Hebrews 11

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 31 2 8 0 0 11. The Heroes of Faith) 11:1 40) Outline) 11:1 3 A. A Definition of Faith ) 11:4 7 B. Three Examples of Faith: Abel, Enoch, and Noah ) C. The Faith of Abraham ) 11:8 10 1. The Promised Land ) 11:11 12 2.

The Promised Son ) 11:13 16 3. The Promise ) 11:17 19 4. The Test of Faith ) 11:20 22 D. The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph ) E. The Faith of Moses ) 11:23 26 1. Moses Childhood and Position ) 11:27 29 2.

Moses Leadership ) 11:30 31 F. Faith at Jericho ) G. Known and Unknown Heroes of Faith ) 11:32 35a 1. Those Who Triumphed ) 11:35b 38 2. Those Who Suffered ) 11:39 40 3. Commendation ) ) ) ) A.

A Definition of Faith) 11:1 3) 11 1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.) 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.) ) The writer delights in recounting the history of the heroes of faith recorded in Scripture. Before he cites examples, however, he composes a brief definition of faith. He does not write a dogmatic exposition. Instead he formulates a few clear, straightforward sentences.) 1. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.) As we study this verse, let us note the following points:) a. Faith) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.23|AUTODETECT|” The word faith in the New Testament has many aspects. For example, when the Judean Christians, whom Paul had sought to destroy, spoke of their belief in Christ, they said, The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.1.23|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 1:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Faith, then, is a confession, much the same as we call the Apostles Creed the articles of our Christian faith. However, this is not the meaning of faith that the writer of Hebrews conveys.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.31|AUTODETECT|” For the evangelists who wrote the Gospels, Jesus Christ is the object of faith. John summarizes this emphasis when he states the purpose of his Gospel, namely, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.20.31|AUTODETECT|” John 20:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also, the Acts show that in the first century, a personal faith in Jesus was a hallmark of the early Christians. ��1��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Still another aspect of faith is Paul s emphasis on appropriating, that is, claiming salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul contends that God puts the sinner right with him through faith: This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 3:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.17|AUTODETECT|” ). And Paul explains that faith comes from hearing the Word proclaimed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 26 2 8 0 0 The author of Hebrews recognizes these same aspects of faith featured by other writers of the New Testament. However, his use of the concept faith must be understood primarily in the context of the eleventh chapter of his epistle. The heroes of faith have one thing in common: they put their undivided confidence in God. In spite of all their trials and difficult circumstances, they triumphed because of their trust in God. For the author, faith is adhering to the promises of God, depending on the Word of God, and remaining faithful to the Son of God.) When we see chapter 11 in the context of Hebrews, the author s design to contrast faith with the sin of unbelief (3:12, 19; 4:2; 10:38 39) becomes clear. Over against the sin of falling away from the living God, the writer squarely places the virtue of faith.��2�� Those people who shrink from putting their trust in God are destroyed, but those who believe are saved (10:39).) b.

Assurance) What is true faith? In 1563 a German theology professor, Zacharias Ursinus, formulated his personal faith:) True faith ) created in me by the Holy Spirit through the gospel ) is not only a knowledge and conviction) that everything that God reveals in his Word is true,) but also a deep-rooted assurance) that not only others, but I too,) have had my sins forgiven,) have been made forever right with God,) and have been granted salvation.) These are gifts of sheer grace) earned for us by Christ.��3��) The author of Hebrews expresses that same assurance in much more concise wording: Faith is being sure of what we hope for. The expression being sure of is given as substance in other translations.��4�� The difference between these translations arises from understanding the original Greek word hypostasis subjectively or objectively. If I am sure of something, I have certainty in my heart. This is a subjective knowledge because it is within me. Assurance, then, is a subjective quality.

By contrast, the word substance is objective because it refers to something that is not part of me. Rather, substance is something on which I can rely. As one translation has it, Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for. ��5�� That, in fact, is objective.) To come to a clear-cut choice in the matter is not easy, for the one translation does not rule out the other. The translation confidence or assurance has gained prominence, perhaps because 3:14 also has the same word: We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. In the case of 11:1, even though the objective sense has validity, the subjective meaning is commended.) The author teaches the virtue of hope wherever he is able to introduce the topic (3:6; 6:11, 18; 7:19; 10:23). Hope is not an inactive hidden quality.

Hope is active and progressive. It relates to all the things God has promised to believers: all things of present grace and future glory. ��6��) c. Certainty) Although the brief statement on faith consists of only two phrases, they are perfectly balanced. Note the structure:) Faith) is) being sure of certain of ) what we hope for what we do not see ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.24-45.8.25|AUTODETECT|” In short, assurance is balanced by certainty. These two nouns are in this text synonymous. Certainty, then, means inner conviction. ��7�� The believer is convinced that the things he is unable to see are real. Not every conviction, however, is equal to faith. Conviction is the equivalent of faith when certainty prevails, even though the evidence is lacking. The things we do not see are those that pertain to the future, that in time will become the present.

Even things of the present, and certainly those of the past, that are beyond our reach belong to the category of what we do not see. Comments B. F. Westcott, Hope includes that which is internal as well as that which is external. ��8�� Hope centers in the mind and spirit of man; sight relates to one of his senses 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=45.8.24-45.8.25|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:24 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 8 2 8 0 0 Faith, therefore, radiates from man s inner being where hope resides to riches that are beyond his purview. Faith demonstrates itself in confident assurance and convincing certainty.) 2. This is what the ancients were commended for.) A somewhat literal translation of this verse reads, It is for their faith that the men of old [the elders] stand on record (NEB).��9�� The faith demonstrated by the ancients gained them God s approval. The term ancients, more literally elders, refers to the same group of people listed as forefathers in 1:1. All of them have one thing in common: their faith. For that faith they are commended by God.) The writer of Hebrews begins his list of the heroes of faith with Abel and Enoch.

