The story of Jacob and Esau is found in the book of Genesis chapters 25-36. It involves twin brothers born to Isaac and Rebekah, who were the son and daughter-in-law of Abraham. Even before the twins were born, God told Rebekah that “the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). This came to pass as Jacob, the younger twin, received the blessing and birthright that customarily went to the firstborn, which was Esau. The Bible says that God “loved Jacob but hated Esau” (Malachi 1:2-3; Romans 9:13). Why did God choose Jacob over Esau even before they were born? A close examination of Scripture provides some insights.
First, it’s important to understand that God’s “hatred” for Esau does not mean that God felt personal animosity toward Esau. Rather, in this context, “hate” means loving someone less. In the ancient Near East, covenants were a common cultural framework for relationships, including God’s relationship with His people. God chose to establish His covenant with Jacob rather than Esau, meaning Jacob received God’s blessing and promises while Esau did not. So God’s “hatred” refers to His decision to give covenant status to Jacob rather than Esau.
With that background, we can look at several reasons why God may have favored Jacob over Esau when it came to choosing whom to bestow the covenant blessing upon:
1. God’s sovereign choice
The apostle Paul discusses God’s election of Jacob over Esau in Romans 9. He concludes that God has the right to choose whomever He wants to accomplish His purposes, just as the potter has the right over the clay. As Creator, God is under no obligation to treat everyone equally. So part of the reason is simply God’s sovereign choice: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy” (Romans 9:15). God chose Jacob to receive the covenant promises rather than Esau, to fulfill His eternal plan.
2. Birthright and blessing
As the firstborn son, Esau was entitled to receive a double portion inheritance and be the head of the family after Isaac. However, one day when Esau was starving, he sold his birthright to Jacob for a bowl of lentil stew (Genesis 25:29-34). While Esau was within his rights to sell his birthright, the Bible condemns him for treating it carelessly by selling it for a single meal. In contrast, Jacob valued the birthright and was willing to pay for it. So Jacob’s love for the birthright may have influenced God’s choice.
Later, Jacob tricked his father Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing. Isaac intended to give the blessing to Esau, but Jacob disguised himself as Esau to receive the blessing instead (Genesis 27). While Jacob’s deception was wrong, the blessing still stood. Esau wept when he learned that Jacob had taken the blessing, but by then it was too late. God allowed Jacob’s deception because He favored Jacob over Esau as the one to carry Abraham’s lineage.
3. Godly versus worldly
Esau and Jacob’s personalities and lifestyles differed greatly. Genesis 25:27 notes that Esau was “a skillful hunter, a man of the field” while Jacob was “a quiet man, dwelling in tents.” Hunting and going out into the field reflects a secular, worldly nature, while staying at home in tents indicates a more spiritual nature.
Hebrews 12:16 characterizes Esau as “godless” and immoral for selling his birthright. Esau also made his parents unhappy by marrying two Hittite women, who worshipped false gods (Genesis 26:34-35). In contrast, Jacob valued his relationship with God and the promises made to Abraham’s family. Though far from perfect, Jacob appeared to hunger for God more than Esau did. God choosing Jacob over Esau may reflect Jacob’s stronger spiritual desires.
4. God’s foreknowledge
As an all-knowing God, He can see the future and knows the destiny of individuals. God told Rebekah before the twins were born that “the older will serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). God may have looked ahead and seen who Esau and Jacob would become as adults, and realized that Jacob would better carry the covenant. Jacob became the father of the 12 tribes of Israel, while Esau’s descendants, the Edomites, often warred against Israel.
Romans 9:11 notes that before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, God chose Jacob “in order that God’s purpose in election might stand.” This implies God knew in advance who would best further His plans. His foreknowledge enabled Him to choose Jacob even before his birth.
5. A demonstration of grace
Jacob was far from perfect. He deceived members of his own family multiple times. Yet God still chose to use him over Esau. This shows that God’s selection is not based on human merit, but on His gracious and sovereign choice. God told Rebekah, “The older will serve the younger,” even though customarily the younger would serve the older. Choosing Jacob over Esau demonstrates that God distributes His blessings according to grace, not works.
Romans 9:15 reminds us, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy.” God is not obligated to treat everyone the same. The example of Jacob and Esau reveals that God chooses to bestow His mercy and grace upon whomever He wishes. His selection of Jacob highlights His freedom and sovereignty to dispense mercy.
