Metaphor, Mystery and the Salvation of Israel in Romans 9-11: Paul's Appeal to Humility and Doxology

In Romans 9-11, Paul develops metaphors of the foot race and olive tree in attempting to explain why some Israelites have been unfaithful to God and God's Messiah/Christ and to express his hope that "all Israel" will yet be saved. Through these images, Paul challenges Gentile Christians to humility and doxology-to acknowledge their indebtedness to God's foundational covenant with Israel and to affirm God's faithfulness to save all of God's people: Jew (first) and Gentile (also).