Gal 4:22-23 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 22. For it is written ] Viz. in , &c., that Abraham had two sons , Ishmael and Isaac; the one ; Ishmael, by a bond maid , Hagar; the other , Isaac, by a free woman , Sarah.

‏ Galatians 4:22-23

Verse 22. For it is written] Viz. in Ge 16:15; 22:1, &c., that Abraham had two sons, Ishmael and Isaac; the one; Ishmael, by a bond maid, Hagar; the other, Isaac, by a free woman, Sarah.

Verse 23. Was born after the flesh] Ishmael was born according to the course of nature, his parents being both of a proper age, so that there was nothing uncommon or supernatural in his birth: this is the proper meaning of the apostle's κατασαρκα, after or according to the flesh, and answers to the Hebrew phrase, al derec basar, according to the manner of the flesh, i.e. naturally, according to the common process of nature.

By promise.] Both Abraham and Sarah had passed that age in which the procreation of children was possible on natural principles. The birth, therefore, of Isaac was supernatural; it was the effect of an especial promise of God; and it was only on the ground of that promise that it was either credible or possible.