Romans 9:6-12 (WEL) But it is not that the word of God has failed, for not all those from Israel [are] Israel. 7 Just because they are the offspring of Abraham [does it mean they are] all children, but “In Isaac will your offspring be called.” [Genesis 21:12] 8 That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as offspring. 9 For this [is] the word of promise, “At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” [Genesis 18:10-14] 10 Not only [this], but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac, 11 And although they were not yet born nor had done anything good or evil, but that God’s purpose according to [His] choice might stand firm, not by works but by him who calls, 12 It was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
V6 But it is not that the word of God has failed, for not all those from Israel [are] Israel.
Since Mosaic Law didn’t save all Israel, one might think it was a worthless failure. Seemingly, God made a mistake. Paul now addresses this objection.
Just because one is of Israel (a Jew), does not confer salvation. Salvation is only by believing God. This is what Abraham did before Mosaic Law and before circumcision. All the blessings, especially spiritual blessings, come through ethnic Israel.
V7 Just because they are the offspring of Abraham [does it mean they are] all children, but “In Isaac will your offspring be called.” [Genesis 21:12]
There is a selective process. There is no automatic salvation (a salvation that comes from a decree). Abraham had Ismael by Hagar (Genesis 16:15), and we read (1 Chronicles 1:32 NIV) – The sons born to Keturah, Abraham’s concubine: Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. The sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan.
Yet, Ismael was not the son of promise. Isaac was a promised child; Ismael was a natural child. See Genesis 17:18-21.
V8 That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as offspring.
There were 7 sons by natural means. Only 1 son was by promise. Sarai was too old to have a child. God did a miracle. See Genesis 17:20-21.
The Greek word for considered is (G3049) λογίζομαι logizomai, which means reckoned, etc. Here, it carries the idea of a census. Only Isaac is counted, considered, to be the heir. God is the determiner.
V9 For this [is] the word of promise, “At this time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.” [Genesis 18:10-14]
When God promise is unconditional, it will happen as the words plainly read.
Abraham believed; a son was born. This is a reasonable faith because Abraham had a number of encounters with God.
V10 Not only [this], but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac…
The same is true concerning Rebecca. See Genesis 25:21.
V11 …And although they were not yet born nor had done anything good or evil, but that God’s purpose according to [His] choice might stand firm, not by works but by Him who calls…
Before the children were born but after they had been conceived, God spoke this message to Rebecca. See Genesis 25:22-23. Both children had a sin nature, but had not done anything sinful. God, knowing all things, chose Jacob.
V12 …It was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
The elder is Esau and the younger is Jacob. The man Esau never served, as a servant, his brother Jacob. The nation of Esau (Edom) did serve—2 Samuel 8:13-14.
God’s choice was not based on actions but on His knowledge of their future. It was His knowledge of the future, not just a decree.
How and why does God choose?
God has standards, goals, and missions. He is a delegator, not a tyrant, as some theologies teach. The King of kings wants a particular action to happen and delegates/assigns it to someone. Moses was the choice for Israel’s human deliverer. Pharaoh was the choice for the tyrant. Both were chosen based on their character traits as well as past and current actions. God, knowing (prescience) the future, bases His choices on His standards, goals, and plans. Jacob was the man, and the nation to descend from him is the nation. Esau was not a man, nor Edom the nation.
We learn:
- God knows the future.
- God bases His choices on His knowledge, goals, plans, and standards.
Questions:
- What does God want you to do?
- Are you doing it?