That they may possess the remnant of Edom, and of all the heathen, which are called by my name, saith the LORD that doeth this.
Ver. 12. That they may possess the remnant of Edom] "That they" which are called by my name, which are called Christians, viz. the apostles and their successors to the end of the world, "may possess," together with Christ (to whom the Father hath given the heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his possession), "the remnant of Edom"; those few of them that receive the faith, who are but as a remnant to the whole piece, a handful to a houseful. And not of the Edomites only, those inveterate and hereditary enemies to the Israel of God, but of all the heathen which are called by name, Psalms 2:8, who beseech and are baptized into Christ's name, being content to receive his mark and to profess his religion, which formerly they were perfect strangers to. These and those first preachers of the gospel, and planters of Churches (being Israelites by birth), are said to possess by inheritance, because Christ was pleased to make use of their ministry; and upon these his white horses to ride abroad the world, "conquering, and to conquer," Revelation 6:1,2. In a like sense it is promised, Isaiah 14:2, that the house of Israel shall possess their proselytes in the land of the Lord for servants and for handmaids, and take them captives whose captives they were, and rule over their oppressors. Such a change shall the gospel make.
Saith the Lord that doeth this] For indeed none else could have done it. Effectual conversion is his work alone. God persuaded Japhet. Noah may speak persuasively, but God only can persuade. Rebecca may cook the venison, but Isaac only can give the blessing. "Paul may plant," &c. Deus potest facere, nec solet fallere.