In Galatians 4, which covenant is the covenant of bondage and what does Ishmael picture?
The covenant of bondage is the Mosaic Law, the covenant from Mount Sinai, represented by Hagar. Ishmael pictures that law covenant, being born after the flesh rather than by promise. In contrast, Isaac pictures grace and the free woman, and believers are children of promise.
Les explains that Galatians 4 calls these things an allegory, a picture. The two covenants are set before us: the one from Mount Sinai genders to bondage, and that is Hagar. The covenant of bondage is the Law, the Mosaic Law, and Ishmael is the picture of it. Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children—the practicing of the Law while the Temple was still standing. By contrast, Jerusalem which is above is free, the heavenly situation of which believers are now citizens. Isaac pictures that free covenant, grace, and as Isaac was, believers are the children of promise.
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
More Questions
Why was the present Jerusalem in bondage in Galatians 4?
The 'Jerusalem which now is' in Paul's day was in bondage because the Temple was still running full speed ahead and the people were practicing the Law; Paul wrote before the Temple was destroyed.