Question: In Genesis 22:12 and 16 G-d addresses Abraham regarding Isaac as “your only son”. What about Ishmael? Is he not Abraham’s first born son?

Answer: Hi! Interesting question you’re asking. To add to it, G-d uses the phrase before these in verse 2 of the same chapter: “Take your son, your only son, that you love – Isaac…”

To reply your question, take a look at the previous chapter, 21(12-13), where G-d simultaneously reassures Abraham about Ishmael and declares Isaac’s sole legitimacy:

“G-d said to Abraham, don’t feel poor about the child (Ishmael) and the handmaiden (Hagar); everything that Sarah said, you should listen to her voice, considering Isaac will be the one called your descendant. But additionally the son of the handmaiden I shall assemble into a nation; he is (after all) your

descendant too.”

Best wishes,
Michoel Reach

Original post by ATR

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