Romans 9 is about God's absolute sovereignty in choosing those who would receive his gift of eternal salvation. Who are God's chosen people, "Israel"? Is it the "Jews"? Are they biological descendants of Abraham? This chapter teaches that God had a plan for some to be chosen and some not to be chosen. He chose some to be objects of his judgment and fit only for destruction, but God also chose to pour out the riches of his glory upon those he prepared to be the objects of his mercy. He selected His chosen elect from both the Jews and from the Gentiles. He did this sovereignly, showing mercy to some just because he wanted to, and he chose to make some people reject Him by hardening their hearts. "It does not, therefore, depend on man's desire or effort, but (only) on God's mercy" (v.16). Paul quotes from Hosea concerning the Gentiles and the Jews---- 1) God says He will chose some (Gentiles) whom he formerly did not call and whom He did not formerly love and 2) God says that the descendants of Abraham have become great, but only a small number will be saved and this the Lord has done "with finality". Let's then rest in the hope and peace given lavishly by the grace of God, the author and perfecter of our faith.