(Chapter 11:1-40)
Thus far in this epistle the writer has taught the Hebrew believers to let go of the outward forms of earthly religion which they had in Judaism for something better—the new and living way of approach to God that has been brought in through Christ. This is entered upon by faith. In fact, everything in Christianity is to be done on the principle of faith—“for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor. 5:77(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)). Therefore, to step away from Judaism, a system of sights and sounds and outward rituals, for the new and living way in Christianity which is largely a spiritual thing, would require faith. In this chapter, he shows that walking by faith should not be seen as a new thing, because the saints from the beginning of time have lived by faith. From the outset of world history, what has pleased God in those who have come to Him is that they did so by “faith” (vs. 6). This being the case, these Hebrew believers were called to live by faith in the new position which they had taken in Christianity.
He then proceeds to give a long list of Old Testament saints who lived and died in faith, and thus, met with God’s approval. The Spirit of God goes behind the activities of these faithful ones and shows the distinguishing marks of faith that propelled them through life. They serve as examples of the kind of faith that the Hebrew believers were to have. Chapter 11, therefore, demonstrates the great principle upon which the heavenly man moves—faith.
The chapter can be viewed as a parenthesis; the exhortations (“Let us...”) resume in chapter 12:1.
What Faith Does
Vss. 1-3—The first three verses are introductory. He begins by saying, “Now faith is the substantiating of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” This statement does not exactly define what faith is, but rather, what faith does. (Perhaps John 3:3333He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. (John 3:33) would better define what faith is—“He that hath received His testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.”) Faith makes “things hoped for” as real as if we had them in our hand now. It gives us “conviction” regarding unseen spiritual things; thus the things of God become as real to us as though we saw them with our natural eyes. In fact, every eternal thing that we have, and will ever have, is acquired by faith—everything else will pass away. The “elders” in past ages obtained a good “report [testimony]” through living by faith, and so will we today.
Verse 3 says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." This shows that faith gives us to understand things that lie outside the comprehension of the natural mind, for he states clearly, here, that what is seen does not take its origin from things that appear to our natural eyes.
The writer’s mention of the Word of God being used in the framing of the worlds points to Genesis 1:33And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)—“And God said....” (See also Psalm 33:66By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. (Psalm 33:6).) This is a reference to the reconstruction of the earth and the heavens outlined in Genesis 1:3-313And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. 4And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. 5And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. 7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. 8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. 10And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good. 11And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so. 12And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 13And the evening and the morning were the third day. 14And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years: 15And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth: and it was so. 16And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. 17And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light upon the earth, 18And to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness: and God saw that it was good. 19And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. 20And God said, Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life, and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven. 21And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 22And God blessed them, saying, Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth. 23And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. 24And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so. 25And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind: and God saw that it was good. 26And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 29And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat. 30And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creepeth upon the earth, wherein there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. 31And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. (Genesis 1:3‑31). The word "framed" in the Greek ("katartizo") means "repaired," or "mended" (Strong’s), or "to put in order again" (Liddell and Scott), or “adjusted” (Nestle). The same word is translated "mending," in the KJV in Matthew 4:2121And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. (Matthew 4:21) and Mark 1:1919And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. (Mark 1:19). And it is also translated "restore," in Galatians 6:11Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Galatians 6:1). Hence, this verse indicates that God mended or restored that which He had previously created. The fact that it needed mending shows clearly that it had gotten into a chaotic state (which Genesis 1:22And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (Genesis 1:2) describes), for God did not create the earth in that state (Isa. 45:1818For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord; and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:18)).
Having stated a few introductory remarks regarding faith, the writer now points to various aspects of faith which characterized the Old Testament saints and which should be replicated in Christians treading the path of faith. The rest of the chapter (vss. 4-40) is divided into three groups of Old Testament saints:
Patriarchal saints (vss. 8-22)—These illustrate faith that lays hold of “the world to come” (Heb. 2:55For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come, whereof we speak. (Hebrews 2:5)), and thus, lets go of this present world to walk as strangers and pilgrims through it. They demonstrate faith that sees.
