Romans 9 proves Gentiles are not the Northern Tribes

Romans 9 is often misunderstood when Paul quotes Hosea. Some argue that when Paul says, “I will call them my people who are not my people,” he was speaking exclusively about the northern tribes of Israel. A close reading of the chapter shows otherwise. The context makes it clear that Paul is addressing both Israelites and non-Israelite Gentiles.

Verse 24 sets the frame

Paul gives the context before quoting Hosea:

“Even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?” (Romans 9:24)

The point being made is simple. Paul is identifying two categories: Jews (representing Israel) and Gentiles (representing the nations outside Israel). He does not blur them into one single group. He does not redefine the Gentiles as Israelites.

Paul’s use of Hosea

Hosea was originally addressing the northern tribes who had been cast off. However, Paul borrows Hosea’s language to illustrate Yahuah’s mercy. In Romans 9:25–26 he applies Hosea’s words beyond their original setting and meaning. He stated those who were once “not my people” are now called “my people.”

If Paul meant only the northern tribes here, then his statement in verse 24, “not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles”, would not make sense. There would be no distinction left. But Paul insists on a distinction. Gentiles are included in the calling, not because they were once part of Israel, but because Yahuah has extended His covenant to those outside the nation.

Israel pursued the law, Gentiles did not

Paul makes the difference clear in verses 30–31:

“What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.”

This makes the separation undeniable. Both Judah and Israel sought righteousness through the works of the law. However, Gentiles, were never given the law. They did not pursue the law as the Israelites did, they obtained righteousness by faith in the Messiah.

If  the“Gentiles” in Romans 9 only meant the northern tribes, Paul’s contrast would fall apart. The northern tribes did pursue the law, though imperfectly, just like Judah did. The Israelites cannot fit Paul’s description of a people who “did not pursue righteousness” through the law. Only non-Israelite nations fit that role.

The remnant of Israel and the calling of nations

In verses 27–29 Paul cites Isaiah to show that only a remnant of Israel would be saved. This reinforces the idea that Israel’s situation is distinct from the Gentiles’. The remnant is drawn out of Israel, while Gentiles are drawn in from outside. Together they form one people in Messiah, but their histories are not the same.

Conclusion

Romans 9 is not a hidden reference to the northern tribes masquerading as Gentiles. Paul is explicit: Yahuah has called people “not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.” Israel as a whole tried to gain righteousness by the law and stumbled. Non-Israelite Gentiles, who had no law, found righteousness by faith in Yahusha. That is Paul’s contrast, and the context makes it impossible to confine his words to Israelites alone.