For both of these illustrations, he uses the verb to commend. In verse 4 we read, By faith [Abel] was commended as a righteous man, and in verse 5, For before [Enoch] was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. It would not be necessary for the author to say that everyone mentioned in the list was commended. All the ancients whose names are recorded in sacred history experienced God s favor because of their faith. For their faith they were recognized by God and by his people.) 3. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.) At first sight we are inclined to read verse 3 with verse I and consider verse 2 the logical heading of the list of the men of faith.

But we have no justification for rearranging the author s design. He begins his illustrations of demonstrating faith with a comment about creation. No one was present at creation to observe the formation of the world. Where were you when I laid the earth s foundation? God asks Job (38:4). By using the plural we understand, the author includes himself and all his readers in the confession that God created the world.) The first declaration in the long list of the verses beginning with by faith is so rich in meaning that we do well to discuss this verse phrase by phrase.

Before we enter upon a full discussion, however, we should note that verse 3b is translated in two ways. That is, the negative adverb not is placed either before the verb to make or before the word appear apart from variations in translating this verse. The verse can he translated either so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible ��10�� or so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear. ��11�� Translators are about equally divided on this particular issue. We shall discuss the matter as it presents itself in the sequence of the verse.) a. By faith. This is the first occurrence in a series of twenty-one uses of the phrase by faith.

After these the author tells the readers that he lacks the time to write about additional Old testament saints who also showed their faith (11:32 38). These were all commended for their faith (11:39).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.20|AUTODETECT|” b. We understand. The author and his readers are able to understand God s creation by faith. Although we are unable to observe that which is invisible, in our minds we recognize the power of God. Understanding creation even in a limited sense means that we reflect in faith on the relationship of Creator to creation.��12�� In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Romans 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 Paul provides a striking parallel that even in translation is close.) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.20|AUTODETECT|” Romans 1:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.3|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.3|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 11:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 1 6 2 8 0 0 For since By faith we understand ) the Creation of the world that the universe was formed ) God s invisible qualities& at God s command, ) have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made so that what is seen, was not made out of what was visible ) ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.2|AUTODETECT|” c. The universe was formed. Translations vary from world or worlds to universe 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The concept includes the whole scheme of time and space (Phillips). Moreover, God gave form, shape, and order to the universe. According to the creation account in Genesis, God created the heavens and the earth (1:1) and then proceeded to give structure and variety to a formless and empty earth.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.3|AUTODETECT|” d. At God s command. We are immediately reminded of the six commands God spoke at the time of creation 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.6|AUTODETECT|” 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.1.24|AUTODETECT|” 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.33.6|AUTODETECT|” ). By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, says the psalmist 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.33.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 33:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.33.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Purposely God created the world in such a manner that man can understand its origin only by faith. God made the world by his command. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.33.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 33:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 e. So that what is seen. The author of Hebrews refers to that which visibly exists in God s creation that is, light, sky, stars, earth, and countless other things.��13�� Man is able to see all these entities with his physical eyes. These things, however, have not been made of what can be observed.) f. Was not made out of what was visible. Because no one was present at the time of creation, eyewitness reports do not exist. Man must rely on what God has revealed to him about the creation of the universe and the formation of the world. And by faith man ascertains that creation originates with God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” How should verse 3 be translated? I have adopted the translation that negates the verb to make, for this translation appears to favor the flow of the argument. The word visible implies that at one time this creation did not exist and therefore is not eternal. Creation has a beginning. Moreover, prior to creation, the invisible prevailed.��14�� We would have been happy to receive more revelation concerning this point, but the author of Hebrews provides no further information where God s revelation is silent. We do well not to speculate 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 8 2 8 0 0 ) Practical Considerations in 11:1 3) Chapter 11 is the chapter about faith in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Earlier in the letter the author introduces the concept faith when he speaks of the disobedient Israelites. These people heard the message of the gospel, but they did not combine it with faith (4:2). They persevered not; instead they followed their own willful way. The writer stresses the aspect of perseverance of faith (10:36) and places faith conspicuously over against unbelief. Faith, then, is the confidence the believer expresses when he faces blatant unbelief.) This unbelief surrounds the believer especially when the origin of the world becomes the topic of discussion.

Modern man refuses to accept the creation account recorded in Genesis. For him the teaching of evolution solves problems and answers questions. Because this doctrine is a substitute for the biblical account of creation, man rejects God and his Word. Countering unbelief, the Christian unwaveringly maintains his faith. He confidently teaches the creation account that God has revealed in Scripture.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:1 3) Verse 1) ���������� this present passive participle in the plural lacks the definite article to give the participle a broader range. The case is genitive not subjective but objective.

The present tense implies continued activity.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Q�������� a compound noun, derived from Q�� (under) and 5����� (I stand), it has been translated as substance, being 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.14|AUTODETECT|” ), or confidence 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.14|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 �P ���������� the present passive participle is preceded by the negative particle �P, not ��. The use of �P with the participle means that the negative is clear-cut and decisive. ��15�� The present tense is descriptive. The genitive case is objective.) Verse 3) ������� closely linked to ������, the verb ���� (I perceive with my mind) discloses that faith is not blind assent but engages man s intellect and mind.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.61|AUTODETECT|” ������ ���� both nouns appear without a definite article. In the following passages the definite article occurs: ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.61|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:61) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.34|AUTODETECT|” John 3:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.8.47|AUTODETECT|” 8:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.11.16|AUTODETECT|” Acts 11:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The absence of the article, the use of ���� instead of �����, and the reference to the creation account make the translation at God s command unique.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.4|AUTODETECT|” �0� �x �t & ��������� we have a clear example of result, ��16�� not of purpose. The use of the perfect infinitive shows permanence. That which has been created has lasting validity and stability. The definite article need not precede the infinitive without any intervening words 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.4|AUTODETECT|” Mark 5:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.8.11|AUTODETECT|” Acts 8:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.4.2|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 4:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For this reason, the negative particle �� fits in better with the infinitive construction than with the preposition and participle � ����������.) 1 9 2 8 0 0 ) B. Three Examples of Faith: Abel, Enoch, and Noah) 11:4 7) 4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.) 5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.) 7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.) ) The contrast between faith and unbelief is exemplified in the lives of the forefathers.

