Is Ishmael or Isaac the seed of Abraham that is in the Abrahamic covenant?

The seed (Hebrew "zera" figuratively for posterity or literally for child) of Abraham is Isaac born out of God's promise to him through his beloved wife, a freewoman Sarah. Isaac was born out of God's covenant and not by a man's decision. As the word "seed" singular is used and not plural "seeds", it refer to one child or descendant. Literally speaking the seed refers to Isaac and figuratively it points forward to Jesus Christ.

The seed in these 2 verses means, Hebrew "zera" for child or posterity.
Gen 15:3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir.

Gen 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name ISAAC: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

As the seed has figuratively meaning, Apostle Paul points it towards Jesus Christ.

Gal 3:16 (Apostle Paul wrote) Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

Gal 3:14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

There are several Abrahamic covenants found in Genesis 12-17. From these covenants, God promises:

1. To make of Abraham a great nation, and to bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him (Gen 12:1-3) --It was during God's calling for Abraham to leave Haran for Canaan
2. To give Abraham's descendants all the land from the river of Egypt to the great river Euphrates (Gen 15:18-21)
3. To make Abraham a father of a great many nations, to give him and his offspring all the land of Canaan for an everlasting possession, and to be his God and to the offspring after him (Gen 17:1-8)
4. To give Abraham and his seed (posterity) circumcision as the permanent sign of this everlasting covenant, to Ishmael 12 princes & great nation and to Isaac the everlasting covenant for his offspring after him (Gen 17:9-22)

First time God said to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and appeared to him in Gen 12:7. Second time God was covenanting with him in a vision Gen 15:1-18. Third time God appeared to Abraham and was covenanting with him all the way from Gen 17:1-22. As God was still speaking to Abraham, the covenant was with him and not with Ishmael nor Isaac. Hence in Gen 17:21 God was covenanting with Abraham "But my covenant will I establish with Isaac..." -- a promise when he was not yet born. The promise of land to Jacob son of Isaac, was fulfilled in Genesis 28:13.

Gen 17:7 & 8 (YHWH said to Abraham) And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed ... all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; AND I (YHWH) will be their GOD.

Gen 17:19 And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.

Gen 17:21 But my covenant will I establish with Isaac -- a promise when he was not yet born. Abraham was 99 years old (Gen 17:1), Ishmael 13 (Gen 16:16) and Sarah 89 (Gen 17:17).

YHWH only stopped talking with Abraham and departed from him in Gen 17:22.

Gen 21:12 But God said unto Abraham "... for in Isaac shall thy seed (posterity/offspring) be called (chosen)". It is clearly stated that the chosen posterity is Isaac.

Clue, covenant includes (Gen 17:8) "I (YHWH) will be their GOD". Gen 28:13 And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, "I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of ISAAC: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed"

Ishmael did not inherit the land in Canaan as told in Gen 25:17. If Ishmael was in the Abrahamic covenant with a promise of land of Canaan and yet died in a Gentile land Egypt, then YHWH had broken the covenant. Refer (Gen 17:8) "I (YHWH) will be their GOD".

Gen 25:17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. Gen 25:18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt (Gentiles nation), as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Isaac died in Hebron Gen 35:27-29 in the promised land of Canaan, an ancient term for a region encompassing present-day Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip, plus adjoining coastal lands and parts of Lebanon and Syria.

Gen 17:8 "I (YHWH) will be their GOD". The covenant goes with the bloodline of Abraham whom YHWH declares "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob". One cannot find a single verse in the Bible "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Ishmael, the God of Nebajoth (Gen 25:13)"

No doubt Abrahamic Covenant goes with Isaac as YHWH declared "I am the God of Isaac"

Exo 3:15 And God (YHWH) said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of ISAAC, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name forever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Gen 16:1 Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

Gen 16:15 And Hagar bore Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bore, Ishmael.

Hagar was an Egyptian slavewoman (a Gentile) Gen 21:9 and not a freewoman. Could a son of slavewoman inherit everlasting covenant when the son was cast out (Gen 21:10)?

