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Hebrews 11:13
Verse
Context
The Faith of Abraham and Sarah
12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.13All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These all died in faith - That is, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob, continued to believe, to the end of their lives, that God would fulfill this promise; but they neither saw the numerous seed, nor did they get the promised rest in Canaan. Strangers and pilgrims - Strangers, ξενοι, persons who are out of their own country, who are in a foreign land: pilgrims, παρεπιδημοι, sojourners only for a time; not intending to take up their abode in that place, nor to get naturalized in that country. How many use these expressions, professing to be strangers and pilgrims here below, and yet the whole of their conduct, spirit, and attachments, show that they are perfectly at home! How little consideration and weight are in many of our professions, whether they relate to earth or heaven!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Summary of the characteristic excellencies of the patriarchs' faith died in faith--died as believers, waiting for, not actually seeing as yet their good things promised to them. They were true to this principle of faith even unto, and especially in, their dying hour (compare Heb 11:20). These all--beginning with "Abraham" (Heb 11:8), to whom the promises were made (Gal 3:16), and who is alluded to in the end of Heb 11:13 and in Heb 11:15 [BENGEL and ALFORD]. But the "ALL" can hardly but include Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Now as these did not receive the promise of entering literal Canaan, some other promise made in the first ages, and often repeated, must be that meant, namely, the promise of a coming Redeemer made to Adam, namely, "the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head." Thus the promises cannot have been merely temporal, for Abel and Enoch mentioned here received no temporal promise [ARCHBISHOP MAGEE]. This promise of eternal redemption is the inner essence of the promises made to Abraham (Gal 3:16). not having received--It was this that constituted their "faith." If they had "received" THE THING PROMISED (so "the promises" here mean: the plural is used because of the frequent renewal of the promise to the patriarchs: Heb 11:17 says he did receive the promises, but not the thing promised), it would have been sight, not faith. seen them afar off-- (Joh 8:56). Christ, as the Word, was preached to the Old Testament believers, and so became the seed of life to their souls, as He is to ours. and were persuaded of them--The oldest manuscripts omit this clause. embraced them--as though they were not "afar off," but within reach, so as to draw them to themselves and clasp them in their embrace. TRENCH denies that the Old Testament believers embraced them, for they only saw them afar off: he translates, "saluted them," as the homeward-bound mariner, recognizing from afar the well-known promontories of his native land. ALFORD translates, "greeted them." Jacob's exclamation, "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord" (Gen 49:18) is such a greeting of salvation from afar [DELITZSCH]. confessed . . . were strangers--so Abraham to the children of Heth (Gen 23:4); and Jacob to Pharaoh (Gen 47:9; Psa 119:19). Worldly men hold fast the world; believers sit loose to it. Citizens of the world do not confess themselves "strangers on the earth." pilgrims--Greek, "temporary (literally, 'by the way') sojourners." on the earth--contrasted with "an heavenly" (Heb 11:16): "our citizenship is in heaven" (Greek: Heb 10:34; Psa 119:54; Phi 3:20). "Whosoever professes that he has a Father in heaven, confesses himself a stranger on earth; hence there is in the heart an ardent longing, like that of a child living among strangers, in want and grief, far from his fatherland" [LUTHER]. "Like ships in seas while in, above the world."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they that say such things,.... That they are strangers and pilgrims on earth: declare plainly that they seek a country; heaven, so called, for the largeness of it; it is a good land, a land of uprightness; a pleasant land, a land of rest, though a land afar off; here the Father of Christ, and Christ himself, and all his people dwell: the Syriac version renders it, "their own city"; the place of their nativity, of which they were citizens: the act of "seeking" it supposes some things, with respect to the place where they were, as that they were in a strange land, had no settlement there, nor satisfaction in it, and that they sat loose to the world, and the things of it; and some things respecting the country sought after, as that they were not in it; that it was at a distance from them; that they had some knowledge of it, and of the way to it; that their desires were after it, and that they had a strong affection and value for it: the right way to this country is not mere civility and morality, nor legal righteousness, nor birth privileges, nor submission to outward ordinances, nor a mere profession of religion, but the Lord Jesus Christ; he is the true way to eternal life; it is his righteousness which gives a title to it, and on account of which believers expect it, though not without holiness, nor without trouble. The right manner of seeking it is, in the first place, above all things else, with the whole heart, by faith, and by patient continuance in well doing. Many are the reasons which may induce believers to seek it; it is their own, and their Father's country; it is a better one than that in which they are; and because of the company they shall there enjoy, and the work they shall be employed in; and because of the happiness they will be possessed of; and because their inheritance, riches, and treasures, lie here.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:13-16 The author pauses to point out general principles evident in the lives he has highlighted thus far. 11:13 Abraham’s family lived in the land of promise as foreigners and nomads (see Gen 23:4; cp. 1 Chr 29:15; Ps 39:12; 1 Pet 2:11).