The writer presents the positive element faith; nevertheless, by mentioning the name Cain, he introduces an example of disobedience and unbelief.) 4. By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” The author places the name of Abel, and by implication that of Adam, at the beginning of his list of Old Testament saints. Adam s son Abel occupies a special place in sacred history, for even Jesus calls him righteous 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:51) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 With reference to Abel, note the following points:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.4|AUTODETECT|” a. Abel presented a better sacrifice than did his brother Cain. As a tiller of the soil, Cain brought some of its fruits. Abel, the shepherd, sacrificed the fat of some of the firstborn of his flock 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6-1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Is the word better an indication that animal sacrifices were more acceptable to God than were the fruits of the field? No. We should look not at the gifts but at the giver. The historical context is quite explicit. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.6-1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Genesis 4:6 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 we read: Then the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The Septuagint version of verse 7 reads, Did you not sin when you offered [your sacrifice] correctly, but did not divide it correctly? ��17�� Throughout his epistle the author of Hebrews shows that he depends on this Greek translation of the Old testament. But the author s choice of version is not at issue. The fact remains that Cain s attitude toward God was sinful. In effect, God pleaded with him to repent, to change his way of life, and to conquer sin. However, the writer introduces Cain s name only for contrast; he is interested in Abel s faith. Notice, for example, that the expression by faith occurs three times in this verse (NIV).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” b. Abel was a righteous man. He lived in harmony with God and man and therefore became known as a righteous man. How God communicated with Abel is not known. One assumes that as God spoke directly with Cain, so he addressed Abel. There is no reason to resort to interpretations that hold that God communicated through symbols, such as fire that came down from heaven to consume Abel s sacrifice or smoke that ascended from this sacrifice.��18�� The Genesis account provides no further information on how God looked with favor on Abel and his offering (4:4). God looked on Abel s heart and was pleased with the motives of the giver. As Paul puts it, God loves a cheerful giver 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.9.7|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 9:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.10|AUTODETECT|” c. Even after his death, Abel is a constant witness. The text can be interpreted to refer to Abel s blood. God says to Cain, Your brother s blood cries out to me from the ground 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.10|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.24|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” ). But the writer of Hebrews stresses the concept faith, not the avenging of Abel s blood. The difficulty of relating faith to blood that has been shed ought not be bolstered by a quick reference to ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Revelation 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.38|AUTODETECT|” , where the souls under the altar cry out, How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood? Not the blood of Abel, but the faith of Abel is important; therefore, the reference to the souls under the altar is of little consequence. The author places Abel before the readers as a righteous man who lived by faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.38|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:38) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abel is at the top of the list of the Old Testament heroes of faith. Even after his death, his example encourages people to seek the Lord, because he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Abel, then, is the father of believers of the time before Abraham. His faith in God still speaks as a constant witness.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 5. By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.1-1.5.24|AUTODETECT|” As Abel showed his love toward God, so Enoch, a member of the seventh generation in the family of Adam 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.1-1.5.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 5:1 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Jude 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), served the Lord. The writer of Hebrews chooses Enoch as the next person who exemplified a life of true dedication to God. The Genesis account is rather brief:) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. [5:21 24]) Whereas the information about Abel comes to us in the form of a historical account, the details concerning Enoch are recorded in a genealogy. Yet the facts are sufficiently clear. All the other people mentioned in the genealogy are described by the same refrain, and then he died.

But Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death. And the writer introduces this sentence with the expression by faith. Because of his faith, Enoch did not face death but was translated to glory.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” When the author says, Enoch was taken from this life, he actually repeats the conclusion of the Genesis account. The conclusion rests on the clause Enoch walked with God, which appears twice in his genealogy.��19�� What does the phrase walk with God mean? It means that a person lives a spiritual life in which he tells God everything 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Enoch lived a normal life of rearing sons and daughters, but his entire life was characterized by his love for God. For this reason God took him to heaven.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Note that the author writes the phrase was (or: had) taken three times. Enoch s faith was so strong and his relationship to God so close that he was kept from dying. The curse of death pronounced upon Adam and his descendants did not prevail against Enoch, for God transformed him. Enoch was commended as one who pleased God. ��20��) 6. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.23|AUTODETECT|” This text teaches a spiritual truth that touches the spiritual life of every believer. It is one of the most eloquent expressions of faith and prayer in the Epistle to the Hebrews. By comparison, Paul s declaration that everything that does not come from faith is sin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.14.23|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 14:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) is short. In one beautifully constructed verse, the writer of Hebrews communicates the method of pleasing God, the necessity of believing his existence, and the certainty of answered prayer.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4|AUTODETECT|” a. How do we please God? By walking with him in faith! We must fully trust God and confide in him as our closest friend. Without faith it is impossible to please God. The word impossible is a reminder of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.4|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 6:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It conveys the idea that faith is the indispensable ingredient for pleasing God.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 b. Why do we pray to God? When the believer prays to God, he must believe that God exists. Although God s existence is an established truth for the believer, repeatedly he will ignore God by failing to pray to him. God, however, desires that the believer pray continually.) c. How do we seek God in prayer?

