11. even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) –
12. it was said to her, “The older will serve the younger,”
13. just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
14. What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not!
15. For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
16. So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.
17. For the scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”
18. So then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he chooses to harden.
19. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who has ever resisted his will?”
20. But who indeed are you – a mere human being – to talk back to God? Does what is molded say to the molder, “Why have you made me like this?”