Romans 9:11-16
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.
Summary for Rom 9:14-16: 9:14-16 f God’s choice is not unfair because he owes nothing to his sinful creatures (see study note on 4:4-5).
9:15 g This quotation from Exod 33:19 h focuses on God’s nature: God is free from obligation or constraint in bestowing mercy on people.
Copyright information for
TNotes