Romans 9:10-19

God's Sovereign Choice

10 And not only so, but s also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 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 t him who calls - 12 she was told, u "The older will serve the younger." 13 As it is written, v "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

14 What shall we say then? w Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, x "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, 1 but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, y "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For z who can resist his will?"

  1. Cross References
    Genesis 25:21
    And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  2. Cross References
    Romans 4:17
    As it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" - in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  3. Cross References
    Genesis 25:23
    And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.
  4. Cross References
    Genesis 25:23
    And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.
  5. Cross References
    Malachi 1:2 - 3
    I have loved you," says the Lord. But you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob
  6. Cross References
    Malachi 1:2 - 3
    I have loved you," says the Lord. But you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob
  7. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:4
    The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
    2 Chronicles 19:7
    Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.
    Job 8:3
    Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
    Job 34:10
    Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.
    Psalms 92:15
    To declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
  8. Cross References
    Exodus 33:19
    And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
  9. Cross References
    Exodus 33:19
    And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
  10. Cross References
    Exodus 9:16
    But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
  11. Cross References
    Exodus 9:16
    But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
  12. Cross References
    2 Chronicles 20:6
    And said, "O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
    Job 9:12
    Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?
    Daniel 4:35
    All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.