Book of Galatians - Chapter 4 - Verse 24

In this verse from the book of Galatians, the apostle Paul uses an allegory to explain the two covenants of God. The first covenant, represented by Mount Sinai, is associated with the law given to Moses, which Paul describes as leading to bondage. This covenant is compared to Hagar, the servant of Abraham, who represents slavery and the Old Testament law. By contrast, the second covenant, represented by the heavenly Jerusalem, is associated with grace and freedom through faith in Jesus Christ. This new covenant supersedes the old covenant, offering believers a relationship with God based on faith rather than works. Paul's allegory serves to illustrate the contrast between legalism and grace, emphasizing the importance of faith in Christ as the way to salvation.

Many theologians and scholars interpret the verse in question as an allegory that represents the two covenants between God and His people. The first covenant, symbolized by Mount Sinai, is linked to the law and is said to lead to bondage. This covenant is often associated with the story of Hagar, who was the servant of Abraham and the mother of Ishmael. Hagar represents the legalistic approach to righteousness, based on human effort and works. In contrast, the second covenant, represented by Mount Zion, is linked to grace and freedom. This covenant is associated with Sarah, the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Sarah represents the promise of God fulfilled by faith, emphasizing reliance on God's grace instead of human works. Understanding this allegory sheds light on the different ways in which God relates to His people and highlights the superior nature of the covenant of grace.