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Hebrews 11:38
Verse
Context
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Cornelius Van Til
E.A. Johnston
Thomas Brooks
Richard Baxter
St. John Chrysostom
Charles E. CowmanSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of whom the world was not worthy - Yet they were obliged to wander by day in deserts and mountains, driven from the society of men, and often obliged to hide by night in dens and caves of the earth, to conceal themselves from the brutal rage of men. Perhaps he refers here principally to the case of Elijah, and the hundred prophets hidden in caves by Obadiah, and fed with bread and water. See Kg1 18:4. David was often obliged thus to hide himself from Saul; Sa1 24:3, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Of whom the world was not worthy--So far from their being unworthy of living in the world, as their exile in deserts, &c., might seem to imply, "the world was not worthy of them." The world, in shutting them out, shut out from itself a source of blessing; such as Joseph proved to Potiphar (Gen 39:5), and Jacob to Laban (Gen 30:27). In condemning them, the world condemned itself. caves--literally, "chinks." Palestine, from its hilly character, abounds in fissures and caves, affording shelter to the persecuted, as the fifty hid by Obadiah (Kg1 18:4, Kg1 18:13) and Elijah (Kg1 19:8, Kg1 19:13); and Mattathias and his sons (1 Maccabees 2:28, 29); and Judas Maccabeus (2 Maccabees 5:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
God having provided some better thing for us,.... Not a better state of the church, in such respect, as to be free from suffering reproach and persecutions; for this is the case of saints under the New Testament as under the Old; nor the felicity of the soul after death; nor any greater degree of happiness in the other world; nor the perfection of blessedness in soul and body; things common to all believers; but Christ, as now exhibited in the flesh: Jesus Christ was the same in the yesterday of the Old Testament, as he is in the present day of the Gospel dispensation; he was slain from the foundation of the world; and the saints then were saved as now, by his grace and righteousness: only with this difference between them and us; they had Christ in the promise, we have him himself that was promised; they had him in type and shadow, we have him in reality and truth; they believed in, and were saved by Christ, who was to come; we believe in him, and are saved by him, as being come. Hence our case is, with respect to these circumstances, better than theirs; we have a better covenant, or a better administration of the covenant of grace; we have a better priesthood, and a better sacrifice; the Gospel is dispensed in a better manner, more dearly and fully: our condition is better than theirs; they were as children under tutors and governors, and were under a spirit of bondage; but we are redeemed from under the law, and are clear of its burdensome rites, as well as of its curse and condemnation; and have the spirit of liberty and adoption. And this God has provided for us in his council and covenant: for this denotes God's determination, designation, and appointment of Christ, to be the propitiatory sacrifice for sin; and has respect to the nature and circumstances of his death, which were fixed in the purposes of God; as well as the time of his coming into the world, and the season of his death; and in all this God has shown his great goodness, his amazing love, and the riches of his grace: and his end herein is, that they without us should not be made perfect; the Old Testament saints are perfectly justified, perfectly sanctified, and perfectly glorified; but their perfection was not by the law, which made nothing perfect, but by Christ, and through his sacrifice, blood, and righteousness; and so were not made perfect without us; since their sins and ours are expiated together by the same sacrifice; their persons and ours justified together by the same righteousness; they and we make up but one church, and general assembly; and as yet all the elect of God among the Jews are not called, and so are not perfect in themselves, or without us. Jews and Gentiles will incorporate together in the latter day; and besides, they and we shall be glorified together, in soul and body, to all eternity. Next: Hebrews Chapter 12
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:38 too good for this world: Their hope was in God more than in the pleasures and comforts of this world.
Hebrews 11:38
(Joshua–Malachi)
37They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated.38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Who for the Joy
By Leonard Ravenhill1.7K45:56Cross of ChristMAT 6:33JHN 7:37HEB 11:33HEB 11:38HEB 12:2In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of depth and spiritual focus in many church meetings. He emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus as the ultimate source of devotion and guidance. The speaker highlights the endurance of Jesus in the face of sinners' contradiction and encourages the congregation to consider the wonder and worship that should arise from contemplating Jesus' suffering. The sermon also touches on the need for a purging of worldly influences and a return to the covenant conditions outlined in Hebrews 10:5.