Israelitish saints (vss. 23-40)—These illustrate faith that is willing to endure rejection and persecution from this present evil world because it has laid hold of greater things, which it considers worth suffering for. They demonstrate faith that suffers.
Thus, these Old Testament saints illustrate faith that saves, faith that sees, and faith that suffers. These are three things needed to live the Christian life in a world that is opposed to God and Christ. It is interesting to note that there are no failures recorded in the chapter. It is not that these saints didn’t fail; we know that their lives had many imperfections. However, the Spirit of God does not focus on that, but rather, on the blessedness which their faith caused them to live for—which is the unseen things of God. Many positive things about these Old Testament saints could have been stated here, but the writer is led to select certain things that were particularly applicable to the situation which these Hebrew believers were facing. The names of sixteen Old Testament saints are mentioned (half of them are from the book of Genesis), but many more are implied without being named. Each one of these saints exhibit the great underlying principle that the prophet Habakkuk stated: “The just shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:44Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4); Heb. 10:3838Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)).
The Antediluvian Saints
Vss. 4-7—In the first three saints recorded here, we see faith that sets the individual believer in a right relationship with God. These examples illustrate faith that draws near to God on the grounds of an acceptable sacrifice, and thus escapes judgment. This is where a life with God begins.
Abel
(vs. 4)
Abel is an example of the divine understanding that faith gives, and accordingly, he brought “a more excellent sacrifice.” He knew that he was a sinner and that God is a holy God who cannot pass over sins. Abel, therefore, came to God on the ground of a sacrifice, and a victim died as a substitute in his place. No doubt, he had learned what was acceptable to God from the original sin of his parents in the Garden of Eden, whereupon an animal’s life was forfeited in order to cover them with coats of skin (Gen. 3:2121Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them. (Genesis 3:21)). Abel’s sacrifice spoke of the death of Christ and what it accomplishes for the glory of God and for the blessing of those who believe. Thus, his faith illustrates how a sinner can find favour with God and be saved.
Enoch
(vss. 5-6)
Enoch’s faith shows that those who come to God in faith have a wonderful ending to their life—they are taken into the very presence of God in heaven! As we know, Enoch was “translated that he should not see death” (Gen. 5:22-2422And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. (Genesis 5:22‑24)). This will not happen to all who believe, for many have died in faith and will be resurrected, but all believers will go to be with the Lord. What happened to Enoch illustrates the proper hope of the Church—to be raptured away from the earth at the coming of the Lord without seeing death (1 Thess. 4:1717Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. (1 Thessalonians 4:17)). This is called the “blessed hope” (Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13)). It is what these Hebrew believers were to look forward to. The writer says, “He (Enoch) had this testimony, that he pleased God.” The writer, therefore, concludes that he must have had faith, for, he says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.”
Noah
(vs. 7)
Noah’s faith led him to respond to the warnings of God and to prepare for judgment that was about to fall on the world by availing himself of the shelter that God appointed in the ark. The “things not seen yet,” refers to the rain which had not fallen before. Noah believed God and built the ark, and in doing so, he “condemned the world,” for it told the story that judgment was coming. Similarly, these Hebrews needed to find shelter through faith in the one sacrifice of Christ, and thus, to be safe from the judgment of their sins. Many had done so, but there were some, it seemed, who had not.
The Patriarchal Saints
Vss. 8-22—This second group of saints are the “fathers” of the nation of Israel (Acts 26:66And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: (Acts 26:6); Rom. 9:5; 11:28; 15:85Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 9:5)
28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. (Romans 11:28)
8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: (Romans 15:8), etc.). They are called “the patriarchs”—beginning with Abraham (Heb. 7:44Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. (Hebrews 7:4)) and running down through to the twelve sons of Jacob (Acts 7:88And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. (Acts 7:8)). As mentioned, this group of saints illustrates faith that lays hold of the world to come, and consequently, lets go of ambitions in this present world. This, in turn, makes them willing to walk as strangers and pilgrims through it.
