Romans 9:11

for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

'being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad' -'Nor is the Jew able to claim that Esau was rejected because of his profanity in selling his birthright for the choice was made by God before the children were even born.' (McGuiggan p. 290)

Point to Note: Some people start thinking 'predestination' when they read this section and what follows. Paul's point isn't to teach that God predestinates people to heaven or hell. But rather: The receiving of God's promises, even in the past, WAS NEVER SOLELY BASED ON PHYSICAL TIES.. true physical descendent of Abraham was excluded from the 'promised line' (i.e. Esau). But this doesn't mean that Esau (or Ishmael) couldn't please God. (God also excluded Melchizedek from the promised 'line',(i.e. God chose the descendants of Abraham to be His people rather than the offspring of Melchizedek) and yet Melchizedek still found favor with God).

Paul is 'cutting out ground' from underneath those that thought. relationship with God (inheriting the promises) was somehow based on physical descent or merit. 'The factors being discussed (descent/merit) were the very things the Jew kept claiming as the ground of his special relationship with God. He has learned that "flesh of Abraham" is. lame argument.' (McGuiggan p. 290)

'according to election might stand' -'in order to carry out God's purpose of selection, which depends not on what men do (merit) but on his calling them' (Gspd)

'stand' -abide, continue, remain unchanged. The unchangeableness of purpose was conveyed in His declaration to Rebecca, 'The older shall serve the younger' (Romans 9:12)

'not of works' -clearly, from what we know about Jacob, Jacob didn't "merit/deserve" his being selected by God.

In all of this remember: Receiving the promises of God has never been based solely on physical descent or 'merit'. But that doesn't mean that all of God's promises are unconditional. Receiving the promised salvation is: (Romans 1:16; Romans 9:30; Romans 9:32; Romans 10:4; Romans 10:9; Mark 16:16)