Matthew Poole and continuators on Genesis 25:23

23 And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels: and the one people shall be stronger then the other people: and the elder shall serve the younger.

Either by inward inspiration, in a dream or vision; or by the ministery of an Angel or Prophet.

(i. e.) The Roots, Heads, or Parents of two distinct nations, one opposite to the other, the one blessed, the other accursed, namely the Israelites and Edomites.

Not onely separated from thee, but one separated or greatly differing from the other in their frame of body, temper of mind, course of life, profession and practise of Religion.

Or, the greater, namely Esau, who was, as older, so of a stronger constitution of Body, and of greater power and dignity in the World than Iacob, and Esaus posterity were great Princes for a long time, when Iacobs seed were strangers in Canaan, slaves in Egypt, and poor afflicted wanderers in the Wilderness. But saith he, Esau and his shall not always be stronger and mightier than Iacob and his posterity, the tables shall be turned, and the Children of Israel shall be uppermost and subdue the Edomites, which was literally accomplished in Davids time, 2 Sam. 8. 14. and afterwards 2 Chron. 25. 11, 12. and after that by the Maccabees, but much more eminently in a spiritual sense under the Gospel, when one of Iacobs Children, even Jesus Christ, shall obtain the dominion, and shall rule the Edomites no less then other Heathen nations with his iron rod, and make them serviceable one way or other to his Glory, and to the felicity of his true Israel.

Marginal references: Rom. 9. 12.