Romans 11:8

As it is written. The quotation consists of a combination of phrases from Deut. 29:4; Isa. 6:9, 10; 29:10. Israel’s condition of spiritual stupor was nothing new in the history of the nation.

Spirit. Here, a condition of mind. Compare “the spirit of heaviness” (Isa. 61:3), “the spirit of meekness” (1 Cor. 4:21), “the spirit of bondage” (Rom. 8:15).

Slumber. Gr. katanuxis, derived from a verb meaning, literally, “to prick violently” (see Acts 2:37) and hence, “to stun,” as by a blow or an overpowering emotion (see Gen. 34:7 and Dan. 10:15 in the LXX). However, the Hebrew word in Isa. 29:10 means “a deep sleep,” such as fell upon Adam (Gen. 2:21), Abraham (ch. 15:12), and Saul’s attendants (1 Sam. 26:12).

That God is the One who gives this spirit of stupor must be understood in the same sense as God’s hardening of men’s hearts (see on Rom. 9:18; cf. on ch. 11:7). Since the fall of Adam, man’s natural condition has been one of spiritual insensibility (1 Cor. 2:14). By His grace God seeks to change this condition and to reawaken the powers of spiritual perception, while at the same time He presents to man the truths that pertain to his salvation. But when man persistently resists this grace, God, who will not force anyone against his will, withdraws His rejected grace and leaves man to the natural consequences of his stubborn resistance.

Should not see. A refusal to accept divine grace results in the lack of spiritual capacity to discern spiritual things (1 Cor. 2:14).

Unto this day. Compare Stephen’s detailed account of Israel’s history to prove the same point (Acts 7:2-53).