult situations. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to another Bible passage? Discuss the historical context of this verse?