From the standpoint of the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but from the standpoint of God’s choice they are beloved for the sake of the fathers;

for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,

He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will,

General references

Yet You have rejected us and brought us to dishonor,
And do not go out with our armies.

Yet gleanings will be left in it like the shaking of an olive tree,
Two or three olives on the topmost bough,
Four or five on the branches of a fruitful tree,
Declares the Lord, the God of Israel.

Thus says the Lord,
“As the new wine is found in the cluster,
And one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for there is benefit in it,’
So I will act on behalf of My servants
In order not to destroy all of them.

For the Lord will not reject forever,

“However, I will leave a remnant, for you will have those who escaped the sword among the nations when you are scattered among the countries.

Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.