Matthew Henry Commentary Romans 11:33-36

"O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him [be] the glory for ever. Amen." — Romans 11:33-36 (ASV)

The apostle Paul knew the mysteries of the kingdom of God as well as anyone ever has; yet he confesses himself to be at a loss. Despairing of finding the bottom, he humbly sits down at the edge and adores the depth. Those who know most in this imperfect state feel their own weakness most. There is not only depth in the Divine counsels but also riches—an abundance of what is precious and valuable. The Divine counsels are complete; they have not only depth and height but also breadth and length (Ephesians 3:18), and that surpassing knowledge.

There is such a vast distance and disproportion between God and man, between the Creator and the creature, that it forever bars us from the knowledge of His ways. Who can teach God how to govern the world? The apostle adores the sovereignty of the Divine counsels. All things in heaven and earth—especially those relating to our salvation and belonging to our peace—are all from Him by way of creation and through Him by way of providence, so that they may be for Him in their end.

All things are from God, as the Spring and Fountain of all; through Christ; to God, as the end. These truths encompass all God's relations to His creatures. If all things are from Him and through Him, all should be to Him and for Him. Whatever begins, let God's glory be the end. Especially, let us adore Him when we speak of the Divine counsels and actions. The saints in heaven never dispute but always praise.