6 Not however as though the word of God had failed; for not all [are] Israel which [are] of Israel; 7 nor because they are seed of Abraham [are] all children: but, In Isaac shall a seed be called to thee. 8 That is, [they that are] the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned as seed. 9 For this word [is] of promise, According to this time I will come, and there shall be a son to Sarah. 10 And not only [that], but Rebecca having conceived by one, Isaac our father, 11 [the children] indeed being not yet born, or having done anything good or worthless (that the purpose of God according to election might abide, not of works, but of him that calls), 12 it was said to her, The greater shall serve the less: 13 according as it is written, I have loved Jacob, and I have hated Esau.
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.