Hebrews 11:13
The Faith of Abraham and Sarah
12And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.13All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts
By A.W. Tozer23K18:33PilgrimsGEN 19:1EXO 2:22PSA 84:5HEB 11:131PE 2:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protected his anointed ones, but we still face temptations that can destroy our souls. The preacher gives an example of two Christians, one who gets involved in worldly things and loses their character as a stranger, while the other remains separated from the ways of the world. The sermon also highlights the importance of Christians being both strangers and pilgrims, abstaining from fleshly lusts that war against the soul. The preacher references Bible verses, such as 1 Peter 2:11, to support these teachings.
Holy Ground
By David Wilkerson6.8K40:18HolinessMAT 6:19MAT 6:331CO 4:112CO 4:18HEB 11:13HEB 11:391PE 4:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a vision of Christ rather than just having ideas. He criticizes the preaching in the country today, stating that it lacks the true expression of Christ. The speaker questions why God often gives worldly success and riches to wicked individuals, highlighting that materialism is not valued by God. He also discusses the concept of holy ground and describes it as a spiritual condition of humbly walking with God and considering the world as a stranger. The speaker references biblical figures like Abraham and the apostles to illustrate the importance of living in poverty and persecution for the sake of magnifying God's grace.
Childlike Faith (4 of 4)
By Paul Washer5.0K1:09:19FaithGEN 17:8MAT 6:33MAT 18:3JHN 3:16EPH 3:20HEB 11:13In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of facing disruptions while preaching. He talks about being tested by a group of people and feeling uncertain about how to handle the situation. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of following God's calling and trusting that He will provide the means to fulfill it. The preacher also highlights the compassionate nature of Jesus, who works in gentle and transformative ways, never breaking a bruised cane or extinguishing a smoking wick.
Hearts Set on Pilgrimage
By Elisabeth Elliot4.7K41:53PilgrimageJOB 10:8PSA 77:8PSA 84:5PSA 126:5MAT 16:24ROM 8:28HEB 5:8HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of facing trials and challenges while doing missionary work in a remote area. He mentions reading from 1 Peter, where it talks about not being surprised by fiery trials. As he was reading, he heard gunshots and later discovered that his entire station had been destroyed. Despite the devastation, the speaker's faith remained strong, and he received a letter from a friend assuring him that God is still in control. The speaker also mentions the importance of choosing to believe that God is God, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
(Heavenly Life) Seated in the Heavens
By Zac Poonen2.8K56:38MAT 6:31MAT 6:33GAL 3:29EPH 1:3EPH 2:6EPH 6:12COL 3:2COL 3:4HEB 11:13HEB 12:26This sermon emphasizes the importance of being heavenly-minded in a world filled with changes and uncertainties. It highlights the need to focus on eternal values rather than earthly possessions, urging believers to seek God's kingdom first and live in a way that reflects heavenly principles. The speaker encourages a shift in mindset towards heavenly things, allowing the Holy Spirit to renew thoughts and actions to align with God's will.
(Through the Bible) Ephesians 4
By Chuck Smith2.2K50:03LUK 23:43JHN 21:15EPH 4:1EPH 4:11HEB 6:1HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience that he is a prisoner of the Lord. He then urges them to walk worthy of their calling, emphasizing that their response to God is important. The speaker highlights how God has done great things for them, bringing them near and providing for them. He contrasts this with the emphasis on works in some religions, stating that God's work for us should come before our response to Him. The speaker also discusses the importance of love as a motivating factor in our lives, contrasting it with greed. He mentions that men are either motivated by love or greed, and encourages the audience to follow Jesus' teaching of loving one another.
