Why was Issac refereed to as Abraham's 'only' son in genesis 22?
Abraham had another son named Ishmael by Hagar, a slave girl. When Abraham proved to god that he was faithful to the end, after he was willing to sacrifice Issac, God refereed to Issac as being Abraham's 'only son'. (Genesis 22:12) However, Abraham had another son in Genesis 16 named Ishmael by Hagar, a slave girl. Even though Hagar was not his wife, Ismael was still his son--right?
Genesis 16:12
ESV - 12 He shall be a wild donkey of a man, his hand against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he shall dwell over against all his kinsmen.
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Asked December 04 2014
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tom w
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JD Abshire
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Yes, Ishmael was Abraham's son also, but Isaac was the son of promise, the spiritual seed where Ishmael was his son after the flesh. Christ is referred to as the "only begotten Son of God" 4 times in John's gospel 1:14, 1:18, 3:16, 3:18 and again in 1 John 4:9. Isaac is the only other individual in the KJV with the title of only begotten (Hebrews 11:17). Isaac was the one and only unique son of Abraham according to God's promise. Unique not only because he was the promised seed but quite a miracle of God considering Sarah was no longer fertile (Genesis 18:11), 90 years old and Abraham was 100 when Isaac was born (Genesis 17:17). Our Lord Jesus Christ is also unique and one of a kind, the only begotten Son of God and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham: "in thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed........". Genesis 22:18. Paul discusses a very significant allegory regarding Sarah & Isaac and Hagar & Ishmael in Galatians 4, the difference between law and grace, bondage and freedom, flesh and spirit. Amazing grace how sweet the sound!
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