Gen 25:13 | KingComments | STEP | Before the history of Isaac begins, the descendants of Isaac are mentioned first. The natural comes first, then the spiritual ( ). The flesh, nature, always seems to win first, and the Spirit seems to lose. But in the end everything God has promised will be fulfilled. That is what faith relies on. The descendants of Ishmael live “from Havilah to Shur” which is between Egypt and Assyria. These are the greatest enemies of Israel, but ultimately God also takes care of them just as He does of Israel ( ). For the record, at the end of this section again the types, what the different persons represent: 1. Abraham represents the principle of faith; 2. Sarah the principle of grace; 3. Hagar the principle of law; 4. Isaac is the Son, died and risen; 5. Ishmael is Israel according to the flesh; 6. Rebekah the church; 7. Ketura the nations.

‏ Genesis 25:13

The Generations of Ishmael

Before the history of Isaac begins, the descendants of Isaac are mentioned first. The natural comes first, then the spiritual (1Cor 15:46). The flesh, nature, always seems to win first, and the Spirit seems to lose. But in the end everything God has promised will be fulfilled. That is what faith relies on.

The descendants of Ishmael live “from Havilah to Shur” which is between Egypt and Assyria. These are the greatest enemies of Israel, but ultimately God also takes care of them just as He does of Israel (Isa 19:23).

For the record, at the end of this section again the types, what the different persons represent:

1. Abraham represents the principle of faith;

2. Sarah the principle of grace;

3. Hagar the principle of law;

4. Isaac is the Son, died and risen;

5. Ishmael is Israel according to the flesh;

6. Rebekah the church;

7. Ketura the nations.