God Omnipotent Reigns in Our Lives
By David Wilkerson1.9K45:44Grace Of GodHEB 11:13REV 3:17In this sermon, the preacher describes the grim reality of the society he witnesses, with drug addiction, violence, and mental illness prevalent in the streets. He shares stories of encounters with individuals who are deeply troubled and lost, including a young boy pretending to be a junkie, a demon-possessed teenager, and a homeless young man who steals his book. Despite the darkness and despair, the preacher emphasizes that the only message that can reach this broken society is the message of God's grace. He explains that grace is God's favor and forgiveness freely given to undeserving sinners, offering reconciliation and salvation even while they are still in their sins.
The Israel of God - Part 2
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K31:35IsraelGEN 15:5GEN 22:2ISA 53:10JHN 12:24ROM 9:6GAL 3:7HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He states that faith is the foundation, continuation, and confirmation of the Christian life. It is the key to salvation, spiritual progress, service, prayer, and the perfecting of believers. The speaker highlights Abraham as an example of someone with great faith, who believed in God's promises despite difficult circumstances. He mentions how God tested Abraham's faith by delaying the fulfillment of his promises, but ultimately rewarded him with the birth of his son.
K-488 the Eternal Perspective (1 of 2)
By Art Katz1.7K1:02:35Eternal PerspectiveMAT 6:33ACT 20:18HEB 10:34HEB 11:13HEB 11:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the promise of restoration and the establishment of God's glory through his rule over a creation that has rejected him. The sermon emphasizes the hope and promise that believers have been waiting for, even if they did not receive it in their lifetime. The preacher also mentions the invisible crowd of witnesses who are not yet complete without believers. The ministry of the church is not just to proclaim, but also to demonstrate the message of the kingdom of God and the reality of a life free from fear and anxiety. The sermon highlights the importance of living by faith and the transformative power it has in bringing eternity into the present world.
Characteristics of Faith
By Dennis Kinlaw1.5K47:18FaithGEN 15:6JHN 3:16ROM 14:11HEB 11:8HEB 11:13HEB 11:27In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the uncertainty of the future and the apprehension it brings. He shares a story of missionaries who claimed a valley for Jesus through their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having faith and expecting God to work in our lives. He encourages listeners to have their "arms of faith" around a territory or a group of people, believing that God can bring about transformation. The sermon also mentions the example of Abraham and Sarah, who believed in God's promise of a child even in their old age. The speaker concludes by challenging listeners to reach out and claim segments of the world for Jesus, so that all may bow in redemption rather than judgment.
The Life of Faith
By William MacDonald1.4K37:03FaithMAT 6:33HEB 11:1HEB 11:6HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith in understanding the creation of the world. He explains that while the scientific community may ridicule the concept of faith, it is through faith that we truly understand the creation of the world. The speaker references Hebrews 11, which states that the worlds were framed by the word of God, indicating that matter is energy and was brought into existence through God's spoken word. He encourages listeners to trust in the word of God and not allow doubts about the Bible to stain their minds, as the men of this world cannot truly know or understand the things of faith.
Go Back? Never!
By Ian Paisley83128:21HEB 11:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being more than a conqueror in the Lord's battle. He uses the story of David and Goliath as an example, highlighting how David not only defeated Goliath but also brought his ammunition back home. The speaker emphasizes the importance of making an irrevocable decision to follow God and refusing any opportunities or temptations to turn back. They also mention the exchange of servants between Abraham's and Laban's households as a symbol of continued communication and connection. The sermon concludes by referencing Philippians 2:5 and encouraging listeners to have the mind of Christ.
The Promises of God--No. 1
By Charles Finney0Faith and AssuranceGod's PromisesPSA 34:17ISA 41:10ISA 44:3JER 31:31EZK 36:25MAT 11:28MRK 11:24HEB 11:13JAS 1:52PE 1:4In his sermon 'The Promises of God--No. 1', Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of God's promises as exceeding great and precious, intended for the Christian Church and its individuals. He explains that these promises are designed to help believers partake in the divine nature and escape worldly corruption, while also addressing why they may not be fulfilled in our lives. Finney highlights that the promises are applicable to all believers, regardless of their circumstances, and stresses the necessity of faith and understanding in claiming these promises. He encourages the congregation to recognize the vast array of promises available to them, which cater to every need and situation they may face.
