Charles Ellicott Commentary Romans 10:19

"But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you." — Romans 10:19 (ASV)

Did Israel not know that the preaching of the gospel would be so universal, and pass over from them to the Gentiles? Yes, certainly, for Moses had warned them of this.

1. In the order of time and of Scripture.

2. I will provoke you.—In requital for the idolatries of the Jews, Moses prophesied that God would bestow his favour on a Gentile nation, and so provoke their jealousy; and the Apostle sees the fulfilment of this in his own day.

3. No people . . . a foolish nation.—Terms used by the Jews for their Gentile neighbors. They were “no people,” because they did not stand in the same recognized relation to God. They were “a foolish nation,” because they had not received the same special revelation, but, on the contrary, worshipped stocks and stones.