Earnestly, in full confidence! The sinner receives pardon; the suppliant, mercy; and the righteous, peace. God invites us to come to him in full assurance that he will hear and answer prayers. So, says the writer, do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded (10:35).) Rewards can never be earned. In his sovereign goodness, God grants rewards not in terms of payments, but as blessings on his people. God grants us the gift of life eternal.

No human action can in any way counterbalance this in value. ��21�� God s rewards to us are free, for he is sovereign.) 7. By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.1-1.6.7|AUTODETECT|” One person demonstrated his faith in God in a world of unbelief, and that person was Noah. In the historical account of the flood, we read that God told Noah about an impending flood that would destroy life because of man s great wickedness. God warned Noah that he would wipe out men, animals, and birds when a period of 120 years had ended 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.1-1.6.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:1 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.8-1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” ). Noah found favor in God s eyes, for he walked with God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.8-1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:8 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Like his ancestors, Abel and Enoch, he put his full trust in God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” God instructed Noah to build an ark of specific and adequate size to hold his family and all the animals and birds that God wanted to keep alive. God informed Noah about things not yet seen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Although the Scripture bears no record of the ridicule, the harassment, and the delays Noah had to endure while he built a huge ship, presumably on dry land, we can be sure that he felt the rough edge of unbelief. Jeers, taunts, and scorn constituted his daily diet of opposition.) Noah stood alone in the midst of a hostile world. Apart from the immediate members of his family, he could not find any support. To believe in God amid fellow believers is relatively easy. But to have no one to lean on except God is the true test of faith. Noah believed and in holy fear built an ark to save his family.

On the one hand he expressed deep reverence to God, and on the other hand he was terrified because of the coming destruction. He was filled with holy fear at the prospect of God s judgment on the sinful world. For if he had not believed God s warning, he would not have been afraid. His faith drove him to fear and to build. Obediently he followed the instructions God gave him. He constructed the ark and by doing so demonstrated his firm confidence in God.

His faith became his testimony that condemned the unbelieving world around him. Noah s faith stood diametrically opposed to the unbelief of the world.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Scripture describes Noah as a righteous man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” ). Ezekiel writes of the possibility that God would send a famine to a country that sins against him; should Noah, Daniel, and Job be in that country, they could save only themselves by their righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.14.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ). And Peter calls Noah a preacher of righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.5|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The writer of Hebrews says that Noah became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith. No prophet ever preached such a message of doom as Noah did for such an extended time 120 years. Moreover, Noah preached to the entire world of that day.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.4|AUTODETECT|” By his faith Noah inherited the gift of righteousness. His ancestor Abel was commended as a righteous man 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.4|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Noah, however, became the possessor of righteousness; that is, his way of life was a pattern of righteousness always in opposition to unbelief. His life was a constant example of obedience to God s will. Throughout his righteous life, Noah found God s favor. By faith he pleased God.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) Practical Considerations in 11:4 7) The heroes of faith who preceded Abraham were true pioneers: Abel, Enoch, and Noah. These men stood virtually alone in their contest of faith; unbelief and disobedience surrounded them and a believing community to support them did not exist.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Consider Abel, for instance. His father and mother had fallen into disobedience and were driven out of Paradise. His brother refused to listen to the voice of God and became a servant of sin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.4.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 4:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abel, by contrast, desired to serve God and to do God s will. He put his trust in the Lord. He was a solitary figure, a true pioneer, a child of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.3-1.5.32|AUTODETECT|” We know very little about the world in which Enoch lived. The writer places Enoch s name in a genealogy and refrains from writing historical details. Nevertheless, he singles out Enoch s characteristic: Enoch walked with God. All the other persons mentioned in the genealogy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.3-1.5.32|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 5:3 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) lack this description. Only Enoch is known as a man of faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” And last, Noah walked with God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.6.9|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 6:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He, too, stood (with his own family) as a pioneer of faith. The world forsook him, yet he remained faithful.) 1 28 2 8 0 0 Note the following:) For his faith Abel paid the price of his life.) Because of his faith Enoch was taken from this life.) By faith Noah saved his own family s life.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:4 7) Verse 4) ������� the accusative singular, masculine and feminine, comparative adjective of ����� (much, many) signifies not quantity but rather quality. The translation better is therefore preferred.) �P��� ��� ���� a variant of this reading (�P��� �� ���), in spite of its manuscript support, provides no satisfactory sense. ��22�� The genitive ��� ���� and the present active participle ������������ form the genitive absolute construction.) ��� �P��� this feminine singular pronoun can refer to either the antecedent ������ (faith) or ����� (sacrifice). Because of the writer s emphasis on faith, the New International Version and the New English Bible relate both ��� �� and ��� �P��� to ������.) Verse 5) �Q������� the imperfect passive of �Q����� (I find) expresses repeated action in the past. That is, the people kept on looking for Enoch.) ������������ the use of the perfect tense reveals continued action from the past to the present.) Verse 7) ���������� artistically the author of Hebrews links this verse to the introductory statement (v. 1). Note, however, that in verse 1 the negative particle precedes the participle, whereas here it is ������ (not yet).) ��� �� three antecedents in the feminine precede the relative pronoun ��. They are ������, �������, and �������.

As in verse 4, the context favors the word faith.) ) C. The Faith of Abraham) 11:8 19) 8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.) 11 By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this 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.) 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.) 17 By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18 even though God had said to him, It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.) ) 1.