6. Illustrating election
From a New Testament perspective, the Genesis account provides an illustration of God’s election and predestination. God chose which brother He wanted to serve as heir before they were born. Paul uses Jacob and Esau to illustrate the principle that God has the right to choose some individuals over others. Just as He was not obligated to select Esau, the firstborn, for the covenant blessing, so God is not obligated to choose everyone for salvation (Romans 9:6-18). Jacob and Esau provide an archetype for God’s election in the New Testament.
However, Paul is careful to clarify that election does not mean God actively predestines some to damnation (Romans 9:19-23). He predestines those He calls to salvation, but He does not directly destine anyone to judgment. Still, Jacob’s election provides the pattern for understanding election in salvation.
7. To display His power
God commanded Jacob rather than Esau “in order that God’s purpose according to His choice might stand, not from works but from Him who calls” (Romans 9:11). If God had chosen the expected firstborn, Esau, it may have appeared to be based on the customary order of blessings under the Law. But by choosing the younger Jacob, it becomes obvious that election stems from God’s divine prerogative rather than human customs or merits. God picked Jacob to make it clear that election is according to grace, to display His power and freedom to choose whomever He wants.
Paul writes that God endured those destined for destruction, like Pharaoh, with much patience “in order to make known the riches of His glory upon vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory” (Romans 9:23). Jacob illustrates a “vessel of mercy” prepared by God beforehand to receive grace.
The election of Jacob rather than Esau reveals God’s glory, sovereignty and power in carrying out His plans. Rather than following expected norms, God intervenes to accomplish His purposes through whomever He wishes.
8. Typology of Christ
Beyond illustrating election, Jacob also serves as a type of Christ. Jesus is the fulfilment of all the covenant promises given to Abraham and passed down to Isaac and then Jacob. The blessings and inheritance which Jacob received point forward to the eternal spiritual inheritance believers have in Christ (Ephesians 1:11). Jacob prefigures Christ, the ultimate promised Seed who brought salvation.
God’s choice of Jacob set events in motion that led to the birth of the 12 patriarchs who founded the 12 tribes of Israel. Out of Israel came Jesus, the Messiah. In the big picture, choosing Jacob furthered God’s redemptive plan to one day send the Savior into the world. Jacob was part of the messianic lineage leading to Christ.
So in typology, Jacob receiving the promises and inheritance foreshadows believers in Christ receiving eternal salvation and an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:3-5). The choice of Jacob advanced God’s eternal plan to redeem humanity through His Son Jesus Christ.
9. To encourage holiness
Malachi 1:2-3 is where the statement “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated” originates. However, the context is God rebuking the priests for despising God’s name through defective offerings (Malachi 1:6-8). God’s declaration of love for Jacob rather than Esau served as a wake-up call to obedience. If God chose to bless Jacob rather than Esau, the Israelites needed to live righteously to avoid losing their privileged status. Reflecting on Jacob’s election was meant to motivate holiness.
Similarly, the example of Jacob and Esau reminds Christians that election is not an excuse for license or laziness. Since believers in Christ are His chosen, adopted children (Ephesians 1:5), they should live accordingly to please their Heavenly Father. The doctrine of election should produce gratitude and sanctification, not apathy (Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1:4).
10. Completed in Christ
While Jacob provides a pattern of election, his life also demonstrates that God’s sovereign choice does not mean the elect will live perfectly. Jacob often relied on deception and his own wits rather than trusting God wholeheartedly. But despite Jacob’s flaws, God still used him and was faithful to fulfill His promises.
Likewise, no one perfectly lives up to God’s calling in Christ, but His election still stands (2 Timothy 2:13). Salvation is secure based on God’s grace, not human performance. While good works are the outcome, election rests on God’s propitious choice in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10). The example of God’s irrevocable favor and patience towards Jacob, despite his shortcomings, encourages believers in their assurance of salvation today.
Jacob was far from a perfect man, yet God chose him and upheld the covenant promises to him. This displays that election is by grace, not personal merit. His example serves to magnify God’s gracious mercy and His faithfulness to keep His promises to His chosen ones. Ultimately, Jacob points to Christ, in whom election is finally fulfilled and completed perfectly.
