13. As it is written. The quotation is from Mal. 1:2, 3.
Jacob have I loved. This verse does not explain the reason for God’s choice of Jacob and His rejection of Esau. Rather, it describes the history of the two sons and of the two peoples descended from them, Israel and Edom. That the descendants as well as the ancestors are included is quite apparent from the context of Mal. 1:2, 3.
Esau have I hated. This strong expression does not imply positive hatred, as the term is used today, but that God had preferred Jacob above Esau in His choice of the progenitor of the chosen race (see on 10, 11). It seems to have been common in Biblical times to use the term “hate” in this sense. Thus Jacob’s preference for Rachel is compared with his “hatred” for Leah (Gen. 29:30, 31). Similarly Jesus speaks about “hating” one’s father and mother (Luke 14:26) and “hating” one’s life (John 12:25). Compare Matt. 6:24; see on Mal. 1:3.
By referring to the history of the patriarchs Paul shows that God’s choice of spiritual Israel (see on Matt. 21:33-43), in view of the failure of the Jews to fulfill the divine purpose, is fully consistent with His past dealings. God is not being untrue to any. In calling upon the Christian church to accomplish His purposes for the world, God is following the same principle He originally employed when He selected the Israelites and rejected the Edomites and the Ishmaelites. Now Paul proceeds to prove that neither does the present rejection imply that God is unjust.