260 ROMANS 10; 11—21.

preted ia the ancient prophet. In the first verse of that chapter Isaiah says, that God will manifest himself to those " who were not called by his name ;" and in the second he gives the immediate reason of this turning unto the Gentiles, " I have stretched out my hand all the day to a rebellious people." This quotation, therefore, confirms both the great doctrines taught in this chapter ; the Jews were no longer the exclusive or peculiar people of God, and the blessings of the Messiah's kingdom were thrown wide open to all mankind. With regard to Israel the lan- guage of God is peculiarly strong and tender. All day long I have stretched forth my hands. The stretching forth the hands is the ges- ture of invitation, and even supplication. God has extended wide his arms, and urged men frequently and long to return to his love ; and it is only those who refuse that he finally rejects.