Abraham
(vs. 8)
Abraham illustrates faith that responds to God’s call, even though it was a call to something that he couldn’t see with his eyes. He was “called to go out into a place” of blessing that was promised to him. His faith led him to respond, and he “went out, not knowing whither he went.” This may have looked foolish in the eyes of those who observed his steps, but it was the will of God. The writer mentions this point because it was the very thing that the Hebrew believers needed to do in principle. Abraham had to leave his former position in Ur of the Chaldees and go out to a new place which he had not seen. Similarly, they had heard the call of God in the gospel to go out from their former position in Judaism to Christ, even though there was very little to see outwardly in Christianity.
Vss. 9-10—Abraham’s faith led him to go to a land that had been promised to him, and he and his posterity (“Isaac and Jacob”) were happy to live there as strangers and pilgrims. Even though the land of Canaan had been given to him for an inheritance, Abraham did not attempt to take possession of it by dispossessing the people there, but lived in it in separation from those people. What sustained him was his faith. He had his eye on something unseen. The writer tells us that “he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God.” This, we are told in chapter 12:22, was “the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.” What Abraham knew of heavenly and eternal things we are not told, but they had captured his heart and caused him to walk in a different path from other men.
Not only did those unseen things capture Abraham’s heart, he succeeded in passing on the convictions of his faith to his posterity. This is evident by the fact that they also “dwelt in tents”—a characteristic sign of a pilgrim. This was a marked contrast to Ishmael and his posterity. They built for themselves “towns” and “castles” and appointed some as “princes” (Gen. 25:12-1812Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham: 13And 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, 14And Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, 15Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah: 16These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles; twelve princes according to their nations. 17And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred and thirty and seven years: and he gave up the ghost and died; and was gathered unto his people. 18And 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. (Genesis 25:12‑18)). Being content to live in a tent shows us that Abraham had no intention of settling down in this scene, nor had he any desire to distinguish himself in the world. Similarly, with these Hebrew believers who were struggling with their ties in Judaism; if the magnitude of their spiritual blessings in Christ were grasped, those things would cause them to let go of the outward things of earthly religion.
Sara
(Vss. 11-12)
Sara illustrates faith that trusts God in spite of natural impossibilities. Her confidence was in God’s Word. God had promised Abraham and Sara a son, and they believed Him. He was good to His Word, and Sara “received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age.” Likewise, having put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, these Hebrew believers could count on Him to help them overcome impossible difficulties in the path of faith.
Vss. 13-14—The writer then summarizes what characterized the faith of these patriarchs and sets it before the Hebrew believers as a model for their faith. He says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises.” This doesn’t contradict chapter 6:15 which states that Abraham received the promise. These verses are speaking of two different things. Chapter 6:15, is referring to Abraham receiving of a son and having a posterity through him; here in chapter 11, it is promises in connection with the inheritance in Canaan. Also, the “all” that the writer refers to in this verse, is all those in this group of patriarchal saints. If he were referring to all mentioned thus far in the chapter, he would be contradicting what he said about Enoch who didn’t die. His point in stating this is that the faith of these old saints led them to start on a path, and their convictions concerning it were so deep that they continued on in that path to the very end of their lives—they didn’t turn back. They lived and died for what their faith saw. Likewise, the Hebrew believers needed this kind of faith and conviction concerning the step they had taken in coming to Christ, and to persevere in it.
What propelled these men and women through life was their faith. Their faith saw the things that were promised by God, even though those things were “afar off” in time. They were “persuaded” of them and “embraced” them in their hearts, and as a result, they lived a life that “confessed” what their hearts were engaged in. The writer says that those who move on such lines “show clearly” that they are living for another “country,” and not for this world. Those dear old saints looked beyond things that are seen and embraced unseen things, and it produced a practical effect in their lives that made them walk as “strangers and pilgrims” through this present evil world.
Vs. 15—The writer adds, “Truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.” That is, if they allowed their minds to dwell on the old country from which they had come (Mesopotamia), it would have had the effect of pulling them back to it in heart—and where the heart goes, the feet will follow. It wouldn’t be long before they would return to that land. But they didn’t do that; they kept their eyes and their hearts on what had been promised to them, and it motivated them to continue in the path of faith. This served as a cautionary warning for these Hebrew believers who were under pressure to return to Judaism. If they kept their thoughts on the old days in the temple and their connections there, etc., it would have a negative effect on them, and it would eventually draw them back into it. Therefore, it was important for them to follow the example of the patriarchs and to keep their minds fixed on what they had in Christ (Col. 3:1-21If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. (Colossians 3:1‑2)).
