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Hebrews 11:33
Verse
Context
(Joshua–Malachi)
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who through faith subdued kingdoms - As Joshua, who subdued the seven Canaanitish nations; and David, who subdued the Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, and Edomites. 2 Samuel 8, etc. Wrought righteousness - Did a great variety of works indicative of that faith in God without which it is impossible to do any thing that is good. Obtained promises - This is supposed to refer to Joshua and Caleb, who, through their faith in God, obtained the promised land, while all the rest of the Israelites were excluded; to Phineas also, who, for his act of zealous faith in slaying Zimri and Cosbi, got the promise of an everlasting priesthood; and to David, who, for his faith and obedience, obtained the kingdom of Israel, and had the promise that from his seed the Messiah should spring. Stopped the mouths of lions - Daniel, who, though cast into a den of lions for his fidelity to God, was preserved among them unhurt, and finally came to great honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
subdued kingdoms--as David did (Sa2 8:1, &c.); so also Gideon subdued Midian (Jdg. 7:1-25). wrought righteousness--as Samuel did (Sa1 8:9; 1Sa. 12:3-23; Sa1 15:33); and David (Sa2 8:15). obtained promises--as "the prophets" (Heb 11:32) did; for through them the promises were given (compare Dan 9:21) [BENGEL]. Rather, "obtained the fulfilment of promises," which had been previously the object of their faith (Jos 21:45; Kg1 8:56). Indeed, Gideon, Barak, &c., also obtained the things which God promised. Not "the promises," which are still future (Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39). stopped the mouths of lions--Note the words, "because he believed in his God." Also Samson (Jdg 14:6), David (Sa1 17:34-37), Benaiah (Sa2 23:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Women received their dead raised to life again,.... As the widow of Zarephath, and the Shunammite, Kg1 17:22. Their sons were really dead, and they received them alive gain, from the hands of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, in the way of a resurrection, and by faith; by the faith of the prophets: and others were tortured; racked, or tympanized; referring to the sufferings of seven brethren, and their mother, in the times of Antiochus, recorded in 2 Maccabees 7 as appears from the kind of torment endured by them; from the offer of deliverance rejected by them; and from their hope of the resurrection: for it follows, not accepting deliverance; when offered them by the king, see the Apocrypha: "24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs. 25 But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.'' (2 Maccabees 7) that they might obtain a better resurrection; which they died in the faith of, see the Apocryha: "7 And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel. 11 And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again. 14 So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life. (2 Maccabees) The resurrection of the saints, which is unto everlasting life, is a better resurrection than mere metaphorical, and figurative ones, as deliverances from great afflictions, which are called deaths; or real ones, which were only to a mortal state, and in order to die again, as those under the Old Testament, and under the New, before the resurrection of Christ; or than the resurrection of the wicked: for the resurrection the saints will obtain will be first, at the beginning of the thousand years; the wicked will not live till after they are ended; it will be by virtue of union to Christ, whereas the wicked will be raised merely by virtue of his power; the saints will rise with bodies glorious, powerful, and spiritual, the wicked with base, vile, and ignoble ones; the righteous will come forth to the resurrection of life, the wicked to the resurrection of damnation. The consideration of the better resurrection is of great use to strengthen faith, under sufferings, for righteousness sake, and this is obtained by suffering; not that suffering is the meritorious cause of it, but saints in this way come to it; it is promised to such, and it will be attained unto, and enjoyed by such; for all that live godly, do, and must suffer persecution in one way or another.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:33 overthrew kingdoms: During the time of the judges and the reign of David, Israel defeated many of their enemies. David and Solomon and a few others ruled with justice (see 2 Sam 8:15; 1 Kgs 10:9). • shut the mouths of lions: See Dan 6:1-23.
Hebrews 11:33
(Joshua–Malachi)
32And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets,33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,34quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Eternity
By Leonard Ravenhill4.6K28:52EternityPSA 90:12ACT 9:4ROM 1:14ROM 3:23PHP 3:7HEB 11:33The sermon transcript discusses the urgency of preaching the gospel of the kingdom in every land before the glorious day of the son of Manuel's appearance. It emphasizes the need to save the souls of the lost, as a thousand million souls are being lost every day. The sermon also highlights the concept of eternity and its impact on motivating believers to work for God. The theme of judgment is explored through a poem that depicts the consequences faced by different individuals, including the rich, the great, the gambler, and the model man, in the afterlife. The sermon concludes with a plea for repentance and salvation before it is too late.
