Romans 11:16–24 memorably illustrates Israel’s future salvation in two ways. First, Paul speaks of “the dough offered as firstfruits,” something which eventually becomes “the whole lump” (Romans 11:16a). Second, he speaks of “the root” and its outgrowth, “the branches” (Romans 11:16b). He then expands this second illustration to include Gentiles as well (Romans 11:17–24).
What are the points of analogy for each of these items in Paul’s illustrations?
The preceding context indicates that the lump and branches in Romans 11:16 refer to a future, saved Israel. Israel will enjoy a “full inclusion,” an “acceptance” that means “life from the dead” (Romans 11:12, 15). Likewise, whatever the holy dough or root may be, we can conclude that the holy lump and branches are figures for a future, national, and holy Israel.
So then, what is the dough? And what is the root?
Whatever they are, if the lump and branches both refer to the same thing (future Israel), it is likely that the dough means the same thing as the root as well. Paul says no more about the dough and lump past Romans 11:16a, but he does say more about the root and branches. So, if we investigate Romans 11 to identify the root, we will be able to identify the dough.
The figure of a holy root with holy branches seems to find its best parallel in clear terms in Romans 11:28–32. This passage describes present-day, unbelieving Israelites as presently beloved for the sake of their forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Though disobedient, they will receive mercy on the basis of God’s gifts and calling that He gave so long ago. Thus, the root of the patriarchs and God’s promises will give life to Israel’s branches in the future.
This being said, the olive tree in Romans 11:17–24 seems to be something like “the tree of Abrahamic blessing.” The salvation God promised to Abraham and his believing, physical descendants—God gives the same to Gentiles as well (cf. Romans 4:13–25). So, it is appropriate for Paul to speak of the Gentiles as a branch grafted into this tree (Romans 11:17, 24). For the Israelites (see Romans 11:17), “some of the branches were broken off” (the hardened portion of Israel; cf. Romans 11:7, 25) while “the others” remained (Israel’s remnant; cf. Romans 9:27; 11:5). But all of Israel’s branches “will… be grafted back into their own olive tree” (Romans 11:24).
But why two illustrations?
It seems the dough and lump emphasize the notion of holiness. Like the dough presented as holy to God who blessed the harvest (cf. Numbers 15:17–21), so also the patriarchs and their irrevocable promises anticipated a holy Israel in time to come. As for the root and branches, Paul used this illustration to emphasize of the variety of branches (peoples) and how they have their part in what God promised to Abraham long ago.
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Photo by Svetlana B on Unsplash