Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 10:1

"Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved." — Romans 10:1 (ASV)

My heart’s desire.—Strictly, the goodwill of my heart. The earlier portion of this chapter is occupied with a more detailed exposition of the cause of Israel’s rejection, which has just been stated. They sought to do a hard thing—to work out a righteousness for themselves—instead of an easy thing—simply to believe in Christ.

This chapter, like the last, is introduced by an expression of the Apostle’s own warm affection for his people and his earnest desire for their salvation.

For Israel.—The true text is, for them. “Israel” has been put in the margin as an explanatory gloss, and from there found its way into the text. What made the rejection of Israel so especially poignant was that they were not a mere godless and irreligious people. On the contrary, they had a sincere zeal for religion, but it was a misdirected and ill-judged zeal.