6 And it is not possible that the word of God hath failed; for not all who 'are' of Israel are these 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, the children of the flesh—these 'are' not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed; 9 for the word of promise 'is' this; 'According to this time I will come, and there shall be to Sarah a son.' 10 And not only 'so', but also Rebecca, having conceived by one—Isaac our father— 11 (for they being not yet born, neither having done anything good or evil, that the purpose of God, according to choice, might remain; not of works, but of Him who is calling,) it was said to her— 12 'The greater shall serve the less;' 13 according as it hath been written, 'Jacob I did love, and Esau I did 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.