But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham (A)because they are his offspring, but (B)“Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but (C)the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: (D)“About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but (E)also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of (F)him who calls— 12 she was told, (G)“The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, (H)“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Read full chapter

God’s Gracious Election of Israel

Now it is not as though the word of God has failed,(A) because not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.(B) Neither is it the case that all of Abraham’s children are his descendants.[a](C) On the contrary, your offspring will be traced[b] through Isaac.[c](D) That is, it is not the children by physical descent[d] who are God’s children,(E) but the children of the promise(F) are considered to be the offspring. For this is the statement of the promise: At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.[e](G) 10 And not only that,(H) but Rebekah conceived children(I) through one man, our father Isaac. 11 For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand(J) 12 not from works but from the one who calls—she was told, The older will serve the younger.[f](K) 13 As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.[g](L)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 9:7 Lit seed
  2. 9:7 Lit called
  3. 9:7 Gn 21:12
  4. 9:8 Lit children of the flesh
  5. 9:9 Gn 18:10,14
  6. 9:12 Gn 25:23
  7. 9:13 Mal 1:2–3