What do the bondwoman and her son picture in Galatians 4:30?
In Galatians 4:30, the bondwoman and her son picture the Law and legalism. They represent the works-based system that must be cast out, contrasting with Isaac, the child of promise. Scripture uses Hagar and Ishmael to illustrate the conflict between flesh and Spirit, persecution and promise.
Les explains that in Galatians 4:30 the bondwoman and her son picture the Law and legalism. He ties this to the historical conflict: Ishmael, born after the flesh, persecuted Isaac, born after the Spirit, and that same conflict continues between the believing element and unbelievers. Because Isaac represents the children of promise, the bondwoman's line represents the law system that must be cast out. Les also recalls Genesis, where Hagar taunted Sarah and was sent away, though God later intervened and sent her back.
Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
More Questions
Why can't the son of the bondwoman be heir with the son of the free woman in Galatians 4:30?
The son of the bondwoman, Ishmael, who represents the law and legalism, could have no interrelationship or consort with Isaac, who represents grace and freedom, so the bondwoman's son cannot be heir with the free woman's son.