Is there injustice on the part of God? Of course not! 15 For he says to Moses: “I will show mercy to whom I will, I will take pity on whom I will.” 16 So it depends not upon a person’s will or exertion, but upon God, who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “This is why I have raised you up, to show my power through you that my name may be proclaimed throughout the earth.” 18 Consequently, he has mercy upon whom he wills, and he hardens whom he wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why [then] does he still find fault? For who can oppose his will?” 20 But who indeed are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Will what is made say to its maker, “Why have you created me so?” 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for a noble purpose and another for an ignoble one? 22 What if God, wishing to show his wrath and make known his power, has endured with much patience the vessels of wrath made for destruction? 23 This was to make known the riches of his glory to the vessels of mercy, which he has prepared previously for glory, 24 namely, us whom he has called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.
In Romans 9:1-5, Paul expresses his deep sorrow over Israel’s unbelief, lamenting that they have not embraced the Messiah despite their special status as recipients of God’s promises. Moving to Romans 9:6-13, Paul introduces the concept of divine election, explaining that God’s promises are fulfilled not by physical descent but by His sovereign choice, as seen with Isaac and Jacob. Paul then turns to defend God’s absolute freedom to bestow mercy and to harden hearts according to His divine will, using examples such as Pharaoh and principles applicable to figures like Pontius Pilate (cf. Exod. 9:16; John 19:11).
Paul addresses the question of whether God’s actions imply injustice, asserting that divine election does not conflict with God’s justice (cf. Ps. 145:17). Drawing from Exodus, Paul cites God’s declaration of sovereign freedom in granting mercy, as in His words to Moses: “I will show mercy to whom I will, and I will take pity on whom I will” (Exod. 33:19). This passage emphasizes that God’s mercy is freely given, not something that can be earned by human effort (cf. Eph. 2:8-9). Divine election, therefore, is determined by God’s initiative, not by human will or exertion.
Paul further illustrates this with Pharaoh, who, though resistant to God’s commands, was used to reveal God’s power and bring glory to His name (cf. Exod. 9:16). Thus, even in opposition, all creation ultimately serves to glorify God’s purposes (cf. Ps. 2:1-4). Paul reiterates that God possesses sovereign freedom to show mercy or harden hearts according to His divine purposes.
Anticipating an objection, Paul raises the question of God’s justice, asking if humans can fairly be held accountable if God’s will is ultimately irresistible. Paul answers by affirming God’s absolute authority over His creation, using the analogy of a potter and clay from Isaiah (cf. Isa. 29:16; 45:9), implying that it is inappropriate for creatures to question their Creator. God, like a potter, has the freedom to assign different purposes to different “vessels,” whether individuals or nations.
Paul presents a hypothetical scenario where God’s patience with “vessels of wrath” serves to display His power and justice. However, His actions, both in mercy and judgment, are ultimately directed toward revealing “the riches of His glory” to those who are “vessels of mercy.” These “vessels of mercy,” prepared by God “for glory,” symbolize individuals chosen for eternal life and union with Him, reflecting God’s predestined plan (cf. Eph. 1:4-5). Finally, Paul underscores that God’s call is not limited to Israel but extends to the Gentiles as well, highlighting the inclusivity of God’s plan for salvation.
Almighty God, we humbly acknowledge Your wisdom and power over all creation. Teach us to trust in Your divine will, knowing that Your mercy and justice reveal Your glory. Shape our hearts as vessels of Your love, that we may live to honor You and extend Your grace to others. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
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