Abraham died at age of 175 years and buried at east of Mamre (Gen 25:7-9)or Kiriath-arba that is, Hebron, where Isaac was also buried (Gen 35:27-29)

Gen 25:8 Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.

Gen 25:9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre

Gen 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Gen 21:10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

Gal 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

YHWH did fulfil the covenant with Abraham regarding his son Ishmael. It was to make Ishmael's descendants a great nation but no promise of the land for him and his seed.

Gen 17:20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Gen 25:13 And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth; and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

Gen 25:14 And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa,

Gen 25:15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah:

Gen 25:16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations.

Gen 25:17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, a hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people.

Gen 25:18 And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: and he died in the presence of all his brethren.

Ishmael died in Egypt (Gentiles nation) for sure (Gen 25:17-18); Abraham and Ishmael never enter Arabia and built Kaabah in Mecca (Sura 2:125).

Did God (YHWH) break the covenant with Abraham when Ishmael died in Egypt but not in the promised land of canaan? Nay, Rom 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar.


First Witness: Prophet Moses
Gen 17:9 And God said unto Abraham, "Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations
Gen 17:20-21 And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac..."

Second Witness: Apostle Paul
Galations 4:30 Nevertheless what saith the Scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Galations 4:31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

The matter has been established that God's Covenant with Abraham goes with the bloodline of Isaac by the mouth of 2 witnesses. God's law requires only 2 or 3 witnesses to put a man to death just as Lord Jesus was crucified by the testimony of 2 false witnesses (Matt 26:60). The obvious truth is that Isaac was the promised offspring.

References on Mosaic law
Deu 17:6 (YHWH said:) At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death.
2Co 13:1 (Apostle Paul) This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.
Mat 18:16 (Lord Jesus said) But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

Did Paul change the original gospel of Jesus?

Did Paul change the original gospel of Jesus? Based on my research in the Holy Bible, the message is in line with Lord Jesus. Let me share as why I believe Paul's teachings is the same as the Lord's.

Rom 9:1 (Paul said) I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost
Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.


1John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jo 2:23 Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: but he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

Vision of Jesus can be from a false Christ if he contradicts with His eternal words in the Holy Bible. By the fruit, you shall know the Tree or Truth of the person in the vision.

2 Co 11:14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.

Mat 7:18 (Jesus said) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.


2Cor 11:4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

Mat 24:23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.



In Acts 22:3-18, Apostle Paul testifies about his encounter with Lord Jesus on his way to Damascus.

Dr. Luke wrote about Paul:
Acts 22:3 (Paul said) I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

Gal 1:7 & 12 Paul said: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
2Ti 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

Dr. Luke wrote about Paul was with Apostle John. Thus Paul's teaching was acceptable as there was no condemnation in other epistles of John. Paul was filled with Holy Ghost as Jesus promised to all who believe in His Name.

Act 13:9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
Act 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them (Paul's team) returned to Jerusalem.

Act 13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

Paul was with Apostle Barnabas in the ministry and there was no bad report about Paul.
Act 14:14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out

The early church at Jerusalem commended Paul's teachings and sent him together with Barnabas to Antioch
Act 15:22 Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
Act 15:23 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.

Act 15:30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
Act 15:31 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
Act 15:32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and CONFIRMED them.

1Co 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.


Apostle Peter commended Paul's ministry

2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction.


Dr. Luke testified about Paul's teachings was faultless.

Act 25:7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could NOT prove.


Paul went to Jerusalem to meet Apostle Peter and James the Lord's brother.

Gal 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Gal 1:19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Gal 1:20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.

Sura 2: 282 ... And call to witness, from among your men, two witnesses. And if two men be not (at hand) then a man and two women, of such as ye approve as witnesses...

Matthew 18:16 Jesus said: But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.


Sura 10:94 says "And if thou (Muslim) art in doubt concerning that which We reveal unto thee, then question those (Christians) who read the Scripture {Bible} (that was) before thee. Verily the Truth from thy Lord hath come unto thee. So be not thou of the waverers."