The Bride Prepared
By Leonard Ravenhill2.6K1:08:11Bride1KI 17:1HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Elijah and how God commanded him to hide himself. The preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing when to show oneself and when to hide, using Elijah's example. He also highlights the power of God by recounting the story of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal and how God sent fire to consume the sacrifice. The preacher then shifts to discussing the state of the church, describing it as poor, wretched, naked, and blind. He identifies evangelism and easy-believe-ism as hindrances to revival and emphasizes the need for repentance and commitment to God.
See Christ Standing
By Leonard Ravenhill1.8K51:42Christian LifeHEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the Wimbledon Tennis Championships in England and the extravagant lengths people go to in order to attend. He then expresses his dissatisfaction with normality and mediocrity, longing for young preachers to rise up with the anointing of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of time and how it should be spent wisely, comparing it to money. He also shares a story about a preacher who was directed by God to change his sermon topic and how it impacted the lives of those who heard it. The sermon concludes with a story about a man who fell into a ditch while drunk and later realized that he had faced the judgment seat of Christ while asleep.
Groaning in the Spirit Is Answered by the "Salvation Ready to Be Revealed"
By Hans R. Waldvogel1.4K24:01Groaning In The SpiritJHN 16:33HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the hope of the gospel and the imminent return of Jesus. He warns about the danger of being complacent and satisfied with just "holding our own" in our faith. The preacher highlights the groaning of creation and the need for believers to groan and long for the completion of our salvation. The sermon encourages believers to love the appearing of Jesus and to have a deep desire for His presence in our lives.
16 Vital Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel1.4K1:27:00PSA 119:9PRO 14:13ROM 15:42TI 3:15HEB 11:331PE 1:23This sermon emphasizes the vital facets of the Bible, highlighting its role as the source of salvation, the evidence of true faith, the moral compass, and the means of spiritual growth, renewal, and survival. It delves into the importance of soaking oneself in the Word of God daily to combat backsliding, resist evil influences, and navigate life safely. The sermon also underscores the power of God's promises in testing and strengthening one's faith, offering hope, comfort, and courage in times of trial.
Sixteen Vital Facets of the Bible
By Keith Daniel8851:15:58Bible1SA 30:6JOB 7:6PSA 94:19PSA 107:20PSA 119:18PSA 119:49PSA 119:81PSA 119:92LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:42CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher warns about the dangers of being a backslider and burying God's Word for anything. He emphasizes that even in laughter, the heart of a backslider is sorrowful, highlighting the tragedy of pretending to be happy while inwardly weeping. The preacher asserts that it is a hundred times more difficult for a backslider to find a vital relationship with God than it is for a pervert or a drunk to find salvation. He passionately urges those who are not saved to accept Christ before leaving the hall, emphasizing the urgency of salvation. The preacher also encourages the audience to listen to the sermon again and to immerse themselves in God's Word, emphasizing its importance and the treasure it holds.
16 Facets of the Word of God
By Keith Daniel81658:24Word Of GodJOB 7:6PSA 107:20PSA 119:81PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:141CO 3:6HEB 11:33In this sermon, the speaker reflects on a moment when they were in a restaurant filled with expensive and beautiful things. They noticed that in order to enter the restaurant, the wealthy had to push through all these luxurious items. However, the speaker's attention was drawn to a small sign that promised the power to see in the darkest circumstances. They emphasize that neglecting the power of the Holy Spirit is a dangerous sign of backsliding. The speaker warns against seeking joy and fulfillment in anything other than a relationship with God and His Word, as it will ultimately leave one empty and sorrowful. The sermon references Proverbs 4:13 to emphasize the importance of staying connected to God's Word.
