Matthew Poole and continuators on Romans 9:13

13. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated .

The foregoing Oracle is expounded by another taken out of Malachi. 1.2, 3. see the Annot. there. Because the foregoing passage of Esau his serving Iacob, doth not seem so full and clear, to betoken the Election of Iacob, and the Rejection of Esau in the purpose of God; therefore the Apostle brings this place to Explain the former; and proves that the service or subjection of Esau to Iacob, was accompanied with Gods Eternal and undeserved Love of the one, and his Iust and Righteous hatred of the other. There are some, that by Esau and Iacob, do understand their Posterity, and not their Persons; that say, the Love and Hatred of God, in the forecited Text, doth only or chiefly respect Temporal things; God loved Iacob, i. e. He gave him the Land of Promise; but hated Esau, i. e. He gave him a Dry and Barren Country, and made his Mountain wast; That by Gods hating Esau, is only meant he Loved him less than Iacob, &c. Such should consider, That the scope of the Apostle is, to shew, That some are the Children of God, and of the Promise, and not others; and they must not make him Cite Testimonys out of the Old Testament impertinently. Much is Written pro and con upon this Argument. But I remember, he that writes a Commentary, must not too far involve himself in Controversy.