Hagar and the Covenant of Bondage #

The story of Hagar and Sarah is far more than a family drama from Genesis. Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, reveals that this record holds a deep spiritual allegory concerning two covenants—two kinds of marriages, two kinds of cities, and two kinds of children. This is not about mere ancestry; it’s about identity in the Spirit versus bondage in the flesh.

Two Women, Two Covenants #

Galatians 4:22–26 — For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. But one, the son by the slave woman, was born by natural descent, while the other, the son by the free woman, was born through the promise. These things may be treated as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children for slavery; this is Hagar. Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (NET)

Paul, under inspiration, sets forth a divine interpretation of Genesis. Hagar, the Egyptian bondwoman, symbolises the Old Covenant—the marriage at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19). This covenant produced children of the flesh, born into servitude under the Law, which Paul calls “slavery.”

The Greek word used here is douleia (δουλεία), meaning “bondage” or “servitude,” which implies not just outward obedience but inner limitation. Hagar’s offspring are symbolic of those who relate to God through fleshly efforts, external religion, and law-keeping.

The Shadow of Mount Sinai #

This bondage is not arbitrary. God entered into a covenantal union with Israel at Sinai. It was a legal agreement, a marriage of sorts (Jeremiah 31:32). But this marriage was to a bondwoman—symbolically speaking. The people had not yet received the Spirit, and their obedience was external, driven by fear, not love.

Exodus 21:1–6 — “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years, but in the seventh year he will go out free… But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master… I will not go out free,’ then his master must pierce his ear… and he shall serve him forever.” (NET)

This passage, often overlooked, sheds light on the condition of Israel under the Law. The Old Covenant servant could choose to remain in permanent servitude. In like manner, many under Judaism remained in spiritual slavery, even when Christ came to set them free.

John 8:32-36 — and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “We are descendants of Abraham,” they replied, “and have never been anyone’s slaves! How can you say, ‘You will become free’?” Jesus answered them, “I tell you the solemn truth, everyone who practices sin is a slave of sin. The slave does not remain in the family forever, but the son remains forever. So if the son sets you free, you will be really free. (NET)

Ishmael and Persecution #

Genesis 21:9 — But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. (NET)

Galatians 4:29 — But as at that time the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. (NET)

The Hebrew word tsachaq (צָחַק) translated “mocking”, means to laugh or play, but in context, it implies scorn or contempt. This act of mockery is interpreted by Paul as persecution—diōkō (διώκω), meaning to pursue or press against. This connects directly to the religious Jews of his day, who persecuted the Church.

Acts 8:1 — And Saul agreed completely with killing him. Now on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem… (NET)

As a former Pharisee, Saul (later Paul) participated in this persecution. He was, in essence, acting out the pattern of Ishmael persecuting Isaac—those of the flesh resisting those of the Spirit.

Slavery in the Name of Religion #

Judaism, in Paul’s writings, is not described as a faithful continuation of God’s purpose, but as a covenant that could not bring life. It is Hagar. It bears children for slavery, not freedom.

Galatians 1:13–14 — For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it… extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (AMP)

The traditions Paul refers to are not the commandments of God, but additions and fences created by men. Jesus Himself confronted this legalistic system:

Matthew 15:6–9 — You have nullified the word of God on account of your tradition. Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied correctly about you… ‘They worship me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” (NET)

The system was never designed to bring life. It was a temporary guardian, a tutor leading to Christ (Galatians 3:24), but it could not produce heirs of promise. Only the New Covenant, mediated by Christ, could do that.

The True Jerusalem #

Galatians 4:26 — But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. (NET)

This New Covenant “Jerusalem” is not physical but spiritual. It is the community of the redeemed, born not of blood nor of the will of man, but of God (John 1:13). She is the freewoman—eleuthera (ἐλευθέρα)—and gives birth to sons of liberty, not law.

The early Church, though born in the shadow of Jerusalem, was not of it. They were children of the heavenly city—those who received the Spirit by promise, not works.

The Casting Out of Hagar #

Genesis 21:10 — Therefore she said to Abraham, “Drive out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be an heir with my son Isaac!” (NET)

This was not an act of cruelty, but of prophetic necessity. Hagar and Ishmael could not co-inherit with Sarah and Isaac. Flesh and Spirit cannot co-rule. Law and Grace cannot co-govern. One had to be removed for the other to be established.

Hebrews 8:13 — When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is about to disappear. (NASB95)

This was fulfilled in the first-century destruction of Jerusalem (AD70). The old city, the old priesthood, and the old system were removed, just as Hagar was driven out, making way for the children of the Spirit to fully inherit.

The Comparison #

Summary #

• Hagar represents the Old Covenant, based on law and servitude.
• Sarah represents the New Covenant, based on promise and liberty.
• Ishmael persecuted Isaac just as Judaism persecuted the early Church.
• The Old Covenant could not bring about the Kingdom of God.
• True inheritance comes through the Jerusalem above, the Bride of Christ.

In Christ,

Shaliach.