For this is what the promise said: "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son." And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— she was told, "The older will serve the younger." As it is written, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
"[We] should recognize that the passage is dealing with individuals and not merely the nation as a whole (or the church as a whole). Paul is concerned with the election of individuals to salvation. This is made clear in verse 6 which speaks of the distinction within Israel (a distinction which is based upon election as subsequent verses will profess), as well as the use of the singular in verse 16. In addition, the use of specific individuals throughout the passage, including Jacob, Esau, Abraham, Isaac, and Pharaoh, points decisively in favor of this interpretation." -Geoff Ashley (What is Unconditional Election?)
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