⁶ This does not mean that God’s word has failed, because not all who are descended from Israel are really Israel, ⁷ and not all who are descended from Abraham are really his children. On the contrary, “Your line of descent will be traced through Isaac.”^{[a] 8} This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as his descendants. ⁹ For this is what the promise said: “I will arrive at this set time, and Sarah will have a son.”^[b]

God’s Choice Is Based on His Mercy

¹⁰ Not only that, but Rebekah also had children by one man, our forefather, Isaac. ¹¹ Even before the twins were born or did anything good or bad, in order that God’s purpose in election might continue— ¹² not by works but because of him who calls us—it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger.”^{[c] 13} Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”^[d]