Vs. 16—The faith of those old saints acted as a spiritual telescope which brought heavenly things into view. They trusted God’s Word as to the promises and desired “a better country,” which was “heavenly,” and thus, God approved of their faith. He was “not ashamed to be called their God” and happily identified Himself with them. They will not be disappointed; God has “prepared for them a city” above, and they will reach it in the day of their resurrection. Until then, their disembodied souls and spirits are with Christ above (Phil. 1:2323For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: (Philippians 1:23)).
Vss. 17-19—Abraham is mentioned again to show that God tests faith. In fact, all who take the path of faith will be tested sooner or later. Abraham was told by God to offer up his son, Isaac—the very one he had waited so long to have and through whom the promises would be fulfilled. Humanly speaking, to do this didn’t make sense, but Abraham did not allow what he didn’t understand to hinder his obedience to God. And as a result, it says, “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac.” The test for him was whether he would be willing to let go of that which was very dear to his heart in order to obey God. As we know, he came through the test marvellously. He would have killed Isaac had the Lord not intervened (Gen. 22:10-1210And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. (Genesis 22:10‑12)). A thousand things may have passed through his mind as to why God would want this, but Abraham went forward without acting on his own thoughts and preferences, and obeyed God.
The writer goes on to tell us how Abraham was able to pass the test of his faith; he believed that “God was able to raise him (Isaac) up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.” This was quite remarkable, for up to that time in history there had been no known record of anyone rising from the dead. Even though Abraham didn’t actually slay Isaac, He was given credit for believing in resurrection, and in a sense, he “received” Isaac from the dead figuratively. The writer was led by the Spirit to set this incident before the Hebrews as an example for them to follow. The matter they were facing, concerning leaving Judaism for Christianity, was definitely a test of their faith. They dearly loved their heritage in Judaism, but were they willing to let go of it to obey God? Would they put God’s will before their own natural desires? Abraham did, and he was their great example.
Isaac
(vs. 20)
The writer passes on to Isaac’s faith. He says, “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.” In this, Isaac is an example of one who walks in the light of the future, when the promises would be realized. Likewise, the Hebrew believers were to have Isaac’s foresight and live in view of the Christian “hope” (chap. 10:23). Looking forward in faith is a healthy thing for the pilgrim walking by faith; it keeps his heart and mind on “things to come,” and away from things of this world.
Jacob
(vs. 21)
There really wasn’t much in Jacob’s early life that was of faith, but as he passed through various circumstances and the disciplines God appointed for him, he grew spiritually with his age. In his latter days, he manifested an intelligence that faith gives to a believer. In fact, of all the patriarchs, it is only said of him that he “worshipped!” He did it “leaning upon the top of his staff.” He then “blessed both the sons of Joseph” with an intelligence that showed that he understood something of the end of the first order of man in the flesh and the introduction of a new order that was going to come—by crossing his hands “wittingly” when blessing them (Gen. 48:5-145And now thy two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, which were born unto thee in the land of Egypt before I came unto thee into Egypt, are mine; as Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6And thy issue, which thou begettest after them, shall be thine, and shall be called after the name of their brethren in their inheritance. 7And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem. 8And Israel beheld Joseph's sons, and said, Who are these? 9And Joseph said unto his father, They are my sons, whom God hath given me in this place. And he said, Bring them, I pray thee, unto me, and I will bless them. 10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near unto him; and he kissed them, and embraced them. 11And Israel said unto Joseph, I had not thought to see thy face: and, lo, God hath showed me also thy seed. 12And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near unto him. 14And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh's head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. (Genesis 48:5‑14)). It is difficult to know just how much of this Jacob really understood, but it is something that the Hebrew believers would do well to follow. The whole order of worship in Judaism, which accommodates the first man, had been set aside for a new order of things after the new man in Christ. They needed to accept this fact.
