Election of the Lesser Son: Paul's Lament-Midrash in Romans 9-11 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781451482959)

God chooses Israel (salvation first to the Jew and then the gentile), but without showing favoritism? Paul genuinely grieves for Israel as one speaking in Christ, yet prays to be cursed, cut off from Christ? Romans 911 remains one of the most difficult and contested biblical texts in scholarship today. Theological discussions often limit the focus of this passage to Gods sovereignty, emphasizing that Gods mind is not known, or to Pauls defense of Gods faithfulness, insisting that Israel has failed. Less attention has been devoted to Pauls unique form and style, which, rightly understood, resolve significant issues, revealing the merciful and wise character of God in his choice of Jacob, the lesser son.

David R. Wallace demonstrates how Paul weaves two distinct Jewish literary forms togetherlament and midrashinto a logical narrative concerning Israels salvation. Attention is given to Pauls poetical structures, key literary terms, and use of Old Testament contexts. The result is new insight into the meaning of the letter, and into the theology of Paul.