ROMANS 11

Paul asked if God had disposed of Israel. No. Obviously he is an Israelite, seed of Abraham, tribe of Benjamin. 

God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. 

He reminded his audience that Elijah thought he was the only faithful one left of Israel, but God revealed to him that there was a large remnant of believers who had not worshiped Baal. Therefore, Paul assured them that presently there was a "remnant according to the election of grace" in Israel. The nation Israel had not received what it desired, but elect individuals have; the others were "blinded," as written:

God has given them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this very day.

But did this mean the end for Israel as a nation? No. However, hopefully some will be provoked to jealousy because salvation was now available to the Gentiles. Meanwhile, the Gentiles should not boast because they were/are grafted in, being supported by the root. The Jews, being the branches, were broken off because of their unbelief, which God could also do the same to those grafted in.

Therefore, God was severe with Israel and good toward Gentile believers, who were only wild branches; but if Israel, the natural branch, returns to the Lord, they will be grafted in again. 

Also, this blindness will be with Israel until the "fullness of the Gentiles has come in." Then Israel will be saved:

The Deliverer will come out of Zion, and He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob; for this is My covenant with Them, when I take away their sins. 

Because of Israel's disobedience, Gentiles may now experience God's mercy. He permitted Israel's disobedience that He may demonstrate His mercy to all. 

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!

For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? 

For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. 

COMMENTARY 

Paul explained that the remnant of Israel were "according to the election of grace," which meant they are Jews who come to Christ, by grace -- not merit. And those who do not come to Christ, were or will be hardened; and people are hardened because they reject Christ. They are blinded because they will not accept the Light. 

Also, the blindness (hardening) of Israel will continue while the church is present, and it will continue until the fullness of the Gentiles and the Rapture of the church. All Israel will not be saved, but rather a remnant of Israelites out of the whole nation.

About verse 29: "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." The calling is the "effectual calling of God" and "without man's repentance or change of mind." 

It is your faith in Christ that saves you. Neither is your faith meritorious. It is Christ who is meritorious. Your faith enables you to lay hold of Him. 

One's salvation is by God's mercy. And God can show mercy on whom He wants to show mercy. If God wants to save a remnant of Israel, He will. No one knows the mind of God. No one can advise God. And to Him be the glory.