6 But it is not as if the word of God was without effect. For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel: 7 And they are not all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, In Isaac will your seed be named. 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh, but the children of God's undertaking, who are named as the seed. 9 For this is the word of God's undertaking, At this time will I come, and Sarah will have a son. 10 And not only so, but Rebecca being about to have a child by our father Isaac— 11 Before the children had come into existence, or had done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose and his selection might be effected, not by works, but by him whose purpose it is, 12 It was said to her, The older will be the servant of the younger. 13 Even as it is said, I had love for Jacob, but for Esau I had hate.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 9:6-13
Commentary on Romans 9:6-13
(Read Romans 9:6-13)
The rejection of the Jews by the gospel dispensation, did not break God's promise to the patriarchs. The promises and threatenings shall be fulfilled. Grace does not run in the blood; nor are saving benefits always found with outward church privileges. Not only some of Abraham's seed were chosen, and others not, but God therein wrought according to the counsel of his own will. God foresaw both Esau and Jacob as born in sin, by nature children of wrath even as others. If left to themselves they would have continued in sin through life; but for wise and holy reasons, not made known to us, he purposed to change Jacob's heart, and to leave Esau to his perverseness. This instance of Esau and Jacob throws light upon the Divine conduct to the fallen race of man. The whole Scripture shows the difference between the professed Christian and the real believer. Outward privileges are bestowed on many who are not the children of God. There is, however, full encouragement to diligent use of the means of grace which God has appointed.