“Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?”
The full verse · Romans 11:2 · KJV
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Asked by
Paul: the apostle writing to the church at Rome, calling on his readers' knowledge of Scripture
The Scene
Paul has just declared, "God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" (Romans 11:2), and turns to the story of Elijah for proof.
Why It Was Asked
The purpose behind the questionPaul wants his readers to remember a time that looked just like their own. In Elijah's day it seemed that all Israel had turned away and only one faithful man was left (1 Kings 19:10). Paul asks, in effect, "Don't you know that story?" Gill describes Elijah praying about Israel, and says that instead of interceding for them "he was obliged to bring a complaint against them." If God had kept a faithful people then, He could do it again.
The Response
What Scripture recordsPaul tells the story himself. Elijah said, "Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life" (Romans 11:3). Then Paul asks, "But what saith the answer of God unto him?" (Romans 11:4), and gives it: "I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal." He applies it to his own day: "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant" (Romans 11:5).
Historical Context
The world behind the words"Wot ye not" is old English for "Know ye not." "Elias" is the Greek form of Elijah. The Greek reads en Ēlia, literally "in Elias." Barnes says this does not mean the words were said about Elijah, but "the reference is to the usual manner of quoting the Scriptures among the Jews," naming a passage by its main subject. The story is 1 Kings 19:9-18. "Maketh intercession" usually means pleading for someone, but Barnes says that with "against" "it means to accuse or arraign." On "foreknew," Barnes says the word "is expressive not merely of foreseeing a thing, but implies in this place a previous purpose or plan."
The Bigger Picture
Where this fits in God's storyGod sees more than His servants see. Elijah thought he was alone. Matthew Henry describes his mistake: "as if their apostasy in the days of Ahab was so general that he himself was the only faithful servant God had." God knew better, because He had kept seven thousand for Himself (1 Kings 19:18).
Paul ties that old story to God's foreknowledge (Romans 11:2). The people God "foreknew" are not lost to Him, even when unbelief seems to cover the land. Gill says God so knew them beforehand "that he approved of them, liked them, loved them." God's faithfulness in Elijah's day is the pattern for Paul's day (Romans 11:5).
Look Closer
Why does Paul point his readers to Elijah?
Carry the question into prayer and conversation.
Lord, when I feel like the only one who still cares about You, what are You doing that I cannot see?
A prayer to carry into the day.
- When have you felt alone in your faith? How did that feeling shape the way you prayed?
- Share a time you found out others were faithful to God when you thought no one was.
For you, a small group, a friend, or the dinner table.
Discouragement can make you feel like Elijah: alone, outnumbered, and bringing a complaint against the people around you (Romans 11:2-3). Paul reminds you that this is an old story, and God had an answer for it.
When you feel isolated in your faith, look again. God may have many more faithful people around you than you can see. Ask Him to show you who they are.
This does not mean you should ignore real wrong. Elijah's grief over idolatry was real (1 Kings 19:10). But your view is not the whole picture. God's knowledge of His people is greater than yours (Romans 11:2).
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