The Promised Land) 11:8 10) Abraham is known as the father of believers, and thus the writer of Hebrews devotes much time and space to this patriarch. Abraham lived with promises God had given him, and in faith he accepted their reality.) 8. By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.23.3-1.23.20|AUTODETECT|” Abraham s faith triumphed in at least three different instances. First, God asked him to go to a land that he would show Abraham and give to him as an inheritance. Yet of that land, which proved to be Canaan, Abraham never owned a foot of ground except the burial plot he bought for Sarah, his wife 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.23.3-1.23.20|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 23:3 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Second, God promised that he would make of Abraham a great nation. When he reached his one hundredth birthday, his son Isaac was born; and fifteen years before Abraham s death, his grandsons Jacob and Esau entered the world. But Abraham never saw descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Also, God called Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, for God wanted to test Abraham s faith. And that faith triumphed.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 One other observation. Noah received instructions to build an ark to save his family from impending doom. Although he had to wait for 120 years before the flood came, he nevertheless saw the fulfillment of God s warning and the result of his own faith. Abraham, however, received two promises the inheritance of the Promised Land and the formation of a mighty people as his descendants. But he never saw these promises fulfilled in his lifetime, even though he lived for 175 years. Abraham, to be sure, lived by faith.) As we consider Abraham s faith in respect to the Promised Land, we note:) a. A place) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1|AUTODETECT|” A more literal translation of the first part of verse 8 is, By faith, while he was being called, Abraham obeyed to go out to a place which he was about to receive as an inheritance. As soon as God called, Abraham responded obediently and was ready to do the Lord s bidding. Leave your country, your people and your father s household and go to the land I will show you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In faith Abraham left, not knowing where the Lord would lead. What a break with his kinsfolk! Abraham could not even inform his relatives where he was going, because he did not know.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.2-1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” What were the reasons for Abraham s departure? God wished to fulfill his promise to Abraham to make him into a great nation, to bless him, and to make Abraham s name great 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.2-1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:2 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God also called Abraham to make his own name great. Through the patriarch, God revealed himself as the faithful covenant God who keeps his promises.) 1 11 2 8 0 0 b. A land) Abraham received God s promise that he would become heir of a place God would give him. That place was the land of Canaan, the land of the promise. Abraham traveled from Haran to Canaan, leaving his relatives behind in Paddan Aram. He lived in the southern part of Canaan in tents. He remained an alien and in a sense an outsider who had little in common with the local population.��23�� That Abraham lived in a tent indicated that he was a wandering herdsman who possessed countless animals, but no land.) Yet God had promised the land to Abraham, and he repeated the promise to Isaac and to Jacob.

For three generations the heirs of the land lived in faith with a promise. Not until the twelve tribes of Israel entered the land under the leadership of Joshua were they able to claim the promise and make the land their own.) c. A city) Abraham s stay in Canaan was as temporary as the pegs he drove into the ground to keep his tents pitched. He constantly moved from place to place, and so did his son and his grandson. His stay may have been temporary, but his faith was enduring.) Abraham s faith in God reached beyond the promise of a place or a land, even though God had promised the land to him and his descendants. Abraham knew that earthly possessions are temporary; he always kept his eye of faith on the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. ) In the land of fadeless day) Lies the city foursquare;) It shall never pass away,) And there is no night there.) John R.

Clements) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” The father of believers walked with God; he was called God s friend 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.23|AUTODETECT|” James 2:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” ). In faith he knew that the city God had designed and built has everlasting foundations 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.22|AUTODETECT|” ). He looked forward to the new Jerusalem, the city of the living God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.22|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), to which all believers come to find accommodation.) 1 13 2 8 0 0 Abraham knew that his earthly dwelling could not be compared with the heavenly city of which God himself was architect and builder. In faith he envisioned the eventual gathering of all believers for the feast of redemption. He anticipated the coming and the work of the Christ, for in him all believers are one with the Son and the Father.) By faith Abraham, although living in tents, looked to the permanent city. For him this city marked the fulfillment of the promises God had made. Therefore Abraham looked not at the process of salvation, but at its conclusion.) 2. The Promised Son) 11:11 12) The author of Hebrews follows the historical sequence of the Genesis account.

He moves from the promise of the land to the promise of the son.) 11. By faith Abraham, even though he was past age and Sarah herself was barren was enabled to become a father because he considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12. And so from this 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.) The translation of the New International Version differs sharply from others. At first sight the reader may regard the translation of verse 11 as a radical departure from the well-known wording of that text. The Revised Standard Version provides a representative reading of verse 11: By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. The New American Standard Bible has ability to conceive instead of power to conceive, but adds this informative marginal note, Literally, power for the laying down of seed (italics in original).

That literal translation is the essence of the problem because the italicized phrase is used of the sexual function of the male. ��24�� In other words, the subject of verse 11 is Abraham, not Sarah.) Explanations for this curious problem are numerous, and the translations themselves reflect them. Here are a few explanations:) a. The writer of Hebrews places the expression and Sarah herself near the beginning of the original Greek sentence, immediately after the phrase by faith. He seems to indicate, by the nominative case, that Sarah is the subject of the sentence. The translators of the New International Version and the Good News Bible have inserted the name Abraham to show that the patriarch is the logical subject and that the name Abraham suits the broader context.) b. The Greek idiom, translated literally and modestly as power for the laying down of seed, always refers to the male and not to the female.

Therefore, to translate the idiom as power to conceive is contrary to linguistic usage. It fails to do justice to the original text and appears to be an accommodation to the presence of the name Sarah.) c. Many commentators take the approach that as husband and wife are one so Abraham and Sarah should be mentioned together. They contend that the original Greek for the words Sarah herself may be read as a dative. The reading then is, By faith he [Abraham] also, together with Sarah, received power to beget a child. ��25�� Plausible as this explanation may be, the fact remains that manuscript evidence cannot provide definite proof for this reading.) d. Still others suggest that the subject of verse 11 is Sarah and that the idiom power for the laying down of seed actually means she received power to establish a posterity. ��26�� The difficulty this suggestion meets is that Abraham, not Sarah, is the father and founder of the nation Israel.) e.