The Certainty of Our Faith
By Cornelius Van Til1.3K34:20FaithGEN 6:8JHN 1:3ACT 17:311CO 1:181CO 15:58HEB 11:38HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the contrast between the wisdom of the world and the wisdom of God. He highlights how the world's wisdom is considered foolishness by God. The preacher also discusses the importance of proclaiming Jesus and his crucifixion, resurrection, and imminent return. He mentions the doubt and fear that modern man faces and how they are unable to truly know themselves or their world. The sermon concludes with a focus on the institution of the Lord's Supper and the belief in the existence of Satan and his deceit on the cross.
Revival Stories: John Wesley
By E.A. Johnston1.0K16:42BiographyGEN 18:21PSA 46:10MAT 22:11JHN 7:24ACT 16:30HEB 7:25HEB 11:38In this sermon transcript, John Wesley recounts a powerful experience he had while preaching in May 1739. As he was preaching on the words "be still and know that I am God," God began to manifest His power in the open air. Over 2,000 witnesses saw people being struck to the ground and trembling in the presence of God's power. Many cried out, asking how to be saved, and within an hour, seven individuals found salvation. Wesley also faced criticism for his preaching, but he confidently defended his message and shared the importance of repentance. The transcript also highlights Wesley's tireless dedication to preaching and his gratitude for the blessings he received throughout his life.
But the Truth Is
By Thomas Brooks0Spiritual GrowthTrue WisdomPSA 90:12COL 3:2HEB 11:38JAS 1:51PE 2:9Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true wisdom and skill are not found in worldly knowledge or accolades but in the spiritual growth and character of a holy Christian. He argues that the best scholars are those who speak truth from the heart, focus their thoughts on heavenly matters, and live out their faith through actions that honor God. Brooks highlights that a true Christian is one who grows in holiness, trains their family in the fear of the Lord, and offers Scriptural counsel, ultimately being a person of great worth in God's eyes.
The Misery of Those Who Lose the Saints' Rest
By Richard Baxter0JOB 21:14MAT 5:8MAT 11:30JHN 3:3ROM 1:28HEB 11:38HEB 12:14REV 3:20Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon warning about the consequences of rejecting Christ and living in sin, emphasizing the eternal separation from God and the everlasting torment in hell for those who do not repent. He draws parallels from the story of Ehud and Eglon to illustrate the urgency of delivering God's message to turn hearts towards salvation. Baxter highlights the importance of accepting Christ and the necessity of holiness to see the Lord, urging listeners to heed the call before it's too late.
Homily 4 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0DAN 3:17MAT 25:35HEB 11:38John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of imitating the faith and courage of the three young men in the fiery furnace, who chose to remain faithful to God even in the face of great danger. He emphasizes the need to prioritize spiritual wealth over material riches, urging believers to show compassion and generosity towards the poor and needy. Chrysostom warns against the dangers of idolizing wealth and exhorts listeners to find true glory in humility, self-restraint, and gratitude towards God, even in times of adversity.
Hiding Place
By Charles E. Cowman01KI 17:3PSA 27:5PSA 91:1MAT 6:6MRK 1:35LUK 5:16COL 3:3HEB 11:38REV 1:9Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of the hidden life, emphasizing that God's servants must learn the value of solitude and seeking refuge in God away from the busyness and distractions of the world. He highlights the need for believers to retreat to their own 'Cherith' - a place of seclusion and communion with God, where they can absorb spiritual power and deepen their relationship with Him. Various examples from history, including Bishop Andrews, John Welsh, David Brainerd, and Christmas Evans, demonstrate the significance of finding one's Cherith for spiritual growth and influence. Just as Jesus and other biblical figures found their Cherith in moments of seclusion and prayer, believers today are encouraged to seek their own place of retreat to experience the quietness and power that comes from a hidden life with Christ.
John 1:21-27
By St. John Chrysostom0DEU 18:15ISA 40:3MAT 3:11MAT 11:11MAT 11:19LUK 1:66LUK 16:15JHN 1:201CO 6:7HEB 11:38John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of envy, highlighting how it harms the envious first before causing any harm to others, emphasizing the importance of enduring wrong rather than inflicting it. He discusses the encounter between John the Baptist and the Jews, showcasing John's humility and gentleness in responding to their questions about his identity. John Chrysostom delves into the significance of John the Baptist's testimony about Jesus, pointing out the humility and wisdom in John's acknowledgment of Jesus' superiority and his unworthiness to even untie His sandals.