Profiting From the Word 8. the Scriptures and the Promises
By A.W. Pink0Faith and AssuranceGod's PromisesPSA 139:17PRO 23:23ROM 5:21ROM 9:82CO 1:20EPH 2:12PHP 4:19HEB 11:13HEB 13:52PE 1:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of God's promises in the Scriptures, illustrating how they reveal God's love and grace towards His people. He explains that these promises are not only assurances of blessings but also require believers to actively engage with them, recognizing their conditions and appropriating them in faith. Pink warns against the misuse of promises by those outside of Christ and encourages believers to patiently await their fulfillment while living in accordance with God's will. Ultimately, he highlights that the promises serve as a foundation for faith and a source of comfort in both spiritual and daily life.
Strangers and Pilgrims
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal HopePilgrimageHEB 11:10HEB 11:131PE 1:1Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers are merely strangers and pilgrims in this world, destined for a heavenly home rather than an earthly one. He draws from Scripture to illustrate that this life is a temporary journey through a wilderness, urging Christians to focus their hopes and affections on their eternal city, which is heaven. Brooks encourages believers to live with a sense of reverence and longing for their true home, where they will ultimately be united with Christ in glory. The sermon serves as a reminder that earthly attachments are fleeting and that true fulfillment lies in the eternal promises of God.
Choosing Not to Return
By K.P. Yohannan0FaithfulnessEternal PerspectiveHEB 11:13K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the importance of not returning to a life of comfort and familiarity after accepting Christ, as it can hinder our relationship with God. He draws parallels with biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Joseph, who chose to leave their normal lives for God's greater purpose. The sermon highlights the challenges posed by materialism, fear of the unknown, loss of focus, and spiritual deception that tempt believers to turn back. Yohannan encourages the congregation to remain steadfast in their faith, recognizing that their true home is in heaven, and to strive to populate that heavenly city with souls. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live authentically for God, beyond worldly distractions.
Abraham - a Great Pioneer
By T. Austin-Sparks0Spiritual PioneeringFaithHEB 11:13T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes Abraham as a great pioneer of the heavenly way, highlighting his profound sense of destiny that drove him to seek God's best rather than settle for second-best. Abraham's journey was marked by a holy discontent that propelled him forward, despite the challenges and conflicts between the spiritual and the temporal, as well as the carnal influences represented by Lot. Sparks illustrates that true spiritual pioneers, like Abraham, are characterized by their faith in the impossible, their capacity for adjustment after mistakes, and the working of a heavenly power within them. This pioneering spirit is essential for believers today, as they navigate a world that often pulls them away from their heavenly calling. Ultimately, Abraham's life serves as a model for those seeking to explore and embrace the fullness of God's promises.
Strangers and Pilgrims
By A.B. Simpson0Christian JourneyVisionHEB 11:13A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of having both immediate and long-term goals in our Christian journey, likening it to ploughing a straight furrow. He illustrates that just as a ploughman needs two stakes to maintain a straight line, Christians must have a near and a distant vision to avoid straying from their path. This dual focus helps believers stay grounded in the present while also aiming for a glorious future in Christ. Simpson encourages the congregation to seek both immediate guidance and eternal purpose in their lives.
The Pilgrims (An Allegory)
By Hannah More0Pilgrimage of FaithEternal PerspectiveMAT 6:19ROM 12:22CO 5:1PHP 3:20COL 3:21TI 6:7HEB 11:13JAS 5:31PE 2:112PE 3:13Hannah More emphasizes the journey of life as a pilgrimage, where believers are reminded to live in faith as strangers on earth, preparing for their eternal home. She illustrates how many are distracted by earthly desires and neglect the preparation needed for their ultimate destination, often clinging to temporary pleasures instead of focusing on the eternal promises of God. The sermon warns against the folly of hoarding earthly treasures, which cannot be taken into the afterlife, and encourages believers to use their time wisely in preparation for the journey ahead. More calls for a shift in focus from the transient to the eternal, urging the faithful to embrace their identity as pilgrims and to seek the things above. Ultimately, she reassures that God provides a better inheritance for those who remain faithful.
