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Hebrews 11:31
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- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The harlot Rahab perished not - See this account Jos 2:1, Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, and Jos 6:23, where it is rendered exceedingly probable that the word זונה zonah in Hebrew, and πορνη in Greek, which we translate harlot, should be rendered innkeeper or tavernkeeper, as there is no proper evidence that the person in question was such a woman as our translation represents her. As to her having been a harlot before and converted afterwards, it is a figment of an idle fancy. She was afterwards married to Salmon, a Jewish prince; see Mat 1:5. And it is extremely incredible that, had she been what we represent her, he would have sought for such an alliance. Received the spies with peace - Μετ' ειρηνης· The same as בשלום beshalom, giving them a kind welcome, good fare, and protection. After these words the Slavonic adds: Και ἑτερᾳ ὁδῳ εκβαλουσα, and sent them out another way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Rahab showed her "faith" in her confession, Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, "I know that Jehovah hath given you the land; Jehovah your God, is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." the harlot--Her former life adds to the marvel of her repentance, faith, and preservation (Mat 21:31-32). believed not--Greek, "were disobedient," namely, to the will of God manifested by the miracles wrought in behalf of Israel (Jos 2:8-11). received--in her house (Jos 2:1, Jos 2:4, Jos 2:6). with peace--peaceably; so that they had nothing to fear in her house. Thus Paul, quoting the same examples (Heb 11:17, Heb 11:31) for the power of faith, as James (Jam 2:21, Jam 2:25; see on Jam 2:21; Jam 2:25) does for justification by works evidentially, shows that in maintaining justification by faith alone, he means not a dead faith, but "faith which worketh by love" (Gal 5:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who through faith subdued kingdoms,.... As David did particularly; who subdued Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and the Philistines, Sa2 8:12. War, in some cases, is lawful; and kingdoms may be subdued; and faith makes use of means to do it: these kingdoms, though subdued by faith, yet not without fighting. Believers have no reason to be afraid of kings, or kingdoms; and this should encourage the saints, in their combats with the powers of darkness. Wrought righteousness; exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God, and his people; civil righteousness, in the discharge of their offices; and moral righteousness, in their conversation before God and men; which, being imperfect, was not justifying: wherefore they stood in need of another, and better righteousness, which is perfect and durable; and, in consequence of which being known, embraced, and received, men work righteousness: it may be observed, that to do works of righteousness in faith, and by it, is something very considerable; it is reckoned here among actions of the greatest fame; and that true faith is an operative grace, it works by love, and is always attended with works of righteousness; and that righteousness is a fruit and evidence of faith; and that faith is not the believer's righteousness; and that the righteousness of faith is not that which faith works, but which it receives. Obtained promises; the promise of the land of Canaan; particular promises of victory over their enemies; promises concerning the Messiah, and of everlasting life and happiness: their faith was not the cause of promises being made, nor of their being fulfilled; but was the grace by which these believers received them, believed them, and waited for the accomplishment of them; and, in some sense, enjoyed the things promised before hand; their faith realizing things future and invisible to them: to obtain a promise from God is a great and marvellous thing; it is an instance of rich grace; and there is never a promise, but what is great in itself, and precious to the saints: all God's promises are obtained; they are sure, and are certainly fulfilled; and it is the work and business of faith to receive, and enjoy them. Stopped the mouths of lions: a lion was slain by Samson, and another by David; but the most remarkable instance of stopping the mouths of lions, was in the den, into which Daniel was cast; and this may encourage the faith of God's people, when they are in the midst of men, comparable to lions; and may animate them not to fear the devouring lion, Satan.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:31 Rahab the prostitute (Josh 2; 6:25) showed faith in the power of the God of Israel by protecting the spies who came to her home (cp. Jas 2:25). As a result, she and her family were not destroyed but joined the community of Israel. In fact, Rahab was an ancestor of Jesus (Matt 1:5).
