Romans 9:6-13
“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[f]descendants shall 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 will have a son.” 10 And not only that, but there was also Rebekah, when she had conceived 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 have loved, but Esau I have hated.”
Not all Israel who are descended from Israel: Paul is explaining that there is a dichotomy between geographical Israel and spiritual Israel. Whereas in the Old Testament the assumption was that Israel’s identity was largely geographical, Paul rejects such a concept stating that only those who have faith in God are true Israelites. This is paving the way for Paul’s ultimate conclusion in Romans 9: Gentiles are now spiritual Israelites because of their faith in Jesus (Romans 9:30).
Isaac: Jews thought Abraham was their father. Naturally, they concluded that they were ultimately God’s people because of this genealogy. But the promise was not ultimately through Abraham but through Isaac. Isaac is the focus of the promise. This means that the promise is not simply given to fleshly descendants but to those who have faith in the promise that Isaac represents.
Descendants: The Gospel has gone beyond borders of Israel, which is problematic for the Jews. Throughout the Old Testament, the Jews were told to be weary of Gentiles. But now, the Gentiles have been included through faith (Romans 9:30).
God’s purpose: Paul is speaking of God’s ability and purpose to choose the Gentiles for salvation. That’s the point of Jacob and Esau. God can choose whatever people group He wants for salvation. He’s the Lord and the ultimate authority on who can be saved.
