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I. OF THE FLESH. Children by mere natural generation, viz. —

1. Ishmael and his descendants.

2. Abraham's sons by Keturah, and their posterity.

3. The natural descendants of Abraham in general. Unbelieving Jews were children of the flesh as truly as was Ishmael.

II. OF THE PROMISE. Born entirely in virtue of a promise, viz. —

1. Isaac.

2. Believers whether Jews or Gentiles (Romans 4:11, 16, 17; Galatians 3:29).

3. Isaac a type of believers —

(1)  As born according to Divine promise.

(2)  By supernatural power (Genesis 17:5; Isaiah 53:10-12; John 1:13; John 5:25; John 6:44, 45, 65).

III. OF GOD.

1. Children in God's esteem, and by God's appointment.

2. Those to whom He will be a God as He was to Abraham (Genesis 17:7). Children of the flesh distinguished from the children of God (John 1:13).

(T. Robinson, D.D.)

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KJV: Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

WEB: But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.