Hebrews 11:31
(Joshua–Malachi)
30By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.31By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Red Light of Warning on the Red Light District
By Ian Paisley60637:10HEB 11:31In this sermon, the preacher, Talmadge, describes a series of acts that depict the consequences of sin and the destruction it brings. The first act portrays a woman who has lost her home training and discipline, leading to her downfall. The second act shows a wasted woman desperately seeking her drunken husband, highlighting the hardships and disgrace caused by sin. The third act reveals three graves, representing the tragic outcomes of neglect, broken hearts, and lust. The fourth act emphasizes the eternal damnation and despair that awaits a destroyed soul. Talmadge also addresses the plight of fallen women, who often face victimization and shame. He urges them to seek forgiveness and salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a prayer for revival and a plea to love and save lost souls.
Trophies of His Grace
By Steve Mays57127:20GraceGEN 38:24RUT 1:16ISA 1:18MAT 6:33JHN 14:6HEB 11:31In this sermon, Pastor Steve Mays shares a personal anecdote about his grandson wanting to go to the zoo but not having enough time. He then transitions into discussing how sometimes in life, we feel like we've been set up or treated unfairly. He emphasizes that God is not embarrassed by the challenges we face and encourages listeners to come to God just as they are. Pastor Steve also explores the idea of ancestry and how God chose to restore and use flawed individuals in Jesus' lineage to bring forth the Savior of the world.
Old Testament Survey - Part 26
By Dick Woodward50127:28JOS 1:9JOS 6:20PSA 27:13JHN 2:5HEB 11:31This sermon delves into the book of Joshua as a powerful illustration of faith, contrasting it with the book of Numbers which focuses on unbelief. It highlights the perpetuation of faith from Moses to Joshua, the perplexities and problems of faith, and the importance of obedient faith. The sermon emphasizes the need for practical faith that walks and works, using the story of the battle of Jericho as a prime example of faith in action.
She Bound the Scarlet Line in the Window
By C.H. Spurgeon0The Blood of ChristFaith and ObedienceJOS 2:18HEB 11:31C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the faith and obedience of Rahab, who tied a scarlet line in her window as a sign of her trust in the spies and, ultimately, in God. This seemingly trivial act symbolizes the importance of adhering to God's commands, no matter how small they may seem. Spurgeon challenges believers to reflect on their own obedience to God's will and the significance of the blood of Jesus in their lives. He encourages the faithful to make their trust in Christ evident to others, just as Rahab did, and reassures them that God sees their faith even when they struggle to perceive it themselves. Ultimately, he calls for a renewed commitment to trust in the atonement of Christ for salvation and security amidst destruction.
Homily 2 on Romans
By St. John Chrysostom0GEN 22:3ROM 1:8ROM 1:16HEB 11:31John Chrysostom preaches about the power of faith and the righteousness of God revealed through the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not being ashamed of the message of the Cross. He highlights the universal nature of salvation, available to both Jews and Gentiles, through faith in Jesus Christ. Chrysostom encourages believers to trust in God's providence and not to question His ways, illustrating this with examples from the Old Testament. He urges the Romans to embrace faith, knowing that through it, they can receive the gift of salvation and righteousness from God.
The Rewards of Hospitality
By Clement of Rome0JOS 2:1JOS 6:22MAT 1:5HEB 11:31JAS 2:25Clement of Rome highlights the story of Rahab the harlot, emphasizing her faith, hospitality, and role in the salvation of the spies sent by Joshua to Jericho. Rahab's courageous actions in hiding the spies and her declaration of faith in the Lord demonstrated her belief in God's power and protection. Through her faith and obedience, Rahab and her family were spared when Jericho fell, showcasing the importance of trust and obedience in God's promises for salvation and redemption.
Epistle 342
By George Fox01KI 2:11ROM 5:2EPH 2:8HEB 11:5HEB 11:27HEB 11:311JN 5:4George Fox preaches about the importance of living and walking in the faith that all saints throughout history have lived by, emphasizing examples like Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Rahab, and Elijah who all demonstrated unwavering faith in God. He highlights how this faith is a gift from God, the key to accessing God, knowing one's election, and being translated from death to life. Fox stresses that true faith cannot be attained through natural knowledge or understanding of languages, but only through Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of faith.
