What does Paul teach with Isaac and Ishmael in Galatians 4?
Paul uses Isaac and Ishmael as an allegory contrasting law and grace. Ishmael, son of bondwoman Hagar, represents flesh, law, and legalism, while Isaac, son of the free woman, represents spiritual seed, promise, grace, and freedom. Scripture commands casting out bondwoman and her son, for son of bondwoman shall not be heir with son of free woman.
Les teaches that Galatians was written specifically to the churches of Galatia because Judaizers were trying to put Gentile believers under law, proving they were not under law but under grace. In Galatians 4, Paul uses the analogy of Isaac and Ishmael. Ishmael was of the flesh, earthly, not of the spiritual seed, and not of the promises as Isaac was. Coming to Galatians 4:30, Scripture says to cast out the bondwoman and her son—Hagar and Ishmael—who stood for the law and for that which is of the flesh. The son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. Ishmael and Isaac could have no consort or interrelationship, because Ishmael stood for law and legalism, while Isaac stood for grace and freedom.
More Questions
What does Ishmael represent in Scripture?
Ishmael is always the picture of the energy of the flesh, even when Paul uses him as an allegory in Galatians chapter 4.