The Word of God (Laurel Mountain Chapel)
By Keith Daniel5141:11:10Word Of GodPSA 107:20PSA 112:1PSA 119:49PSA 119:92PSA 119:162ISA 34:16MAT 6:33LUK 24:27JHN 14:26ROM 15:41CO 2:142CO 3:62TI 3:16HEB 6:5HEB 11:33In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reading and studying the Word of God. He warns against neglecting the Bible, as it is the source of salvation, spiritual growth, and daily renewal. The preacher highlights that neglecting the Word of God is evidence of backsliding and can lead to sorrow and judgment. He compares the Word of God to a lamp that guides and protects us in darkness, and emphasizes the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance in understanding and applying the Scriptures. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God's cleansing, anointing, and the expectation that He will speak to the hearts of the listeners through His Word.
1 John 5:4
By John Gill0Overcoming the WorldVictory in FaithJHN 16:33ROM 8:372CO 2:14EPH 6:16PHP 4:13HEB 11:33JAS 4:71PE 5:81JN 4:41JN 5:4John Gill emphasizes that those born of God possess a divine nature that empowers them to overcome the challenges of the world, including temptations and false teachings. He explains that this victory is achieved through faith, which is a gift from God and is centered on Christ as its object. Gill highlights that true faith enables believers to triumph over adversities and remain steadfast in their commitment to God's commands. The sermon encourages believers to recognize their identity in Christ and the strength that comes from their faith to conquer worldly obstacles.
Demonstration 1 (Of Faith)
By Aphraates0PRO 20:6ISA 11:1ISA 66:16MAT 5:14MAT 9:28MRK 16:17JHN 1:1JHN 14:201CO 3:11EPH 5:2HEB 11:33Aphraates preaches about the importance of faith as the foundation of all good works, emphasizing that faith in Christ is the cornerstone upon which the entire structure of a believer's life is built. He delves into the significance of various biblical figures like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, showcasing how their faith led to remarkable deeds and divine interventions. Aphraates highlights the power of faith to conquer challenges, perform miracles, and transform lives, drawing examples from both the Old and New Testaments. He stresses the necessity of genuine faith in God, belief in Christ's resurrection, and adherence to the teachings of the Church, while urging believers to abstain from sinful practices and embrace righteous living.
September 8. 1678. a Call Out of Babylon
By Jane Lead0PSA 42:1ISA 48:10JHN 16:33ROM 8:62CO 5:17GAL 2:20COL 3:2HEB 11:331PE 2:9REV 18:4Jane Lead preaches about the restless pursuit of the Spirit to restore both body and spirit to their original state in Christ, seeking freedom from external restraints and powers that hinder the new creation laws. The sermon emphasizes the call to come out of worldly influences and embrace a life of purity and restoration, trusting in God's promises despite worldly losses and reproach. It challenges believers to suspend earthly thoughts and embrace a new birth of faith that transcends earthly senses, leading to a reign over earthly desires.
How to Tame Lions
By Denis Lyle01SA 2:30PSA 34:7PSA 48:14DAN 6:23ACT 5:29HEB 11:331JN 2:17Denis Lyle preaches on 'How to Tame Lions' by drawing parallels between the imprisonment of John Bunyan and the biblical story of Daniel in the lions' den. He emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith, loyalty to God's principles, and the ability of God to deliver His faithful followers from any crisis, just like He did for Daniel. Lyle challenges the audience to prioritize prayer, integrity, and obedience to God, even in the face of opposition and potential danger.
Seeing Him Who Is Invisible
By Jack Hyles0EXO 3:1LAM 1:12LUK 6:26JHN 13:162CO 4:182CO 5:7GAL 1:10HEB 11:24HEB 11:33Jack Hyles preaches about the importance of standing firm in faith, even in the face of opposition and loneliness, by drawing examples from the Bible of individuals who endured hardships and persecution for their faith. He emphasizes the need to see 'Him who is invisible' in times of discouragement and to seek God's presence and guidance above all else, even when faced with challenges and rejection from others.
Christ and Cancer
By John Piper0DEU 32:39ROM 8:18ROM 8:262CO 4:16HEB 11:33HEB 12:5John Piper preaches on the theology of sickness, emphasizing that in this fallen age, all creation, including our bodies, is subjected to futility and corruption, awaiting a future redemption. He highlights that Jesus Christ purchased our redemption, demonstrating its spiritual and physical aspects, and that God controls who gets sick and who gets well for the good of His children. Piper encourages believers to pray for healing and faith, trusting in God's love and power even in the darkest hours of suffering.
