Romans 9:13

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

1.       The context of this passage is concerning giving glory and honor to God, that God does as it pleases him, never considering anything except his own glory and honor.

2.       The context of this passage is concerning the nation of Jacob and Esau, not the individuals.

3.       Romans 9 – The purpose of this chapter is to glorify God in his choosing whom he will and hardening whom he will.  Romans 9:13 is a quote from Malachi 1:2,3.  This passage is speaking about the two nations, calling the names of the individuals in the matter.  Romans 9:6-8 states concerning the descendants of Abraham – Ishmael (the older) and Isaac (the younger).  God chose the younger.

4.       Hated – God doesn’t use the word “hate” like we do.  Luke 14:26 states, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”

5.       Malachi 1:2,3 – this passage is speaking about two nations, not two men.  God did not lay waste the heritage of Esau the man, but made him prosperous and protected him.  See:

1)      Genesis 33:9.

2)      Genesis 36:6-8.

3)      Deuteronomy 2:4-7 – God warns Israel against touching Esau and his descendants.  Edom will fall later, but not now.

4)      Remember the book of Malachi is written 400 years before Christ.  All these other references are right after Genesis.

6.       Genesis 27:39-40 – The blessing of Esau does not mention the land of Seir, but we find there are other passage that tell us Seir is the land given to Esau.

7.       Genesis 32:3-7 – Jacob sends to Seir to speak to Esau.  Jacob must have known Esau was living in Seir.

8.       Genesis 33:4 – Esau forgave Jacob for stealing the birthright.

9.       Genesis 33:9 – Esau told Jacob he had enough and didn’t need any of the gifts Jacob offered.

10.   Genesis 33:16 – Esau returned to Mt. Seir, therefore Esau had already moved out of Canaan, which land was promised to Jacob because of the birthright.

11.   Genesis 36:6-8 – Jacob and Esau separate as friends because their combined wealth was more than the land could bear.

12.   Numbers 24:15-19 – Balaam prophesies concerning the promises given to the nations created by Esau and Jacob. 

13.   Deuteronomy 2:4-7 – Seir is given to Esau, but God is working with Jacob as his people.  God commands Israel to not meddle with Esau, because God has given this land to them.  Israel is to buy what they need from Esau, not take it. Do not go to war with them.

14.   Deuteronomy 2:12, 22, 29 – Esau destroyed the Horims as Jacob destroyed the Canaanites.  Moses uses the Edomites as a good example for Israel.

15.   Joshua 24:4 – God gave Seir to Esau, but Jacob went into Eygpt.