“And Sarah was an hundred and seven and twenty years old: these were the years of the life of Sarah. And Sarah died in Kirjatharba; the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan: and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her . . . .  And after this, Abraham buried Sarah his wife in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre: the same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. And the field, and the cave that is therein, were made sure unto Abraham for a possession of a buringplace by the sons...

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?  Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?  And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”  James 2:21-23

“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.”  Hebrews 11:17-19

There has come to my attention since the appearance of my article entitled “The Casting Out Of Ishmael” in the October 15 issue of The Standard Bearer (page 31) several questions concerning my presentation of the spiritual status of Ishmael. These were brought to my attention first in several private conversations and now in the appearance of a “Contribution” entitled “Ishmael Blessed” submitted by the Rev. R.C. Harbach. These responses are appreciated and I am every happy to use this article for a further explanation of my position. 

Rev. Woudenberg is a minister emeritus in the Protestant Reformed Churches. For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God. Hebrews 7:19

“And the boys grew: and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field: and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob.” Gen. 25:27, 28

“And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled.”

“And the man (Jacob) increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.” Gen. 30:43

“And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.”  I Peter 2:8

“And the Lord said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee . . .  Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels;  And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.”  Genesis 31:3, 17, 18