It Starts Small

²¹ Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law? ²² For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman. ²³ But the one by the slave was born as a result of the flesh, while the one by the free woman was born through promise. ²⁴ These things are being taken figuratively, for the women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery—this is Hagar. ²⁵ Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. ²⁶ But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. ²⁷ For it is written,

Rejoice, childless woman,
unable to give birth.
Burst into song and shout,
you who are not in labor,
for the children of the desolate woman will be many,
more numerous than those
of the woman who has a husband.

Galatians 4:21-27

How does this passage ignite the essence of the overall theme in Galatians? In the previous chapters, we’ve seen God reveal the truth. Salvation based on works or adherence to rules is futile. Circumcision cannot redeem us, nor can attempting to meticulously follow the Old Testament law. Salvation is a magnificent gift, bestowed by grace through unwavering faith. Nothing else holds power. There is no other name under heaven—only the glorious name of Jesus—by which we can be saved!

Paul uses another powerful method here. He conveys to the Galatians that the law is utterly incapable of saving them. He passionately dives into the Old Testament. He unravels the profound lives of Sarah and Hagar. He uses their children as a compelling allegory to drive his message home. He reveals with conviction that God’s blessings extend solely from divine decree; you cannot manipulate God’s will. You can never grasp His promises through mere human effort!

Take the time to read Genesis 16 to gain a deeper understanding of the background of this passage.

 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear the law?

In this powerful letter, we witness a poignant struggle. The Galatians are drawn back into the clutches of the law. Deceptive teachers have boldly proclaimed that circumcision is not just a tradition but a vital requirement for salvation. Circumcision stands as the most visible mark of obedience to the law. However, it is crucial to recognize that they are being urged to embrace the entire weight of the law.

Paul passionately employed numerous arguments to reveal the sheer folly of their behavior. In this chapter, he presents a striking new perspective. “Do you not listen to the law?” he implores, invoking a powerful argument from the Old Testament. Through this, Paul illustrates that seeking God’s favor through mere human efforts has always been futile.

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave and the other by a free woman.

The slave woman refers to Hagar, while the free woman embodies Sarah, shining with a promise divine. God had assured that Abraham and Sarah would bring forth a son, the cherished child of promise. The covenant, a sacred thread, was destined to weave from Abraham to his heir, the beloved child of hope. Yet, time marched on relentlessly, and with Sarah’s years advancing, her womb lay barren, a silence that echoed their yearning. Despite their fervent hopes, the heavens remained still. In desperation, Abraham and Sarah, consumed by their longing, resolved to take matters into their own hands. Sarah offered her maid, Hagar, to Abraham, a daring act that would change their lives forever. And in that passionate union, Hagar conceived, bringing forth Ishmael, the first spark in a complex tapestry of destiny.

But God, in His infinite wisdom, chose not to bestow the covenant upon Ishmael. Though Abraham and Sarah faltered in their faith, succumbing to sin, the relentless mercy of God enveloped them. In a breathtaking turn of events, Sarah’s womb was once barren. It was miraculously filled with life. She joyfully gave birth to Isaac, the promised child!

Let us pause and contrast “born according to the flesh” and “the son…through the promise.”

This profound narrative encapsulates the heart-wrenching saga of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael. God, in His divine love, made an extraordinary promise to Abraham: he would become a father. Yet, as the years unfurled, hope began to wane, and the silence of the heavens grew deafening. Impatient and tormented by longing, Abraham and Sarah found themselves at a crossroads of desperation. In a moment of anguish, Abraham even thought about appointing one of his servants as his heir. He wanted to assist with the Almighty’s timing. However, he was met with God’s unwavering refusal.

So, in a moment of utter desperation, Abraham and Sarah completely overlooked the presence of God in their lives. Rather than leaning on divine guidance, they hastily concocted their own scheme to assist God in enacting His profound promise. This plan emerged from a place devoid of faith, as not a whisper of prayer escaped their lips. They certainly did not seek God’s counsel or discern His will. Sarah, driven by her own thoughts, proposed this rash idea, and Abraham, without hesitation, followed suit. As a consequence, their actions were rooted in earthly desires—a mere human notion rather than a divine revelation. It was a product of their own striving, their flawed wisdom, and their limited understanding.

