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Hebrews 11:39
Verse
Context
(Joshua–Malachi)
38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.40God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having obtained a good report (having been witnessed to; see Heb 11:2) through faith - It was faith in God which supported all those eminent men who, in different parts of the world, and in different ages, were persecuted for righteousness sake. Received not the promise - They all heard of the promises made to Abraham of a heavenly rest, and of the promise of the Messiah, for this was a constant tradition; but they died without having seen this Anointed of the Lord. Christ was not in any of their times manifested in the flesh; and of him who was the expectation of all nations, they heard only by the hearing of the ear. This must be the promise, without receiving of which the apostle says they died.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
having obtained a good report--Greek, "being borne witness of." Though they were so, yet "they received not the promise," that is, the final completion of "salvation" promised at Christ's coming again (Heb 9:28); "the eternal inheritance" (Heb 9:15). Abraham did obtain the very thing promised (Heb 6:15) in part, namely, blessedness in soul after death, by virtue of faith in Christ about to come. The full blessedness of body and soul shall not be till the full number of the elect shall be accomplished, and all together, no one preceding the other, shall enter on the full glory and bliss. Moreover, in another point of view, "It is probable that some accumulation of blessedness was added to holy souls, when Christ came and fulfilled all things even as at His burial many rose from the dead, who doubtless ascended to heaven with Him" [FLACIUS in BENGEL]. (Compare Note, see on Eph 4:8). The perfecting of believers in title, and in respect to conscience, took place once for all, at the death of Christ, by virtue of His being made by death perfect as Saviour. Their perfecting in soul at, and ever after Christ's death, took place, and takes place at their death. But the universal and final perfecting will not take place till Christ's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:39-40 The way to live as God’s people under the new covenant is to live as all these people did under the old covenant: by faith in God’s promises, enduring any difficulties faced in this world. • earned a good reputation: God has borne witness to their faithfulness (see also 11:2). • yet none of them received all that God had promised: They all died prior to Christ’s promised coming; the something better began with Christ’s sacrificial work (8:3–10:18) and anticipates the future culmination of God’s plan for his people. • would not reach perfection: See study notes on 5:9; 7:11. Jesus has fulfilled God’s goal of bringing his people into relationship with him.
Hebrews 11:39
(Joshua–Malachi)
38The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.39These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised.40God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Hebrews) 3-Cain and Abel
By Leonard Ravenhill19K1:07:54Cain and AbelGEN 3:16ROM 16:20HEB 11:4HEB 11:16HEB 11:39In this sermon, the preacher discusses various topics related to faith and obedience to God. He mentions the story of Noah and the ark, highlighting how God's plan was perfect and how people ridiculed and snarled at it. The preacher emphasizes the importance of holy character and how God can work through flesh and blood to magnify Christ. He also references the book of Hebrews, specifically chapter 11, which discusses the excellency, life, and achievements of faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder that trusting and obeying God may not always be easy, but it is necessary even when faced with opposition.
(Hebrews - Part 36): Long Range Faith
By A.W. Tozer4.7K26:34ExpositionalMAT 6:332TI 1:12HEB 11:13HEB 11:16HEB 11:35HEB 11:39In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a long-range view as a Christian. He contrasts the worldly pursuits of money, pleasure, career, and fame with the eternal promises of God. The preacher urges believers to wait on God and be on the right side when Jesus returns to gather the nations and separate the righteous from the wicked. He encourages Christians to embrace their identity as strangers and pilgrims on earth, living with a heavenly perspective and trusting in God's long-range plan for their lives.
Winning God's Approval - Part 1
By Zac Poonen3.3K44:36Approval2TI 2:15HEB 11:6HEB 11:39In this sermon, the speaker announces a series of nine sessions on the topic of winning God's approval. He plans to study characters from the Old and New Testaments who either won or lost God's approval and draw lessons from their experiences. The speaker highlights the importance of seeking God's grace in times of need, using the analogy of a mountain climber who falls but is too proud to ask for help. He emphasizes the need to recognize the seriousness of rejecting God and the temptation to ask for grace. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's goodness and forgiveness, using the example of God clothing Adam and Eve with fig leaves after their failure in the Garden of Eden.