Faith
By A.W. Pink0The Nature of FaithGenuine vs. Nominal ChristianityPSA 37:37MAT 23:28JHN 20:312CO 5:7GAL 2:20GAL 3:2COL 3:12HEB 11:13JAS 1:61JN 5:4A.W. Pink emphasizes the essential role of faith in the life of a Christian, asserting that all religious activities are meaningless without it. He explains that true faith is a supernatural gift from God that goes beyond mere intellectual agreement with Scripture; it actively engages the heart and soul in worship, prayer, and daily living. Pink warns against the dangers of being a nominal Christian, who may outwardly appear devout but lacks the genuine faith that transforms and sustains. He highlights that faith is crucial not only for glorifying God but also for the believer's spiritual growth and assurance in life and death. Ultimately, Pink calls for a deeper reliance on God to strengthen our faith, recognizing it as a vital principle that purifies and empowers the believer.
Strangers and Pilgrims!
By James Smith0PSA 39:122TI 4:7HEB 11:131PE 1:3REV 21:4James Smith preaches about the journey of faith that believers are on, likening them to pilgrims and strangers in this world, facing trials and temptations along the way. Despite the challenges, believers are encouraged to press on towards the glorious rest that awaits them, prepared from the foundation of the world. The sermon emphasizes the temporary nature of this world and the eternal home that believers are destined for, where all desires will be fulfilled and they will dwell forever with the Lord.
Strangers and Pilgrims
By Watchman Nee0Christian IdentityEternal PerspectivePSA 119:19MAT 6:19JHN 15:19ROM 12:22CO 5:1PHP 3:20COL 3:2HEB 11:131PE 2:11REV 21:4Watchman Nee explores the concept of being 'strangers and pilgrims' on earth, emphasizing that true believers are not fully invested in worldly affairs but are instead sojourners with a higher calling. He illustrates this through his experience in England during a time of crisis, where he felt detached from the local emotions and events, recognizing that his true home lies elsewhere. This perspective encourages Christians to maintain a neutral stance towards worldly troubles and joys, focusing instead on their eternal destination.
Mark of the Beast
By Carter Conlon0GEN 4:15ISA 54:17EZK 9:3MAT 24:39LUK 21:26PHP 3:182TH 2:3HEB 11:132PE 3:3REV 13:15Carter Conlon preaches about the significance of the mark of the beast in Revelation, highlighting the end-time events leading to a one-world government and the rise of the Antichrist. He emphasizes the root of sin in humanity's desire to be like God, tracing it back to the Garden of Eden. Conlon explains the symbolism of 666 as the culmination of man declaring himself as God, indwelt by Satan. He warns about the inner scoffing and falling away in the last days, urging believers to be marked by God's values and not be swayed by the world's seductive reasoning.
Hebrews 11:7-12
By St. John Chrysostom0ISA 35:10JHN 15:14ROM 1:181CO 2:9HEB 11:7HEB 11:10HEB 11:13John Chrysostom preaches on the powerful examples of faith in Hebrews, highlighting Noah's obedience in building the ark despite the lack of visible signs, Abraham's obedience in leaving his homeland without knowing the destination, and Sarah's faith in conceiving a child in old age. He emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving God's promises, even if they are not fully realized in this life. Chrysostom urges the congregation to reflect on their own sins and shortcomings, to repent, and to strive for the eternal blessings promised by God.
