423 – The Two Sons of Abraham

SEMESTER 2

423 – The Two Sons of Abraham

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE:  BIBLE SURVEY II LESSON # 23
THE TWO SONS OF ABRAHAM

Read Gen. 17:15-22 and Gal. 4:22-31

INTRODUCTION:

1. Surely you are aware that Abraham had at least eight sons. (Gen. 25:1-6)
2. In reality the importance of Ishmael’s birth over the others has its ground in its relationship to Isaac.
3. Gal. 4 teaches us that the birth and relationship of these 2 sons was an allegory; i.e., physical events with a spiritual meaning.
4. The birth and standing of these 2 sons of Abraham have not only historic importance, but very great doctrinal significance.

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF ABRAHAM HAVING A SON

1. God promised that “all families of the earth” would be blessed in him. (Gen. 12:1-3, Gen. 13:15)
2. Since Abraham knew he would die, he realized this promise had to be in his posterity.
3. Thus, without a son neither God’s promise, nor Abraham’s purpose in his different life could be fulfilled. (Gen. 15:18)

II. THE LOGIC OF BEGETTING ISHMAEL

1. Abraham was 85 years old when Sarah gave him Hagar for a second wife (concubine). (Gen. 16:3, Gen. 25:5-6,)
2. This means that he had been waiting for a son.

i. Ten years after leaving his land and coming to Canaan.
ii. He had probably been married and waiting for a son many years before that. Note the age of generation. (Gen. 11:10-26)

3. The practice of polygyny and concubines was very common in his day. Note Sarah’s consent. (Gen. 16:3)
4. Realize also that at this point in Abraham’s life, God had not revealed the particular means of his progeny, nor the woman by whom he would have children.
5. Understand then that Abraham’s view of Ishmael was a treasured son, and the fulfillment of God’s promise. (Gen. 17:18, Gen. 21:9-11)

III. THE MIRACLE OF BEGETTING ISAAC

1. The human possibility of Isaac was virtually nil.

i. Because of Sarah’s barrenness up until now.
ii. Because she was now past the change of life. (Gen. 18:11)
iii. Abraham was also old, 99, and in his own opinion beyond reproduction age (Gen. 17:17), though this was apparently inaccurate. (Gen. 25:1-4)

2. So when God promised Isaac, the promise was logically unbe­lievable.
3. And when He gave Sarah conception by Abraham and delivery of Isaac, it was nothing less than a miracle.

IV. THE DETAILED NATURE OF GOD’S PURPOSE

1. God not only purposes final results, Abraham’s seed, He purposes the very means of those results.
2. He planned a particular son, Isaac, through a particular wife, Sarah.
3. We will always profit to see not only what God wants, but how He wants us to do it.

V. INHERENT CONFLICT BETWEEN THE TWO SONS

1. Not only did Ishmael’s mother want Sarah’s place. (Gen. 16:4)
2. Ishmael wanted Isaac’s place. (Gen. 21:9)

VI. SPIRITUAL APPLICATION OF THIS (GAL. 4:19-31)

1. This historic event illustrates the contrast of law to grace. (Gal. 4:24-26)
2. Hagar and her son illustrate the covenant of law given on Mt. Sinai.
3. Sarah and her son illustrate the promise of God which:

i. Precedes the covenant of law purpose wise.
ii. Supersedes the law as to fulfillment.

4. Thus, the true children of Abraham are not of law, but promise, and their relationship to God is not of works, but faith.