Romans 9:12

“The older will serve the younger”: God spoke these words to Rebekah before the twins were born (Genesis 25:23). Esau was the older twin, so he was Isaac’s natural heir.

However, Esau sold his birthright to his brother Jacob. By doing this, Esau gave up his position as the firstborn. This action fulfilled what God had promised before the twins were born.

n this section, Paul addresses a serious question. Many Jews did not believe in Jesus. If God had promised salvation to Israel, how could Jesus truly fulfill God’s plan when so few Jews believed (9:1–5)? In response, Paul uses the Old Testament to show that God always planned to save only a remnant, that is, a smaller group within Israel (9:6–29). Paul also explains that many Jews did not accept Christ because they refused to trust in him (9:30–10:21).

Paul then makes clear that God has not rejected Israel. Some Jews have already believed in Christ (11:1–10). Many more will trust in Christ in the future (11:12–26).