Romans 9:10 – “Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul continues his teaching that God’s promises and plans are not based on human ancestry or effort, but on His sovereign choice. He moves from the example of Abraham and Sarah (Romans 9:9) to the next generation—Isaac and Rebekah’s twin sons, Jacob and Esau.

Paul points out that Jacob and Esau were conceived at the same time—meaning they were twins, with the same father and mother. Yet, as the following verses explain, God chose Jacob over Esau before they were even born (Romans 9:11-13). This reinforces Paul’s argument that being part of God’s people is not based on family lineage alone.

This verse introduces the idea that even within the same family, God’s calling is based on His purpose, not on human expectations or traditions. Isaac was chosen over Ishmael, and now, Jacob was chosen over Esau—not because of anything they had done, but because of God’s plan.

Historical Context

Paul refers to the well-known story of Jacob and Esau, found in Genesis 25. Isaac, the son of Abraham, married Rebekah, but like his mother Sarah, Rebekah was unable to have children (Genesis 25:21). After Isaac prayed, God answered by allowing her to conceive twins.

Even before they were born, the two boys struggled within Rebekah’s womb, and God told her:

“Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23)

This was unusual because, in ancient culture, the oldest son was always given priority—he received the birthright and family blessing. But here, God reversed the natural order and chose the younger son, Jacob, instead of the older son, Esau.

Paul uses this story to show that God’s choice is not based on human customs, personal achievements, or physical birth—it is based on His sovereign plan.

Theological Implications

1. God’s choice is not based on human effort or merit – Jacob and Esau were born at the same time, from the same parents, yet God chose one over the other before they had done anything good or bad (Romans 9:11). This shows that God’s calling is based on His purpose, not human works.
2. Being born into the right family does not guarantee belonging to God’s people – Both Esau and Jacob were sons of Isaac, but only Jacob was chosen as the one through whom God’s promises would continue. This reinforces the idea that true belonging to God is based on faith and His calling, not ancestry.
3. God’s plan is often different from human expectations – In the ancient world, the firstborn was expected to be the leader of the family, but God reversed the roles. This teaches that God does not follow human traditions—He works according to His will and wisdom.

Literary Analysis

This verse is a transition between the example of Abraham’s sons (Ishmael and Isaac) and the example of Isaac’s sons (Esau and Jacob). Paul is reinforcing his point:

• With Abraham’s sons, only Isaac was chosen, even though Ishmael was also his biological son.
• With Isaac’s sons, only Jacob was chosen, even though Esau was also his biological son and the older of the two.

Paul’s use of “Not only that” signals that he is strengthening his argument—he is building evidence that God’s promises are based on His sovereign decision, not human inheritance.

The phrase “conceived at the same time” (or “by one act of fatherhood”) highlights the fact that Jacob and Esau had the exact same starting point—there was no human reason to favor one over the other. But God still made a choice, proving that His purposes go beyond human expectations.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 25:21-23 – The story of Jacob and Esau’s conception and God’s declaration that the older would serve the younger.
• Genesis 27:1-40 – The account of how Jacob received the blessing instead of Esau.
• Malachi 1:2-3 – God’s statement: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,” which Paul later quotes in Romans 9:13.
• Hebrews 12:16-17 – Esau is described as one who despised his birthright, showing that spiritual inheritance is more important than physical inheritance.
• Ephesians 1:4-5 – God’s plan of salvation is based on His calling, not human effort.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a reminder that God’s plans do not depend on human status, achievements, or background. Just as Jacob and Esau started from the same place, yet God had a specific plan for each, so too, God’s calling is not based on worldly success or family history.

For Christians, this means:

• You don’t have to come from a “Christian family” to be chosen by God.
• Your salvation is not based on your good works but on God’s grace.
• God’s plans for your life may not follow human traditions or expectations.

This verse also challenges pride. Some people believe they deserve God’s favor because of their background, but this verse shows that God’s grace is never something we earn—it is something He gives according to His purpose.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some may wonder: If God chooses some and not others, is He unfair? But this verse actually highlights God’s love and faithfulness in several ways:

1. God’s choices are based on His wisdom, not human status – He does not pick people based on worldly power, wealth, or strength. Instead, He chooses according to His love and purpose.
2. God is faithful to His promises – God told Rebekah that the older would serve the younger, and He fulfilled His word exactly as He said.
3. God’s love is not limited by human expectations – He chose Jacob even though he was the younger, proving that His grace reaches beyond human traditions.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse ultimately points to Jesus, because Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises. Just as Jacob was chosen over Esau, Jesus was the ultimate chosen servant of God who would bring salvation to the world.

• Jesus is the true heir of God’s promises – While Jacob received the blessing, Jesus is the greater heir through whom all nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16).
• Jesus, like Jacob, was not the expected choice – The religious leaders of His time expected a powerful king, but Jesus came as a humble servant (Philippians 2:5-8).
• Jesus brings spiritual inheritance to those who believe – Just as Jacob inherited the promise, believers in Christ inherit eternal life through faith (Ephesians 1:11).

This verse reminds us that God’s plan of salvation is not based on human expectations but on His sovereign grace—and Jesus is the ultimate proof of that.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about how God chooses people for His purposes?
2. How does the story of Jacob and Esau challenge our expectations about who “deserves” God’s blessing?
3. What does this verse say about relying on human effort versus trusting in God’s promise?
4. How does understanding God’s sovereignty help us trust Him more in our daily lives?
5. How does this verse ultimately point to Jesus and the way God brings salvation?