Galatians 4:21-31 – An Allegory of Sarah and Hagar
Summary
Those who belong to Christ are children of Abraham through the promise, while those who insist on circumcision are still enslaved under the law.
....
In doing so he blends scriptural and traditional narrative detail about the two sons of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael (see Genesis 16-17, 21), with symbolic theological reflection related to the distinction of flesh and Spirit that runs through Galatians. Accordingly, Ishmael, as the son of the slave woman, is born "according to the flesh," while Isaac, the son of the free woman, is born "through the promise" (4:23).
Interpreting this story as an allegory, and picking up the argument of Galatians 3:15-17 with its reference to "will" or "covenant," Paul says that these two mothers and their sons symbolize two covenants, one corresponding to Sinai, the law, and slavery; the other corresponding to the heavenly Jerusalem, the promise, and freedom.
....
25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia* and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, ....
Bookmarks