Why did God choose Jacob over Esau?

The choice of Jacob over Esau was made before either had done good or evil, as noted in Romans 9:11, to affirm that God's election is not based on human merit but solely on His sovereign grace. God’s decision serves the purpose of illustrating His freedom to act according to His will, demonstrating that human actions do not dictate divine election. This sovereignty and grace indicate that there is no inherent quality in Jacob that warranted God’s love; it was purely God's will to set Jacob apart for His purpose. This truth emphasizes that salvation is a gift from God, unearned and undeserved.