Romans 9:11-16

11Before the children had been born or had done anything good or bad, Rebekah was told that the older child would serve the younger one. This was said to Rebekah so that God’s plan would remain a matter of his choice,

12a choice based on God’s call and not on anything people do.

13The Scriptures say, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.”

14What can we say—that God is unfair? That’s unthinkable!

15For example, God said to Moses, “I will be kind to anyone I want to. I will be merciful to anyone I want to.”

16Therefore, God’s choice does not depend on a person’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.