Joseph
(vs. 22)
Joseph is another example of faith that looks onward to the future: Instead of looking back to his glory days in Egypt, he looked on to the glory of Israel in the land of Canaan, and showed where his heart was by giving “commandment concerning his bones.” He understood that he would not be alive to see it, but he wanted his bones to be buried in that place which his faith had laid hold of.
The Israelitish Saints
Vss. 23-40—The saints in this third group illustrate faith that is willing to endure rejection and persecution from the world because it has laid hold of greater things. These saints demonstrate faith that suffers.
Moses’ Parents
(vs. 23)
Moses’ parents (Amram and Jochebed) refused to follow the mass of the Israelites in Egypt who were ordered by the king to put their male children to death in the river (Ex. 1:2222And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive. (Exodus 1:22)). Their faith led them to stand apart from their brethren in this, and to hide their son from Pharaoh. Their faith led them to go against what was considered the thing to do in that day. They fully understood that this could bring them into suffering, and even death, but they were “not afraid of the king’s commandment” and did what God wanted them to do. Again, the Hebrew believers needed to follow this example of faith and have the courage to do the will of God by standing apart from the mass of their Jewish brethren who had taken a position against Christ—even if it brought them into suffering.
Moses
(Vss. 24-28)
Moses’ faith exhibits this same willingness to accept suffering on account of doing the will of God. The writer says, “By faith Moses, when he was come to years [had become great], refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible.” As was the case with the patriarchs in verse 13, there was a moral order to Moses’ exercises in faith which led him to quit his position in Egypt. Providence had put him in Pharaoh’s court, but faith led him out.
Having a view of the divine “recompense of reward,” Moses was able to form a correct estimation of “the treasures of Egypt,” which were but vain things. This led him to cast his lot in with the suffering and afflicted people of God. This is quite amazing; he gave up a significant position in Egypt, and “the pleasures of sin” that went with it, to identify himself with God’s suffering people. He chose to suffer with them! What made him do it? He “esteemed” (considered) the reproach connected with the children of Israel to be “greater riches” than the treasures of Egypt! The writer points out that this reproach was of the same character as “the reproach of Christ” which the Hebrew believers were facing. F. B. Hole asks, “If Egypt’s glory is not to be compared to the reproach of Christ, how will it look in comparison to the glory of Christ?” (Hebrews, p. 53) The writer tells us that Moses was able to endure the hardship that came with that position of reproach because his faith saw “Him who is invisible,” and this motivated him.
The lesson in this for the Hebrew believers was that they, too, needed to keep their eye on “Him who is invisible.” To the faithless person, this is ridiculous. He asks, “How can you look at something invisible?” But faith sees invisible things (2 Cor. 4:1818While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:18)). Even though Christ has gone back to heaven and is no longer in physical sight, keeping our eye of faith on Him, and on what we have in Him, gives us the endurance we need to continue in the path. The Hebrew believers needed to realize that the reproach of Christ which they were bearing at the hands of their unbelieving brethren was a privilege (Acts 5:4141And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. (Acts 5:41); Phil. 1:2929For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; (Philippians 1:29)). The step their faith had led them to take in identifying themselves with Christ would be recompensed (rewarded) in a coming day.
The Children of Israel
(Vss. 29-30)
The writer then points to the situation which the children of Israel were in, which led to their miraculous passage through the Red Sea. They were being chased by Pharaoh and his army, and there was nowhere for them to turn. Straight ahead was the Red Sea and on either side were impassable mountains! Their predicament seemed hopeless, but God stepped in and delivered them by opening a way through the sea, which “the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.”
The encouragement these Hebrew believers were to take from this was that even though their situation seemed quite impossible, God was in it, and He would make a way through the persecution, etc. They needed to have the faith that the children of Israel had and continue following God’s leading. A lesson they could take from this incident is that God knows how to take care of His people’s persecutors.
Then, having entered the land of Canaan: “the walls of Jericho fell down” before the children of Israel (vs. 30). (It is of note that Israel’s 40-year wilderness journey is passed over entirely.) The writer tells us that the walls fell on account of their faith! Again, seemingly impossible circumstances were overcome by simply trusting God, the God of circumstances.
