As Ishmael was not accounted as the heir, although a literal fleshly son of Abraham, so also the unbelieving Jews are also not accounted as heirs, but like Ishmael are thrown out (are accounted as being children of Hagar and hence Ishmaelites), whereas all believers (Gentiles included) are considered to be heirs of Abraham, like Isaac, and as children of Sarah and hence true Israelites, as in Paul’s explanation of the allegory in Galatians 4:21-31.

Gal 4:21-31 “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? {22} For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. {23} But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. {24} Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. {25} For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. {26} But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. {27} For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. {28} Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. {29} But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. {30} Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. {31} So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.”

Commentary by rey
Posted on: 10/5/2008 19:48 pm