Immanuel Lutheran Church Study Forum

The conflict between Israel and Islam is raging today. Our readings in Genesis show us one of the root causes for that animosity. Ishmael is Abraham’s first borne but is illegitimate in that Hagar was not his wife. Sarah’s first born is Isaac so Abraham designates him as the heir entitled to the promises of inheritance from God. Ishmael's line grows into the Arabs and though Mohammad into Islam. Islam claims Abraham’s birthright through Ishmael. Israel claims the birthright through Isaac, which is backed up in our scripture from God’s promises to Abraham.

Remember the prophecy to Hagar
He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”