Romans 9:12

"For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,"

Key Reflection

Romans 9:12 highlights a key aspect of God's sovereign and gracious election. Paul emphasizes that this election is not based on the actions of individuals, whether good or bad. Instead, it stands solely because God has chosen to call certain people for his purpose, as evidenced by the example of Esau and Jacob. In first-century culture, where one’s destiny was often seen as predestined by their actions or birthright, this passage underscores that God's choice transcends human merit or status.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 12. It was said unto her. By Jehovah. See Ge 25:23. The elder. The eldest son, which was Esau. By the law of primogeniture among the Hebrews, he would have been entitled to peculiar honours and privileges. But it was said that in his case this custom should be reversed, and that he should take the rank of the younger. Should serve. Shall be subject to; shall not have the authority and priority, but should be inferior to. The passage in Ge 25:23 shows that this had reference particularly to the posterity of Esau, and not to him as an individual. The sense is, that the descendants of Esau, who were Edomites, should be inferior to, and subject to the descendants of Jacob.

Related Verses

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