F. B. Hole

Thus far as to Isaac; but now turning to Jacob we find the apostle in Romans 9 pointing out the peculiar features of his case. Both he and Esau were children of one mother, and produced at one birth, for they were twins; Esau having first place by a few moments, according to nature. Again, however, God set aside the first, and selected the second, saying, "The elder shall serve the younger" (verse 12). The inspired comment on this in the preceding verse runs: "For the children not being yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of Him that calls," — showing us thus that God chooses because of what HE IS IN HIMSELF, and not because of what men may be as expressed in their works.