Rahab
(vs. 31)
The writer moves on to Rahab—a Gentile believer. She looked ahead and saw judgment coming, and in faith abandoned the position she was in by identifying herself with the new thing that God was doing in the land with the children of Israel. Rahab is brought in because her situation, in principle, was similar to the Hebrews. Like her and her people, judgment was coming upon the Jews, nationally. This was on account of their rejection of Christ (Psa. 69:22-2822Let their table become a snare before them: and that which should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. 23Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. 24Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. 25Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. 26For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten; and they talk to the grief of those whom thou hast wounded. 27Add iniquity unto their iniquity: and let them not come into thy righteousness. 28Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. (Psalm 69:22‑28); Matt. 22:77But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. (Matthew 22:7); Luke 12:58-5958When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison. 59I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite. (Luke 12:58‑59); 1 Thess. 2:14-1614For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: 15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: 16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. (1 Thessalonians 2:14‑16)). A literal destruction was about to fall on the nation by the Roman armies, and this judgment was not far off! It actually fell in 70 A.D. which was about 7 short years after the epistle was written. Hence, there was not much time for these Jewish believers to linger in Jerusalem. The prudent thing was to do as Rahab did and abandon their former position which had God’s judgment on it and identify themselves with the Christian company by going “without the camp” (Heb. 13:1313Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. (Hebrews 13:13)).
Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthae, David, Samuel & the Prophets
(vs. 32)
The writer then groups a number of other Old Testament saints together and tells us that “time” would not allow him to speak of them in any detail. These men are known in Scripture for their weaknesses and failures as much as they are for their faith. The encouraging thing to see here is that even though their faith was imperfect, God approved of their actions in faith and helped them to succeed. Thus, even though our faith may be weak and we may have failed in the path, God still approves if and when we act in faith. So, it is not about how much faith we have as it is in whom our faith rests. Seeing these ones mentioned among the faithful Old Testament saints should encourage all of us.
The Power and Endurance of Faith
Vss. 33-40—In the closing verses of this 11th chapter, the writer refers to a number of other saints anonymously, perhaps to save “time.” He places them in two groups:
Those who were delivered from their trying circumstances through the mercy of God. Their stories illustrate the power of faith (vss. 33-35a).
Those who were not delivered from the adverse circumstances they faced, but were granted grace to go through them. Their stories illustrate the endurance of faith (vss. 35b-38).
Those Delivered Through Mercy
Vss. 33-35a—As to the first group of saints, the writer says, “Who through faith subdued kingdoms” (i.e. Joshua), “wrought righteousness” (i.e. Hezekiah), “obtained promises” (Solomon & Israel – 1 Kings 8:5656Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. (1 Kings 8:56)), “stopped the mouth of lions” (Daniel), “quenched the violence of fire” (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego), “escaped the edge of the sword” (i.e. Jeremiah), “out of weakness were made strong” (Samson), “waxed valiant in fight” (the Maccabees – Dan. 11:3232And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. (Daniel 11:32)), “turned to flight the armies of the aliens” (Gideon’s army), “women received their dead again by resurrection” (the poor woman of Sarepta & the rich woman of Shunem). As mentioned, these examples illustrate the power of faith that works to deliver the saints of God from their trials.
Those Not Delivered, but Granted Grace
Vss. 35b-38—The writer then says, “And others....” This brings us to the second group of saints who were not delivered from their difficult circumstances, but their faith caused them to triumph in their trials—even more brightly than the first group. God gave them the grace to go through their trials triumphantly, even if it led them to death (James 4:66But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6)). What heads the list of these worthy saints is those who “were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection.” That is, these dear believers were offered deliverance from their persecutors, if they would compromise. Had they recanted, they would have been set free. But their faith would not accept deliverance on those terms, and it led to their death. However dark it may have been for them in those trying circumstances, their future is assuredly bright. They will obtain “a better resurrection” at the coming of the Lord (the Rapture).
