What does "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" reveal about divine election? The Phrase in Its Context “Just as it is written: ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ ” (Romans 9:13) Paul cites Malachi 1:2-3 to frame his discussion of God’s sovereign freedom in salvation. Malachi’s oracle looks back on the historical destinies of two nations—Israel (from Jacob) and Edom (from Esau). Paul reaches behind that history to the original choice God announced while the twins were still in the womb. Tracing the Story of Two Brothers • Genesis 25:23—“Two nations are in your womb… the older shall serve the younger.” • Before birth, before deeds, before personal merit, God declared His plan. • Esau becomes father of Edom; Jacob is renamed Israel—two peoples with divergent futures that display God’s elective purpose. Paul’s Argument in Romans 9 • Romans 9:11-12—“Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ ” • The focus is not on personal affection or hatred in a human sense but on covenantal favor versus rejection. • God’s “love” = choosing Jacob’s line for redemptive blessing; God’s “hate” = passing over Esau’s line for that role. The Nature of Divine Election • Sovereign: grounded solely in God’s will (Romans 9:18). • Unconditional: made “before the twins were born or had done anything” (Romans 9:11). • Purpose-driven: fulfills God’s promise plan, ensuring the Messiah comes through Israel. • Irrevocable: God’s call and gifts “are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29). • Displays mercy: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy” (Romans 9:15). • Anchors assurance: those He foreknew, He also glorified (Romans 8:29-30). Scripture Echoes • Ephesians 1:4-6—chosen “before the foundation of the world.” • John 15:16—“You did not choose Me, but I chose you.” • Acts 13:48—“All who were appointed to eternal life believed.” • 2 Timothy 1:9—saved “according to His own purpose and grace, given us in Christ Jesus before time began.” Responding to the Truth • Humility—salvation is God’s gift, not human achievement. • Gratitude—election magnifies grace; praise flows naturally. • Assurance—God’s choice secures the believer’s future. • Urgency—divine sovereignty motivates evangelism; God uses gospel proclamation to call His chosen (Romans 10:14-17). |
    |