It was God’s plan that by extensive missionary activities the remnant of Israel would carry a knowledge of the true God and of His salvation to the nations who knew Him not. Their failure transferred the task to the Christian church (see pp. 35, 36).

 Heb. śeridim, from the root ṣarad, “to run away,” hence “escapees,” “survivors.” The word is translated “remnant” only here and in Isa. 1:9. The more common OT word for remnant is from the root sha’ar, “to be left over,” “to remain.” The last clause may be translated, “and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls” (RSV).