Albert Barnes Commentary Romans 11:27

"And this is my covenant unto them, When I shall take away their sins." — Romans 11:27 (ASV)

For this is my covenant, etc. This expression is found immediately following the other in Isaiah 59:21. But the apostle connects with it a part of another promise taken from Jeremiah 31:33-34; or rather, he abridges that promise and expresses its substance by adding, when I shall take away their sins.

It is clear that the apostle intended to express the general sense of these promises, as they were well known to the Jews, and it was a point concerning which he did not need to argue or reason with them: that God had made a covenant with them and intended to restore them if they were cast off, and should then repent and turn to Him.

The time and manner in which this shall be are not revealed. It may be remarked, however, that this passage does not mean that the Redeemer shall come personally and preach to them, or reappear for the purpose of recalling them to Himself; nor does it mean that they will be restored to the land of their fathers.

Neither of these ideas is contained in the passage. God will doubtless convert the Jews, as He does the Gentiles, by human means and in connection with the prayers of His people, so that the Gentiles shall yet repay the toil and care of the ancient Jews in preserving the Scriptures and preparing the way for the Messiah. And both shall rejoice that they were made instruments in spreading the knowledge of the Messiah.