Romans 9:11-13
9:12 a “Your older son will serve your younger son”: God spoke these words to Rebekah before the twins were born (Gen 25:23 b). As the older of the twins, Esau was Isaac’s natural heir. But Esau sold his birthright to Jacob and ceded his position to his brother in fulfillment of God’s promise.9:13 c “I loved Jacob, but I rejected (literally hated) Esau”: Paul quotes Mal 1:2-3 d, where Jacob, whose other name is Israel (Gen 32:28 e), stands for the nation of Israel, and Esau stands for Edom. Here, Paul is referring to them as individuals. Just as love can sometimes express a choice, so hate can express rejection. The story of Jacob and Esau illustrates how the sovereign God chooses his own people.
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