Perhaps we should understand the words and Sarah herself was barren to be a parenthetical thought of the author. If the words referring to Sarah had not been in the text, no one would have difficulty translating and interpreting the text. Verse 11 expresses the thought that Abraham was enabled to become a father and is a natural introduction to verse 12. To delete the clause about Sarah is unthinkable because of manuscript support for these words. But to understand it as a parenthetical comment is feasible and sensible.��27��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Also Paul comments on Abraham s faith in God, who would make him the father of many nations. Says Paul, Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old and that Sarah s womb was also dead 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.19|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abraham trusted that God would honor his promise. God is faithful.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.5|AUTODETECT|” The result of Abraham s faith is that from one man numerous descendants were born. The author of Hebrews knows that his readers are fully acquainted with the history of the patriarch. Therefore, he minimizes his allusions to that history. He says that Abraham was as good as dead and that his offspring were as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” 22:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.12|AUTODETECT|” 32:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.32.13|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 32:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.10|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 1:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.10.22|AUTODETECT|” 10:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Both Abraham and Sarah were well advanced in age Sarah considered herself worn out and her husband old 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 18:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.1-1.25.2|AUTODETECT|” ). That Abraham married after Sarah s death and had six children 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.25.1-1.25.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 25:1 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.12|AUTODETECT|” ) has no bearing on this matter. The author of Hebrews is interested in the fulfillment of the promise of God: Isaac, the son of the promise 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 21:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.18|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Countless descendants of Abraham formed the nation Israel. And through Abraham all nations on earth were blessed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.12.3|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 12:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.8|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6-45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” ). But more significantly, Abraham s descendants ultimately are all believers 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.6-45.9.8|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.7-48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.7-48.3.9|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.16|AUTODETECT|” 16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.29|AUTODETECT|” 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.4.28|AUTODETECT|” 4:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). All believers in Christ call Abraham their father, for in effect, the promised Son is the Christ, not Isaac.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 3. The Promise) 11:13 16) In Old Testament times believers looked for the coming of Christ. These believers lived by faith, not by sight, for they were the recipients of the promise.) 13. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth.) When the author says all these people, he means the people who were recipients of the promise, namely, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob.

God gave Abraham the promise about the land and repeated it to Isaac and to Jacob. Yet the patriarchs remained tent-dwellers who lived in the land as aliens and strangers. They received the promise of innumerable offspring; yet when they died, the patriarchs had only sons and grandsons. In short, they did not receive the things promised. Their faith, however, sustained them, for they believed that God would honor his word and eventually fulfill the promises he had made.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.27.12|AUTODETECT|” The patriarchs discerned the fulfillment of God s promises in the future. In faith they welcomed this fulfillment, although from a distance. That is, with their eyes of faith, they saw God s goodness in fulfilling promises in his time. But with their physical eyes they saw that they were aliens and strangers on earth. The list of those believers who considered themselves aliens and strangers on earth is extensive. For example, Moses received the promise that the nation Israel would possess Canaan, but he himself never entered the land; he was permitted to see it from one of the mountaintops of Moab 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.27.12|AUTODETECT|” Num. 27:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.3.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.3.27|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 3:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.49|AUTODETECT|” 32:49) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.34.1-5.34.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.34.1-5.34.4|AUTODETECT|” 34:1 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27|AUTODETECT|” ). Throughout his life Moses was a wanderer who moved from Egypt to Midian and eventually to the border of Canaan. Moses persevered because he saw him who is invisible 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). To the day of his death, he remained an alien and a stranger.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 14. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.11|AUTODETECT|” Believers know that this earthly scene is transitory and their heavenly home abiding. Therefore, they fully recognize their temporary stay on earth and long for their eternal dwelling in heaven. Believers do not flee this world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.11|AUTODETECT|” John 17:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.17.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ). This world, redeemed by Christ, is the Christian s workshop. And whatever honest and honorable occupation the believer pursues, God will bless. Nevertheless, this present earth shall pass away, but according to God s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 15. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16. Instead, they were longing for a better country a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.28|AUTODETECT|” The author of Hebrews intimates that the patriarchs would have had many opportunities to return to their country of origin; to be sure, Abraham had left Ur of the Chaldeans, the land of his birth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.11.28|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 11:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They could have retraced their steps and moved from Canaan via Haran to Mesopotamia.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.2|AUTODETECT|” Had the patriarchs indeed contemplated returning to their native country, they would have broken faith with God and would have lost the promise God had given them. Abraham had been called away from the land of his father and forefathers, who worshiped other gods 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.2|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 24:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He could not return because he had responded in faith to God. Therefore, for Abraham and his son and grandson to retrace their steps to the land of Abraham s origin was unthinkable. In obedience to God s call, the patriarch had entered Canaan, and in full reliance upon his God, he stayed in the Promised Land. Isaac and Jacob showed the same obedience, for Jacob, after spending a number of years in Paddan Aram, returned to the southern part of Canaan. Also, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph were buried in the land of the promise.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.31-40.22.32|AUTODETECT|” The other side of the proverbial coin is that the patriarchs sought not an earthly heritage but a heavenly one. Says the writer of Hebrews, They were longing for a better country. They had their sight set, in faith, on a heavenly country. They looked for life eternal with God who had given them the promises. And their faith was rewarded, for Jesus himself, in answering the Sadducees question about the resurrection, said, But about the resurrection of the dead have you not read what God said to you, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob ? He is not the God of the dead but of the living 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.22.31-40.22.32|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 22:31 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26-41.12.27|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.26-41.12.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:26 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.37-42.20.38|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.37-42.20.38|AUTODETECT|” Luke 20:37 38) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.5|AUTODETECT|” 4:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” God is God of the living. Everyone who puts his faith in God enters that heavenly country mentioned by the author of the epistle. And God is not ashamed to be his God. What an honor to be called children of God! God permits us to bear his name, for he already has prepared a place for us. We are privileged above all others because our citizenship, as Paul puts it, is in heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” ). All who in faith long for the heavenly city that God has prepared receive celestial citizenship 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.2|AUTODETECT|” John 14:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.2|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We are hence to conclude, that there is no place for us among God s children, except we renounce the world, and that there will be for us no inheritance in heaven, except we become pilgrims on earth. ��28��) 1 4 2 8 0 0 4. The Test of Faith) 11:17 19) After departing somewhat from his theme of Abraham s faith with the introduction of a few verses as a parenthetical thought (vv. 13 16), the writer of Hebrews returns to this theme. He summarizes and concludes his remarks on Abraham s faith on the basis of a vividly historical incident: Abraham s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac.) 17. By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, 18. even though God had said to him, It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 19. Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.) 7 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=1.22.0|AUTODETECT|” Genesis 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 contains the story of Abraham s greatest test of faith. This story reveals Abraham s readiness to obey God at the expense of Isaac, to cling to God s promises even though obedience to God s command would nullify it, and to believe that God would raise Isaac from the dead. We note three points.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 a. Obedience) Abraham s faith had triumphed when God directed him to the land of the promise and when God gave him Isaac, the son of the promise. But had Abraham reached a plateau of faith? Was his faith dormant and inactive?��29�� Would Abraham be able to submit to a much greater test of faith? Would he be willing to offer his son Isaac as a sacrifice to God?) The writer of Hebrews says that God tested Abraham and implies that the test lasted from the moment God called him to sacrifice Isaac on one of the mountains of Moriah until the angel of the Lord stopped him from slaying Isaac. God tested Abraham to see whether the patriarch s love for God was stronger than his fatherly love for his son Isaac.

