Romans 9:13

“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated”: Paul quotes Malachi 1:2–3. In that passage, Jacob, whose other name is Israel (Genesis 32:28). , represents the nation of Israel. Esau represents the nation of Edom.

Here in Romans, Paul speaks of Jacob and Esau as individuals. In the Bible, the word love can express choice or acceptance. In the same way, the word hate can express rejection rather than personal anger. Paul uses the story of Jacob and Esau to show that God, who rules over all things, chooses his people according to his own purpose.

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).