Why did God choose Jacob over Esau? In Genesis 25, before twin brothers are even born, God declares that "the older shall serve the younger." Dr. Toby Holt explores one of the Bible's clearest teachings on God's electing choice. As Isaac's line continues, Rebekah gives birth to Esau and Jacob, and God announces His choice of Jacob before either has done good or bad. Quoted by Paul in Romans 9, this is a foundation for predestination: God's choice rests on His grace, not our merit. Esau then sells his birthright for a bowl of stew.

Questions this study answers:

1. Why does God call Himself "the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob"? To highlight His own faithfulness, not theirs. He worked through three flawed men by grace.

2. What does Genesis 25 teach about predestination? That God chose Jacob before the twins were born or had done anything — His choice rested on grace, not merit. Paul cites this in Romans 9.

3. What did Esau's choice reveal? That he despised his birthright, trading God's blessing for a single meal. He valued the immediate over the eternal.

"Two nations are in your womb… and the older shall serve the younger." — Genesis 25:23 (NKJV)

Dr. Toby Holt is President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio. Find more verse-by-verse Bible teaching at newgeneva.org; support this ministry at newgeneva.org/give.