Indicators of God's Choosing
By A.W. Tozer0PRO 21:13ROM 1:20ROM 3:19TIT 1:10HEB 11:33Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'Closed' (phrasso) in Romans 3:19, emphasizing its significance in silencing all excuses for both Jews and Gentiles, akin to stopping the mouth or putting to silence. The concept of shutting mouths is illustrated in various biblical contexts, highlighting the effect of overwhelming evidence against sinners, rendering them speechless before God's judgment. The purpose of the Law is to lead individuals to renounce their own righteousness and rely on Christ's righteousness for justification, as obedience to the law alone cannot justify anyone before God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Who through faith subdued kingdoms - As Joshua, who subdued the seven Canaanitish nations; and David, who subdued the Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, and Edomites. 2 Samuel 8, etc. Wrought righteousness - Did a great variety of works indicative of that faith in God without which it is impossible to do any thing that is good. Obtained promises - This is supposed to refer to Joshua and Caleb, who, through their faith in God, obtained the promised land, while all the rest of the Israelites were excluded; to Phineas also, who, for his act of zealous faith in slaying Zimri and Cosbi, got the promise of an everlasting priesthood; and to David, who, for his faith and obedience, obtained the kingdom of Israel, and had the promise that from his seed the Messiah should spring. Stopped the mouths of lions - Daniel, who, though cast into a den of lions for his fidelity to God, was preserved among them unhurt, and finally came to great honor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
subdued kingdoms--as David did (Sa2 8:1, &c.); so also Gideon subdued Midian (Jdg. 7:1-25). wrought righteousness--as Samuel did (Sa1 8:9; 1Sa. 12:3-23; Sa1 15:33); and David (Sa2 8:15). obtained promises--as "the prophets" (Heb 11:32) did; for through them the promises were given (compare Dan 9:21) [BENGEL]. Rather, "obtained the fulfilment of promises," which had been previously the object of their faith (Jos 21:45; Kg1 8:56). Indeed, Gideon, Barak, &c., also obtained the things which God promised. Not "the promises," which are still future (Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39). stopped the mouths of lions--Note the words, "because he believed in his God." Also Samson (Jdg 14:6), David (Sa1 17:34-37), Benaiah (Sa2 23:20).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Women received their dead raised to life again,.... As the widow of Zarephath, and the Shunammite, Kg1 17:22. Their sons were really dead, and they received them alive gain, from the hands of the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, in the way of a resurrection, and by faith; by the faith of the prophets: and others were tortured; racked, or tympanized; referring to the sufferings of seven brethren, and their mother, in the times of Antiochus, recorded in 2 Maccabees 7 as appears from the kind of torment endured by them; from the offer of deliverance rejected by them; and from their hope of the resurrection: for it follows, not accepting deliverance; when offered them by the king, see the Apocrypha: "24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs. 25 But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.'' (2 Maccabees 7) that they might obtain a better resurrection; which they died in the faith of, see the Apocryha: "7 And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel. 11 And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again. 14 So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life. (2 Maccabees) The resurrection of the saints, which is unto everlasting life, is a better resurrection than mere metaphorical, and figurative ones, as deliverances from great afflictions, which are called deaths; or real ones, which were only to a mortal state, and in order to die again, as those under the Old Testament, and under the New, before the resurrection of Christ; or than the resurrection of the wicked: for the resurrection the saints will obtain will be first, at the beginning of the thousand years; the wicked will not live till after they are ended; it will be by virtue of union to Christ, whereas the wicked will be raised merely by virtue of his power; the saints will rise with bodies glorious, powerful, and spiritual, the wicked with base, vile, and ignoble ones; the righteous will come forth to the resurrection of life, the wicked to the resurrection of damnation. The consideration of the better resurrection is of great use to strengthen faith, under sufferings, for righteousness sake, and this is obtained by suffering; not that suffering is the meritorious cause of it, but saints in this way come to it; it is promised to such, and it will be attained unto, and enjoyed by such; for all that live godly, do, and must suffer persecution in one way or another.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:33 overthrew kingdoms: During the time of the judges and the reign of David, Israel defeated many of their enemies. David and Solomon and a few others ruled with justice (see 2 Sam 8:15; 1 Kgs 10:9). • shut the mouths of lions: See Dan 6:1-23.