Therefore, God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son at a place far removed from where they lived. Presumably Sarah may not have been informed about God s command to sacrifice Isaac.) If God had taken Isaac s life by natural or even accidental death, Abraham s faith would have been severely tested. But God asked Abraham to take Isaac and with his own hands kill his son for a sacrifice to God. Job could say, The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away (1:21); but Abraham would have to say, The Lord has given me a son and wants me to give him back as a sacrifice. ) Abraham obeyed. He fully complied with God s request. In fact, if God had not intervened, Isaac would have been killed.

Abraham showed his unwavering faith in God in humble obedience to God s word. He demonstrated his love for God above anyone else, even his son Isaac.) b. Promise) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.12|AUTODETECT|” That Abraham responded not in blind faith and slavish obedience is clear from the second part of verse 17 and verse 18. Abraham had received God s promises, especially this word: It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 21:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.7|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.9.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 9:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Abraham knew that in Isaac the promise of the multitude of descendants would be fulfilled. Descendants of Isaac would include all the spiritual offspring of Abraham.��30�� Thus, with the death of Isaac, the line of believers would be terminated.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.12|AUTODETECT|” The author of Hebrews writes that Abraham was about to sacrifice his one and only son (v. 17). Certainly Abraham had Ishmael, but this son belonged to the Egyptian servant Hagar. Isaac, not Ishmael, was the heir, the son of the promise.��31�� If Isaac s life were to end, the salvation of the world would not take place. For through Isaac, God s promise of salvation would come to realization. Actually, the promise remained in effect, for God prevented Abraham from terminating Isaac s life and from nullifying the promise. Abraham was about to kill his son, but God said, Do not lay a hand on the boy. Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.12|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. Power) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” In genuine faith Abraham believed that God would raise Isaac from the dead. He knew that God s power is unlimited and that God can make that which is dead come back to life. Abraham himself had experienced that: he who was as good as dead 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.5|AUTODETECT|” ) was able to procreate a son through God s power. Abraham s faith reached a mountaintop of trust in God when he said to his servants, Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 22:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ). He knew that Isaac would return with him. He believed that God would give life to the dead 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.4.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), even though no one as yet had been raised from death.) 1 39 2 8 0 0 Of course, Isaac did not die, someone may say, and therefore a resurrection from the dead did not take place. The author of Hebrews anticipates this observation, and to avoid any misunderstanding he adds the phrase that is translated as and figuratively speaking. Because Abraham s obedience was complete, Isaac had no way of escape. Only God s direct intervention saved his life, and thus figuratively speaking he was brought back to life.) What is the meaning of the expression figuratively speaking? Is Isaac a figure of Jesus Christ? Both have the designation one and only son.

Both were appointed to be a sacrifice, except that for Isaac a ram served as substitute. Commentators in the early church and the Middle Ages were apt to see a parallel between Isaac and Christ and to say that Isaac prefigured Christ.��32��) However, a word of caution is in order. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews nowhere regards the sacrifice and salvation of Isaac as a type of Christ s death and resurrection, and the idea is nowhere found in the New Testament. ��33�� No one disputes the well-known truth that the New Testament is the fulfillment of the Old Testament. But we ought to avoid making a writer say more than he intends to convey.) The conclusion of this matter is that the author of Hebrews stresses the unique faith of Abraham. By faith Abraham offered his son Isaac and received him back from the dead. The writer implies that Isaac actually never died, and therefore the incident must be understood figuratively and not literally.

In this sense Abraham received Isaac back from death.) ) Practical Considerations in 11:8 19) God called Abraham to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance (v. 8). That was not easy for Abraham, for he had to leave his relatives and go to an unknown land. The patriarch believed God and obeyed his Word. God still calls men and women to leave their loved ones and their familiar surroundings to bring the gospel to people living in other lands. These men and women serve in the army of the Lord. Obediently they respond to God s call and give their time and talent in complete dedication to God.