Israel Gods Banner to the World
By Lance Lambert63042:56IsraelJER 29:11ZEP 3:8MAT 6:33ACT 1:8ROM 11:23HEB 11:39REV 3:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for the presence of the Holy Spirit and the anointing of God. They emphasize the power of God's word and how everything God has done has been through his word. The speaker shares their personal experience of realizing that they were crucified with Christ and the importance of losing their self-life for the sake of the gospel. They also express excitement about what God is doing in the world, particularly with Israel, and encourage listeners to offer themselves as living sacrifices to God. The sermon concludes with the reminder that nothing is impossible with God and the affirmation that the word of God is living and active.
Why Pray
By Jeff Eggers61847:06PrayerHEB 11:39In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of simply being in the presence of God rather than constantly striving to do and accomplish. He highlights the wonder and fascination of God's creation, referencing passages from the book of Revelation and Ezekiel. The speaker then discusses the testimony of Jesus, which he describes as the unfolding of God's plan throughout history. He mentions various biblical figures who demonstrated faith and experienced both triumphs and trials. Ultimately, the sermon emphasizes that all things are leading towards the complete leadership of Jesus.
Amazing Faith of a Godly Mother
By Zac Poonen0God's ProvisionFaith2KI 4:8LUK 8:3HEB 11:35HEB 11:39Zac Poonen highlights the remarkable faith of a wealthy and godly mother in 2 Kings 4:8-37, who recognized Elisha as a holy man of God through his conduct rather than his sermons. Her thoughtful support for Elisha led to a miraculous blessing when he prophesied the birth of her child. When tragedy struck and her child died, her unwavering faith was evident as she sought out Elisha, confidently declaring 'It is well' despite her loss. This act of faith resulted in her child's resurrection, showcasing the power of belief and God's response to those who trust Him. Poonen emphasizes that true faith can lead to miraculous outcomes, as seen in the mother's story, which is celebrated in the annals of faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Having obtained a good report (having been witnessed to; see Heb 11:2) through faith - It was faith in God which supported all those eminent men who, in different parts of the world, and in different ages, were persecuted for righteousness sake. Received not the promise - They all heard of the promises made to Abraham of a heavenly rest, and of the promise of the Messiah, for this was a constant tradition; but they died without having seen this Anointed of the Lord. Christ was not in any of their times manifested in the flesh; and of him who was the expectation of all nations, they heard only by the hearing of the ear. This must be the promise, without receiving of which the apostle says they died.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
having obtained a good report--Greek, "being borne witness of." Though they were so, yet "they received not the promise," that is, the final completion of "salvation" promised at Christ's coming again (Heb 9:28); "the eternal inheritance" (Heb 9:15). Abraham did obtain the very thing promised (Heb 6:15) in part, namely, blessedness in soul after death, by virtue of faith in Christ about to come. The full blessedness of body and soul shall not be till the full number of the elect shall be accomplished, and all together, no one preceding the other, shall enter on the full glory and bliss. Moreover, in another point of view, "It is probable that some accumulation of blessedness was added to holy souls, when Christ came and fulfilled all things even as at His burial many rose from the dead, who doubtless ascended to heaven with Him" [FLACIUS in BENGEL]. (Compare Note, see on Eph 4:8). The perfecting of believers in title, and in respect to conscience, took place once for all, at the death of Christ, by virtue of His being made by death perfect as Saviour. Their perfecting in soul at, and ever after Christ's death, took place, and takes place at their death. But the universal and final perfecting will not take place till Christ's coming.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
11:39-40 The way to live as God’s people under the new covenant is to live as all these people did under the old covenant: by faith in God’s promises, enduring any difficulties faced in this world. • earned a good reputation: God has borne witness to their faithfulness (see also 11:2). • yet none of them received all that God had promised: They all died prior to Christ’s promised coming; the something better began with Christ’s sacrificial work (8:3–10:18) and anticipates the future culmination of God’s plan for his people. • would not reach perfection: See study notes on 5:9; 7:11. Jesus has fulfilled God’s goal of bringing his people into relationship with him.