Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
From Hosea 1:9-10; Hosea 2:23. Peter plainly confirms Paul, who quotes the passage as implying the call of the Gentiles to become spiritually what Israel had been literally, "the people of God" (Romans 9:25). Primarily, the prophecy refers to literal Israel, hereafter to be fully what in their best days they were only partially-God's people.
Not obtained mercy, х eeleeemenoi (G1653) ... eleeethentes (G1653)]. Formerly 'not in a state of being compassionated, but now once for all compassionated.' It was God's mercy, not their merits, which made the blessed change: this ought to kindle lively gratitude, to be shown with their life as well as their lips.