Abraham and Sarah desperately wanted God’s favor and blessings. They tried to achieve it through their own flawed means and relied on the flesh. Yet, their efforts fell tragically short. God, in His infinite wisdom and grace, did not accept their misguided attempts; His blessings were withheld from their endeavors. Their pursuit was driven by human frailty. This starkly revealed an undeniable truth. One cannot earn God’s favor through mere works. It is a gift bestowed only by divine grace.

By contrast, Isaac was the radiant son of promise, a true miracle child destined for greatness! The very thought of Abraham and Sarah welcoming a child in their golden years was nothing short of astonishing. Both Abraham and Sarah couldn’t contain their laughter at the notion, yet the unwavering promise of God loomed above them. What God promises, He does not just intend; He brings to fruition! God orchestrated the plan with divine power. He weaved the threads of destiny until the moment was ripe. Though the fulfillment of His promise took time, it burst forth at the perfect instant, overflowing with purpose and significance!

We will passionately uncover how Paul brilliantly employs this powerful example to illuminate the profound truth about salvation. The story of Hagar powerfully represents humanity’s desperate yet futile attempts to win God’s favor through the law. We are unable to rise to God’s glorious standard in our own strength. Therefore, salvation will forever be out of reach. In breathtaking contrast, the miraculous birth of Isaac reveals the astonishing reality that salvation is a precious gift from God. It is not a reward for our efforts, nor can it be grasped through relentless toil or cunning plans. It is entirely unearned, a beautiful gift that speaks of grace. Grace is God’s magnificent act of showering us with favor we could never deserve, a divine kindness that transforms everything.

When the Galatians turned back to the law, they unknowingly followed Abraham and Sarah’s faltering path. Abraham and Sarah desperately tried to seize God’s promise through their own flawed efforts.

What do we learn from the Genesis 16 account?

Here are a few practical lessons:

• Place your unwavering trust in God’s promises!
• Have the patience to wait for God’s perfect timing.
• Never lean on your own understanding; it can lead you astray.
• Always seek God through prayer and counsel before making plans or decisions!
• Remember, both the means and the end matter greatly—reject any sneaky or sinful methods to achieve your desires. Commit to God’s way, even when it’s challenging.
• Stand firm and don’t let the culture around us dictate your path!
• Above all, remember that grace is a glorious gift that we cannot earn. It’s freely given; salvation is a priceless treasure from God. Live in gratitude and respond with love, but never fall into the trap of thinking you deserve it!

These things are being taken figuratively

Some versions use the word allegory instead of figuratively. An allegory is a profound form of literature. Its true meaning lies cloaked in shadows. It tantalizes our curiosity and beckons us to explore deeper truths. The very essence of its purpose becomes a captivating enigma. Many have ventured down the path of allegorical interpretation of the Bible. They proclaim that Judas’ tragic end signifies our urgent need to liberate ourselves from all shackles. Others argue that Jesus’ sacrifice mirrors the relentless struggles of today’s oppressed, crushed beneath the weight of tyrannical governance. Some assert passionately that the inn in the Parable of the Good Samaritan symbolizes the sacred sanctuary. They believe it represents the church itself. An allegory offers endless possibilities for interpretation. However, the core meaning remains a tantalizing mystery. It forever evades our grasp. We must tread carefully. Embracing an allegorical approach to biblical interpretation can lead us down a treacherous path. It gives rise to cults and heresies that distort the purest of messages.

Why does Paul offer an allegorical interpretation to the historical account of Abraham and Hagar?

Paul is not merely interpreting this passage; he is unveiling a deeper truth! He boldly declares that the meaning he is ascribing was not the original intent. This is exemplified powerfully in verse 24 when he proclaims, “These things are being taken figuratively.” With unwavering conviction, he informs his readers that he is wielding this story as a stirring parable. He invites them to explore its profound significance!

