In Genesis 21:12, does 'thy seed' refer to Jesus or to the many descendants of Israel?
In Genesis 21:12 the phrase 'thy seed' is singular and refers to Christ, not to the multitude of Israel's descendants. The context contrasts the singular seed with the many offspring from the twelve tribes, and this passage is identified as speaking of the singular seed, which was Christ.
Les explains that Genesis 21:12 must be read by context. Ishmael is sent out at God's instruction, and God tells Abraham not to be grieved because of the lad or the bondwoman, adding, 'in Isaac shall thy seed be called.' Les points out that the Hebrew word for seed, Zerah, is like the English word sheep: it can be either singular or plural. So the text may speak of the many, the offspring of Israel and the tribes, or of the singular seed, Christ. Les says this is where it is singular; it is not speaking of the millions from the twelve tribes, but of the singular seed, which was Christ.
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
More Questions
How do you know if 'seed' in the Bible means one person or many?
Because the Hebrew word for seed can be singular or plural, you must watch the context to determine whether a passage speaks of the many (the offspring of Israel, the tribes, and multitudes) or the singular seed (Christ).
Is the "seed" promised to Abraham singular or plural, and who is it?
The promised "seed" in "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" is singular, not plural, and refers to the coming of the seed of the woman, who is Christ.
Does 'thy seed' in Genesis 21:12 mean Israel's many descendants or Christ?
In Genesis 21:12 the word 'seed' is singular — it refers to Christ, not to the millions of offspring from the twelve tribes.