Desperately Needed: Men of God
By Eli Brayley0PSA 110:3PRO 6:10PRO 24:33ROM 1:20HEB 11:32HEB 11:38Eli Brayley passionately calls the Church to awaken from spiritual slumber and heed the warnings of Solomon, emphasizing the urgent need for repentance and revival. Drawing from Hebrews 11, he highlights the faith of biblical heroes like Gideon, David, and Samuel, challenging modern Christians to embrace the greater promises of the new covenant. Brayley exposes the spiritual poverty and complacency within the Church, urging believers to die to self, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and confront the darkness of the world with courage and character.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Of whom the world was not worthy - Yet they were obliged to wander by day in deserts and mountains, driven from the society of men, and often obliged to hide by night in dens and caves of the earth, to conceal themselves from the brutal rage of men. Perhaps he refers here principally to the case of Elijah, and the hundred prophets hidden in caves by Obadiah, and fed with bread and water. See Kg1 18:4. David was often obliged thus to hide himself from Saul; Sa1 24:3, etc.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Of whom the world was not worthy--So far from their being unworthy of living in the world, as their exile in deserts, &c., might seem to imply, "the world was not worthy of them." The world, in shutting them out, shut out from itself a source of blessing; such as Joseph proved to Potiphar (Gen 39:5), and Jacob to Laban (Gen 30:27). In condemning them, the world condemned itself. caves--literally, "chinks." Palestine, from its hilly character, abounds in fissures and caves, affording shelter to the persecuted, as the fifty hid by Obadiah (Kg1 18:4, Kg1 18:13) and Elijah (Kg1 19:8, Kg1 19:13); and Mattathias and his sons (1 Maccabees 2:28, 29); and Judas Maccabeus (2 Maccabees 5:27).
John Gill Bible Commentary
God having provided some better thing for us,.... Not a better state of the church, in such respect, as to be free from suffering reproach and persecutions; for this is the case of saints under the New Testament as under the Old; nor the felicity of the soul after death; nor any greater degree of happiness in the other world; nor the perfection of blessedness in soul and body; things common to all believers; but Christ, as now exhibited in the flesh: Jesus Christ was the same in the yesterday of the Old Testament, as he is in the present day of the Gospel dispensation; he was slain from the foundation of the world; and the saints then were saved as now, by his grace and righteousness: only with this difference between them and us; they had Christ in the promise, we have him himself that was promised; they had him in type and shadow, we have him in reality and truth; they believed in, and were saved by Christ, who was to come; we believe in him, and are saved by him, as being come. Hence our case is, with respect to these circumstances, better than theirs; we have a better covenant, or a better administration of the covenant of grace; we have a better priesthood, and a better sacrifice; the Gospel is dispensed in a better manner, more dearly and fully: our condition is better than theirs; they were as children under tutors and governors, and were under a spirit of bondage; but we are redeemed from under the law, and are clear of its burdensome rites, as well as of its curse and condemnation; and have the spirit of liberty and adoption. And this God has provided for us in his council and covenant: for this denotes God's determination, designation, and appointment of Christ, to be the propitiatory sacrifice for sin; and has respect to the nature and circumstances of his death, which were fixed in the purposes of God; as well as the time of his coming into the world, and the season of his death; and in all this God has shown his great goodness, his amazing love, and the riches of his grace: and his end herein is, that they without us should not be made perfect; the Old Testament saints are perfectly justified, perfectly sanctified, and perfectly glorified; but their perfection was not by the law, which made nothing perfect, but by Christ, and through his sacrifice, blood, and righteousness; and so were not made perfect without us; since their sins and ours are expiated together by the same sacrifice; their persons and ours justified together by the same righteousness; they and we make up but one church, and general assembly; and as yet all the elect of God among the Jews are not called, and so are not perfect in themselves, or without us. Jews and Gentiles will incorporate together in the latter day; and besides, they and we shall be glorified together, in soul and body, to all eternity. Next: Hebrews Chapter 12
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:38 too good for this world: Their hope was in God more than in the pleasures and comforts of this world.