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Romans 11:33a
Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
It is not Paul’s way, having explained to his readers the great scope of God’s plan of redemption throughout history, to simply move on to his next subject. He is not dispassionate about the things he has been discussing; rather, he is truly excited about them and in awe of the God who conceived them and is working them out in time before his very eyes. He simply cannot help but pause and give praise to his God, and that is precisely what he does in verses 33–36. We will spend this week focusing on this doxology, this hymn of praise.
It is the comprehensive knowledge and wisdom that Paul sees displayed in God’s redemptive plan that causes him to break forth in song. He has shown the Romans that God set the Jews apart, but that He brought judgment upon them when they rejected His Messiah, taking the gospel instead to gentiles. But he also has revealed to the Romans the “mystery” that the blindness that befell the Jews is only temporary, and that the influx of the gentiles that resulted from Jewish disobedience to the gospel summons will be instrumental in bringing Jews to faith in Christ in time to come. Paul is overwhelmed by this, even though it is not new to him. And so he sings not just of the wisdom and knowledge of God that conceived of such a plan, but of “the depth of the riches” of the wisdom and knowledge the plan manifests. He sings of the greatness of God.
Although Paul speaks of “wisdom” before “knowledge,” Dr. James M. Boice points out that knowledge logically comes before wisdom, for “wisdom flows from knowledge.” God, of course, has knowledge of all things. Boice writes: “He knows everything; everything possible, everything actual; all events, all creatures, of the past, the present, and the future. He is perfectly acquainted with every detail in the life of every being in heaven, in earth, and in hell.” This comprehensive knowledge, this omniscience, combines with God’s goodness to produce perfect wisdom. As Boice says, “Wisdom consists in knowing what to do with the knowledge one has and in directing that knowledge to the highest and most moral ends.” Seeing the end from the beginning, and guided by desires that are altogether righteous and good, God governs history with perfection. Though we may not be able to see it, He works in all things for His glory and our good.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
How do you respond when you read a passage of Scripture or hear a sermon that extols some aspect of God’s character or His work? Do you feel the urge to praise Him? Make a commitment to cultivate a spirit of praise as you are confronted by God’s mighty works and nature. Recognize and celebrate His greatness.
For Further Study
- Job 38:2
- Job 42:3
- Psalm 139:1–4
- Matthew 6:7–8
- Hebrews 4:13