A "short work"

[Peairtach]

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. (Romans 9:27-28, KJV)

For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return: the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land. (Isa 10:22-23, KJV)

What is meant this "short work" of the Lord's?

 

[Wretch67]

Peairtach,
The translation I get from the Greek For "short work" are :
syntemno- to cut short
logos-what has been declared, or said

So if using strictly the Greek translations, then short work means that God will do what he said he will do in a hurry. I hope this is helpful.

 

[Peairtach]

From my reading on it, it seems to refer to God's just judgment(s) on Israel after the flesh, which would yet result in a remnant being left, and a remnant of believing Jews being left.

For he will finish the work, and cut short in righteousness:

This may betoken a mercy. Because the work of judgment is cut short, a remnant is left.

The "short reckoning" seems to mean the speedy completing of His word, both in cutting off the one portion and saving the other - Jamieson, Fausset, Brown