Questions from readers.

As noted at Galatians 4.24, what two covenants did the Apostle Paul refer to?

After referring to Abraham's relationship with Sarah and with Hagar, the Apostle Paul stated,

These things may be taken as a symbolic drama, for these women mean two covenants, Galatians 4, 22 to 24.

Previously, it was understood that the two covenants were the law covenant and the new covenant.

However, upon further examination, we believe that an adjustment is called for.

It seems that Paul was referring referring not to the new covenant, but to the Abrahamic covenant. Consider a few details. The footnote reads,

This corrects what was published in the Watchtower March 15, 2006, pages 10 to 12. End a footnote.

Paul connected the servant woman, Hagar, with Mount Sinai.

Hagar meant the law covenant that was given at Mount Sinai in 1513 BCE.

No imperfect human could keep that law perfectly, so it reminded the Jews that they were slaves to sin.

This covenant could help the nation of Israel identify the Messiah, the only human who would be able to keep the law perfectly.

When the Messiah sacrificed his perfect life, he made it possible for imperfect humans to be

freed from sin and death. Once Jesus fulfilled God's purpose, the law was no longer needed.

Paul contrasted Hagar with Sarah, the free woman who gave birth through a promise. Galatians 4. 23.

That promise was the Abrahamic covenant. It is summarized at Genesis 22.18,

by means of your, that is Abraham's, offspring, all nations of the earth will obtain a blessing for themselves

because you have listened to my voice. That covenant made with Abraham added to the promise

Jehovah made in Eden. It revealed that the foretold offspring would be a descendant of Abraham. Paul explained that this offspring

refers primarily to Jesus Christ, but those who belong to Christ, the 144,000 heirs who will rule

with Jesus in His kingdom, are included in this figurative offspring, Galatians 3, 16, and 29.

The fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham will bring many blessings to those who accept

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