Exodus for All the Earth
By John Piper0GEN 1:27EXO 9:16ISA 43:7ROM 5:12HEB 11:31John Piper preaches on God's purpose in creating humanity in His image, to reflect His glory and fill the earth with His praise. Despite the entrance of sin through Adam, God initiated a plan of redemption through Abraham, demonstrating His faithfulness and love. The exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Israel's history, was orchestrated by God to display His glory, fulfill His promises, and draw all nations to worship Him. Through these events, God's ultimate aim was to magnify His own glory in the world and bring salvation to His people.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The harlot Rahab perished not - See this account Jos 2:1, Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, and Jos 6:23, where it is rendered exceedingly probable that the word זונה zonah in Hebrew, and πορνη in Greek, which we translate harlot, should be rendered innkeeper or tavernkeeper, as there is no proper evidence that the person in question was such a woman as our translation represents her. As to her having been a harlot before and converted afterwards, it is a figment of an idle fancy. She was afterwards married to Salmon, a Jewish prince; see Mat 1:5. And it is extremely incredible that, had she been what we represent her, he would have sought for such an alliance. Received the spies with peace - Μετ' ειρηνης· The same as בשלום beshalom, giving them a kind welcome, good fare, and protection. After these words the Slavonic adds: Και ἑτερᾳ ὁδῳ εκβαλουσα, and sent them out another way.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Rahab showed her "faith" in her confession, Jos 2:9, Jos 2:11, "I know that Jehovah hath given you the land; Jehovah your God, is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath." the harlot--Her former life adds to the marvel of her repentance, faith, and preservation (Mat 21:31-32). believed not--Greek, "were disobedient," namely, to the will of God manifested by the miracles wrought in behalf of Israel (Jos 2:8-11). received--in her house (Jos 2:1, Jos 2:4, Jos 2:6). with peace--peaceably; so that they had nothing to fear in her house. Thus Paul, quoting the same examples (Heb 11:17, Heb 11:31) for the power of faith, as James (Jam 2:21, Jam 2:25; see on Jam 2:21; Jam 2:25) does for justification by works evidentially, shows that in maintaining justification by faith alone, he means not a dead faith, but "faith which worketh by love" (Gal 5:6).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Who through faith subdued kingdoms,.... As David did particularly; who subdued Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and the Philistines, Sa2 8:12. War, in some cases, is lawful; and kingdoms may be subdued; and faith makes use of means to do it: these kingdoms, though subdued by faith, yet not without fighting. Believers have no reason to be afraid of kings, or kingdoms; and this should encourage the saints, in their combats with the powers of darkness. Wrought righteousness; exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God, and his people; civil righteousness, in the discharge of their offices; and moral righteousness, in their conversation before God and men; which, being imperfect, was not justifying: wherefore they stood in need of another, and better righteousness, which is perfect and durable; and, in consequence of which being known, embraced, and received, men work righteousness: it may be observed, that to do works of righteousness in faith, and by it, is something very considerable; it is reckoned here among actions of the greatest fame; and that true faith is an operative grace, it works by love, and is always attended with works of righteousness; and that righteousness is a fruit and evidence of faith; and that faith is not the believer's righteousness; and that the righteousness of faith is not that which faith works, but which it receives. Obtained promises; the promise of the land of Canaan; particular promises of victory over their enemies; promises concerning the Messiah, and of everlasting life and happiness: their faith was not the cause of promises being made, nor of their being fulfilled; but was the grace by which these believers received them, believed them, and waited for the accomplishment of them; and, in some sense, enjoyed the things promised before hand; their faith realizing things future and invisible to them: to obtain a promise from God is a great and marvellous thing; it is an instance of rich grace; and there is never a promise, but what is great in itself, and precious to the saints: all God's promises are obtained; they are sure, and are certainly fulfilled; and it is the work and business of faith to receive, and enjoy them. Stopped the mouths of lions: a lion was slain by Samson, and another by David; but the most remarkable instance of stopping the mouths of lions, was in the den, into which Daniel was cast; and this may encourage the faith of God's people, when they are in the midst of men, comparable to lions; and may animate them not to fear the devouring lion, Satan.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:31 Rahab the prostitute (Josh 2; 6:25) showed faith in the power of the God of Israel by protecting the spies who came to her home (cp. Jas 2:25). As a result, she and her family were not destroyed but joined the community of Israel. In fact, Rahab was an ancestor of Jesus (Matt 1:5).