Paul, much like Jesus, passionately employs a powerful parable to convey his message. Here, he ingeniously weaves in actual historical figures as his allegorical characters. It’s crucial to grasp that the very heartbeat of this book lies in Paul’s fervent mission. He aims to persuade the Galatians that their salvation is anchored solely in faith. It is not in the tedious works of the law. With relentless zeal, he crafts compelling arguments, pulling every available thread to bolster his case. In this instance, Paul masterfully enlists characters familiar to the Galatians. He enriches his discourse and places his profound truths within a context. This approach resonates deeply with their understanding.

Be careful how you interpret the Bible.

Ignited by the Holy Spirit, Paul brilliantly weaves this historical account into a powerful parable to bolster his argument. However, this does not grant us a license to do the same. It’s all too easy for us to veer off course! We must hold fast to this crucial rule: one interpretation, many applications. When diving into a passage, resist the urge to begin with, “What does this mean to me?” Instead, passionately ask yourself, “What did this mean to the original audience?”

Two covenants

Paul draws a powerful comparison between Hagar and Mt. Sinai, illuminating the profound truth that she embodies the old covenant—as it was delivered from the heights of Mt. Sinai—in this riveting allegory. Hagar is a symbol of slavery. She represents all who bind themselves to the law in a desperate quest for salvation. These individuals are the true slaves of their own making. Hagar stands as a testament to humanity’s futile efforts to seize God’s promise through human means. In this new covenant era, those who choose to remain shackled by the law face a tragic pursuit. They futilely seek God’s favor. Both paths are destined for failure. Paul proclaims passionately that all who live under the burden of the law are indeed slaves.

Those bound by the old covenant are nothing but slaves! They are shackled to the burdensome rituals and suffocating rules of the law. They forever feel trapped in the despair of never being good enough to earn salvation. Their relentless struggle to adhere to the law is a fruitless endeavor, destined to end in failure. The heart-wrenching truth is that they need not remain in bondage any longer! Jesus came to break their chains and set them free, yet tragically, they overlooked this miraculous gift of liberation.

Two Jerusalems

Paul powerfully asserts in verse 25 that Hagar “corresponds to the present Jerusalem.” In this compelling context, Jerusalem symbolizes not just a city but the very essence of a nation. You often hear reporters equate the capital with the heart of the nation itself. Tragically, the Jewish nation as a whole turned its back on Christ, ensnared in a profound bondage. Even now, they remain shackled to the archaic sacrificial system. They desperately cling to the stringent rules of the Old Testament law.

The Jerusalem above is free

What is the Jerusalem above? It refers to God’s kingdom, namely heaven.

¹⁸ For you have not come to what could be touched, to a blazing fire, to darkness, gloom, and storm, 

²² Instead, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God (the heavenly Jerusalem), to myriads of angels, a festive gathering, 

Hebrews 12:18, 22

Heaven is an exquisite kingdom. It is a divine sanctuary for those liberated from the shackles of sin. Christ’s unwavering grace beautifully washes away their transgressions. The citizens of this glorious realm are truly free, experiencing a profound freedom that transcends earthly understanding. This freedom in Christ is not a license to indulge in sin. It is a radiant liberation from its grasp. It empowers us to embrace righteousness with fervor and joy.

---

Cross Reference:

• Genesis 16
• Isaiah 61:1
• John 8:36
• Isaiah 54:1 (Galatians 4:27 is quoted from here)
• Genesis 26:3
• Ephesians 1:3
• Genesis 21:8-9
• Hebrews 12:18, 22

Questions to Ponder

• Why does Paul ask this rhetorical question?
• What allegory does Paul use?
• What is an allegory? Are there are actually allegories in the Bible?
• Why does Paul use this allegory?
• In Paul’s allegory, what do Mt. Sinai, Hagar, Sarah, Jerusalem, and Isaac represent? Is that the meaning in the original text? Then why does Paul bring it in here?
• What does verse 26 mean that the Jerusalem above is free? What is the Jerusalem above?
• What is the meaning of verse 27?

---

© Kimberlee Smith 2025 http://www.itstartssmall.com All rights reserved.