[6] It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. [7] Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” [8] In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. [9] For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.” [10] Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. [11] Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: [12] not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” [13] Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