He says, “And others had trial of cruel mockings” (i.e. Nehemiah – Neh. 4:1-31But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. 2And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? 3Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. (Nehemiah 4:1‑3)) and “scourgings” (the officers of the children of Israel – Ex. 5:1616There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say to us, Make brick: and, behold, thy servants are beaten; but the fault is in thine own people. (Exodus 5:16)), “moreover of bonds and imprisonment” (Joseph, Micaiah, Jeremiah, etc.), “they were stoned” (Zechariah – 2 Chron. 24:2121And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king in the court of the house of the Lord. (2 Chronicles 24:21)), “they were sawn asunder” (Isaiah), “were tempted” (i.e. Job), “were slain with the sword” (Uriah – Jer. 26:2323And they fetched forth Urijah out of Egypt, and brought him unto Jehoiakim the king; who slew him with the sword, and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. (Jeremiah 26:23)), “they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins” (Elijah), “being destitute, afflicted, tormented” (prophets in the time of Elijah – 1 Kings 18:4; 19:104For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) (1 Kings 18:4)
10And he said, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. (1 Kings 19:10)). The writer then adds, in a parenthesis—“of whom the world was not worthy.” This is surely true. This group of saints illustrates the endurance of faith. They looked like losers that were defeated by their enemies, but really, their lives were triumphs of faith. Heaven has the record straight and God will declare it in the day of Christ.
Vss. 39-40—In summary, he says, “These all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise.” This “good report” was true of all the saints in the chapter. They did not live to see the kingdom of Israel’s Messiah, but they lived and died in faith, and thus, they all had God’s approval. They have missed nothing, for they will have their part in the heavenly side of the millennial kingdom when they are resurrected (Dan. 7:18, 22, 2718But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever. (Daniel 7:18)
22Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. (Daniel 7:22)
27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. (Daniel 7:27) – J. N. Darby Trans.; Matt. 13:4343Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. (Matthew 13:43); Heb. 12:22-2422But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22‑24)).
By using the pronouns “us” and “they,” the writer distinguishes the portion of blessing that the Old Testament saints had from what Christians have. He says, “God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.” This shows that God has different portions of blessing for the various groups of believers in His large family. They are not all blessed the same—some have a heavenly portion and some have an earthly portion (Eph. 3:1515Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (Ephesians 3:15)). Contrary to the mistaken teaching of Reformed (Covenant) Theologians, God’s family does not just consist of the Church (Christians)—which they think is made up of all believers from the beginning to the end of time. There are Old Testament saints who will be resurrected with a heavenly portion of blessing (“the spirits of just men made perfect”) and then there are Christians (“the Church of firstborn ones”) who also have a heavenly portion of blessing, but distinctly different and far superior to what the Old Testament saints have (Heb. 12:2323To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23) – W. Kelly Trans.). Our verse (40) clearly indicates this distinction, calling our Christian portion “some better thing.” This is on account of our unique connection with Christ by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which makes us His body and bride (Eph. 5:30-3230For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. 31For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 32This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. (Ephesians 5:30‑32); Rev. 19:77Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. (Revelation 19:7)). Then, there will also be the redeemed remnant of Israel (Rev. 7:1-81And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree. 2And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, 3Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. 4And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. 5Of the tribe of Juda were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Reuben were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed twelve thousand. 6Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand. 7Of the tribe of Simeon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Levi were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Issachar were sealed twelve thousand. 8Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand. (Revelation 7:1‑8)) and the believing Gentiles (Rev. 7:99After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; (Revelation 7:9)) who will both populate the earthly side of the millennial kingdom. These saints will have an earthly portion of blessing in connection with Christ, Israel’s Messiah.
The fact that the Christian company is referred to as “firstborn ones” (which indicates preeminence), shows that the Church has a place in God’s large family that is superior to the others (Heb. 12:2323To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (Hebrews 12:23) – W. Kelly Trans.). They have been singled out for special blessing by God’s sovereign grace, not because they are better than the others in His family, but because God has purposed to display “the glory of His grace” and “the riches of His grace” before the world (Eph. 1:6-7; 2:76To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:6‑7)
7That in the ages to come he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:7)) and they are simply the trophies of His grace.