Romans 9:14

What shall we say then? This introduces the first of two possible objections that a Jew might raise to Paul’s argument. The second is in verse 19. The selection of Israel and the rejection of Ishmael and Esau were examples of God’s choices that a Jew would heartily approve. But Paul has argued that these examples involve a principle that would justify the exclusion of the unbelieving nation of the Jews. To such a conclusion he expects that objection will at once be made.

Is there unrighteousness? The Greek construction implies a negative answer. Paul answers this by appealing to an authority that could not be questioned by a Jew. God cannot be charged with being unjust, for in the OT Scriptures God expressly claims for Himself the freedom to deal with men according to His own divine purposes.

God forbid. See on chapter 3:4.