Hebrews 11:13-16
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 39:12MAT 7:222CO 5:4GAL 6:14HEB 11:13John Chrysostom preaches about the virtue of being strangers and sojourners on earth, emphasizing the importance of living a life detached from worldly desires and focused on heavenly aspirations. He contrasts the righteous, who seek a heavenly country and are not ashamed to be called God's own, with the wicked who are consumed by earthly pleasures and face the consequences of their actions. Chrysostom urges the congregation to live virtuously, cultivate good habits, and strive for purity of heart and life, highlighting that God values an excellent course of life above miracles and signs.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
These all died in faith - That is, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob, continued to believe, to the end of their lives, that God would fulfill this promise; but they neither saw the numerous seed, nor did they get the promised rest in Canaan. Strangers and pilgrims - Strangers, ξενοι, persons who are out of their own country, who are in a foreign land: pilgrims, παρεπιδημοι, sojourners only for a time; not intending to take up their abode in that place, nor to get naturalized in that country. How many use these expressions, professing to be strangers and pilgrims here below, and yet the whole of their conduct, spirit, and attachments, show that they are perfectly at home! How little consideration and weight are in many of our professions, whether they relate to earth or heaven!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Summary of the characteristic excellencies of the patriarchs' faith died in faith--died as believers, waiting for, not actually seeing as yet their good things promised to them. They were true to this principle of faith even unto, and especially in, their dying hour (compare Heb 11:20). These all--beginning with "Abraham" (Heb 11:8), to whom the promises were made (Gal 3:16), and who is alluded to in the end of Heb 11:13 and in Heb 11:15 [BENGEL and ALFORD]. But the "ALL" can hardly but include Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Now as these did not receive the promise of entering literal Canaan, some other promise made in the first ages, and often repeated, must be that meant, namely, the promise of a coming Redeemer made to Adam, namely, "the seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head." Thus the promises cannot have been merely temporal, for Abel and Enoch mentioned here received no temporal promise [ARCHBISHOP MAGEE]. This promise of eternal redemption is the inner essence of the promises made to Abraham (Gal 3:16). not having received--It was this that constituted their "faith." If they had "received" THE THING PROMISED (so "the promises" here mean: the plural is used because of the frequent renewal of the promise to the patriarchs: Heb 11:17 says he did receive the promises, but not the thing promised), it would have been sight, not faith. seen them afar off-- (Joh 8:56). Christ, as the Word, was preached to the Old Testament believers, and so became the seed of life to their souls, as He is to ours. and were persuaded of them--The oldest manuscripts omit this clause. embraced them--as though they were not "afar off," but within reach, so as to draw them to themselves and clasp them in their embrace. TRENCH denies that the Old Testament believers embraced them, for they only saw them afar off: he translates, "saluted them," as the homeward-bound mariner, recognizing from afar the well-known promontories of his native land. ALFORD translates, "greeted them." Jacob's exclamation, "I have waited for Thy salvation, O Lord" (Gen 49:18) is such a greeting of salvation from afar [DELITZSCH]. confessed . . . were strangers--so Abraham to the children of Heth (Gen 23:4); and Jacob to Pharaoh (Gen 47:9; Psa 119:19). Worldly men hold fast the world; believers sit loose to it. Citizens of the world do not confess themselves "strangers on the earth." pilgrims--Greek, "temporary (literally, 'by the way') sojourners." on the earth--contrasted with "an heavenly" (Heb 11:16): "our citizenship is in heaven" (Greek: Heb 10:34; Psa 119:54; Phi 3:20). "Whosoever professes that he has a Father in heaven, confesses himself a stranger on earth; hence there is in the heart an ardent longing, like that of a child living among strangers, in want and grief, far from his fatherland" [LUTHER]. "Like ships in seas while in, above the world."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For they that say such things,.... That they are strangers and pilgrims on earth: declare plainly that they seek a country; heaven, so called, for the largeness of it; it is a good land, a land of uprightness; a pleasant land, a land of rest, though a land afar off; here the Father of Christ, and Christ himself, and all his people dwell: the Syriac version renders it, "their own city"; the place of their nativity, of which they were citizens: the act of "seeking" it supposes some things, with respect to the place where they were, as that they were in a strange land, had no settlement there, nor satisfaction in it, and that they sat loose to the world, and the things of it; and some things respecting the country sought after, as that they were not in it; that it was at a distance from them; that they had some knowledge of it, and of the way to it; that their desires were after it, and that they had a strong affection and value for it: the right way to this country is not mere civility and morality, nor legal righteousness, nor birth privileges, nor submission to outward ordinances, nor a mere profession of religion, but the Lord Jesus Christ; he is the true way to eternal life; it is his righteousness which gives a title to it, and on account of which believers expect it, though not without holiness, nor without trouble. The right manner of seeking it is, in the first place, above all things else, with the whole heart, by faith, and by patient continuance in well doing. Many are the reasons which may induce believers to seek it; it is their own, and their Father's country; it is a better one than that in which they are; and because of the company they shall there enjoy, and the work they shall be employed in; and because of the happiness they will be possessed of; and because their inheritance, riches, and treasures, lie here.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:13-16 The author pauses to point out general principles evident in the lives he has highlighted thus far. 11:13 Abraham’s family lived in the land of promise as foreigners and nomads (see Gen 23:4; cp. 1 Chr 29:15; Ps 39:12; 1 Pet 2:11).