6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed . For they are not all Israel who are descended from Israel ; 7 nor are they all children because they are Abraham's descendants , but: " THROUGH ISAAC YOUR DESCENDANTS WILL BE NAMED ." 8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God , but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants . 9 For this is the word of promise : " AT THIS TIME I WILL COME , AND SARAH SHALL HAVE A SON ." 10 And not only this, but there was Rebekah also , when she had conceived e twins by one man , our father Isaac ; 11 for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad , so that God's purpose according to His choice would stand , not because of works but because of Him who calls , 12 it was said to her, " THE OLDER WILL SERVE THE YOUNGER ." 13 Just as it is written , " JACOB I LOVED , BUT ESAU I HATED ."
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.