Tell me, you who desire to be subject to the law, will you not listen to the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and the other by a free woman. One, the child of the slave, was born according to the flesh; the other, the child of the free woman, was born through the promise. Now this is an allegory: these women are two covenants. One woman, in fact, is Hagar, from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery. Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the other woman corresponds to the Jerusalem above; she is free, and she is our mother. For it is written,‘Rejoice, you childless one, you who bear no children, burst into song and shout, you who endure no birth pangs; for the children of the desolate woman are more numerous than the children of the one who is married.’ (Galatians 4: 21-27)

Allegory, analogy, and metaphor are crucial to our way of engaging the world. When facing a novel problem they may be the only tools available.

In reading scripture I am always seeking allegory, analogy, and metaphor for application to my own life. Given the infinity of God, I assume a pithy analogy is the best my brain can grasp of a reality far beyond my comprehension.

But while I am ready to embrace Paul's core argument for our liberty in Christ, this particular allegory is not helpful to me.

Jesus gave us allegory after allegory and seldom explained his meaning. Here Paul points us to a preexisting allegory and tells us what we are to understand. His explanation does not - yet - advance my understanding or confidence.

In verse 20 Paul writes, "I wish I could change my tone, for I am perplexed about you."

Paul is hundreds of miles away - Rome is often suggested - he has heard rumors, the details are hazy, but the reports have sufficient credibility to compel him to action. The concern is serious enough for tough language.

But he cannot be sure what angle or argument is best suited for the local situation. In his perplexity he offers many arguments which - when combined with the legacy of his relationship, the good will of the listeners, and the help of the Holy Spirit - might find a sympathetic ear.