Audio commentary on this verse

Note 11 at Rom. 9:20: The truth that Paul is expressing here is the overall point that is made in the book of Job. God never did explain Himself to Job as Job had insisted that He do. Instead, God rebuked Job for his "know it all" attitude (Job 38:18). God basically asked Job what right he had to maintain his own integrity at the expense of God's (Job 40:8). Job got the message when God spoke to him from a whirlwind and he humbled himself (Job 42:2-6). Paul's message should bring the same response from us.