These soldiers of the cross are indeed aliens and strangers in foreign lands.) In a sense, all Christians are strangers on this earth. The Bible warns us not to attach ourselves too firmly to this earthly scene. Scripture tells us that this earth really is not our home. The Christian looks and longs for his eternal home. He sings,) I am a stranger here,) within a foreign land;) My home is far away,) upon a golden strand;) Ambassador to be) of realms beyond the sea,) I m here on business) for my King.) E. T.

Cassel) Faith has its counterpart in obedience. Faith and obedience are two sides of the same coin. Abraham learned that faith and obedience go together, especially at the time when God called him to sacrifice his son Isaac.) Note this sequence: Abraham believed and loved God, who promised him a son. After many years of waiting, Abraham received this promised son and loved him. Then God called Abraham to sacrifice Isaac. If Abraham sacrificed Isaac, he would keep God but lose his son.

If he disobeyed God, Abraham would keep his son but lose God. Abraham chose to obey God, and thus he placed the problem of losing his son of the promise in the hands of God. He believed that God could raise Isaac from death. In short, Abraham s life with God bore the motto Trust and Obey.) ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:8 19) Verse 8) ���������� this present passive participle of ����� (I call) depends on the main verb Q��������, which is the aorist active of Q������ (I obey). The present tense shows duration; the aorist, single occurrence. At the time God was calling, Abraham obeyed.) Verse 9) ��������� both this verb in the aorist active and the aorist active participle ���������� derive from the verb �0��� (I dwell, inhabit).

The prepositions ���� and ���� modify the meaning of the verb. The first one expresses a temporary idea; the second one denotes permanence.) Verse 10) �������� the preposition � in this compound verb indicates direction. The verb in the imperfect middle (deponent) exhibits continued action in the past. Abraham was constantly looking forward to the heavenly city God had prepared for him.) ���������� derived from ������ (public) and ���� (work), this compound rises above the interpretation public worker; it means builder, designer, architect. It is synonymous with ������� (creator). Writers of both the Old Testament and the New Testament prefer to use the verb to create and derivatives rather than the term employed in this verse, a fact that is evident from the single occurrence of this compound noun in the entire New Testament.) Verse 11) ������ numerous Greek texts and translations omit this adjective (barren).

The Editorial Committee of the United Bible Societies Greek New Testament, however, by majority vote regarded the deletion as an omission caused by a scribe who was copying an earlier manuscript that had the adjective.��34�� Therefore, the text of the United Bible Society and Nestle-Aland include this adjective.) Verse 12) ������������ from the verb ������ (I put to death), the participle in the genitive case is appositive to ��� (one) and in the perfect tense shows duration of time.) Verse 13) ���p ������ only twice (11:7, 13) in the entire epistle does this construction occur. The author of Hebrews used these two instances as synonyms of the expression ������.) �������� the aorist active participle is one of four aorist participles in verse 13. They are receiving, seeing, greeting, and admitting. The main verb ������� (they died) attains significance.) Verse 15) �0 ��� the contrary to fact conditional sentence with the imperfect conveys the meaning of an unreal hypothesis in the past of a continuous nature. ��35�� That is, if the patriarchs had kept on thinking of their fatherland, they would have had ample opportunity to return. Verse 15 shows contrast with verse 16 in the use of ��� & ��. These two verses comprise one unit.

The adverb ��� (now) serves to contrast the real state of affairs with an unreal conditional clause. ��36�� The translation instead serves verse 16 well.) Verse 17) ������������ this perfect active verb from �������� (I offer) is followed by the imperfect active ����������. The perfect tense reveals that the sacrifice actually took place in the demonstration of Abraham s willingness and obedience. The imperfect, by contrast, points to Abraham s attempt to sacrifice Isaac.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.6|AUTODETECT|” ������������ the present passive participle of the verb ������� (I try) has the meaning of being put to the test to prove a person s faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.6.6|AUTODETECT|” John 6:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 12 2 8 0 0 Verse 19) E��� an adverb from the relative pronoun E and the enclitic ��� indicating motion away from a place or a deduction on the basis of reality. The adverb occurs six times in Hebrews (2:17; 3:1; 7:25; 8:3; 9:18; 11:19) and conveys the meaning therefore.) �������� the aorist middle of ������ (I carry away) is much more precise than a form of the verb ������� (I receive), for it signifies recovering something that is one s possession. In a sense, Isaac belonged to Abraham.) ) D. The Faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph) 11:20 22) 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.) 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.) 22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.) ) The son, grandson, and great-grandson of Abraham span the generations and centuries by faith. In their old age, with death approaching, the patriarchs Jacob and Joseph passed on blessings and instructions concerning the Promised Land.) 20. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.21.15-5.21.17|AUTODETECT|” In this verse and the next two verses, the author unfolds an interesting description of the patriarchal blessings. Note that in the case of Abraham s sons, not Ishmael but Isaac received the blessing. Isaac was the son of the promise. In the next generation, not Esau, the first-born, but Jacob received the covenant blessing that God had given to Abraham and his descendants. Next, not Reuben, Jacob s first-born, but Joseph received the blessings in his sons Manasseh and Ephraim. And last, not Manasseh, Joseph s first-born, but Ephraim received the choice blessing. God s electing love is independent of the rules and regulations concerning the right of the first-born 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.21.15-5.21.17|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 21:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The reason that the names of the patriarchs Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph appear in the list of the heroes of faith is that they exhibited their faith in God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.4|AUTODETECT|” Isaac knew that he was the recipient of God s favor. God appeared to him and repeated the promise he had made to Abraham: I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and will give them all these lands, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 26:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.3-1.28.4|AUTODETECT|” ). And when Isaac sent Jacob on his way to Paddan Aram, he blessed his son with a similar blessing. Said he, May God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and increase your numbers until you become a community of peoples. May he give you and your descendants the blessing given to Abraham, so that you may take possession of the land where you now live as an alien, the land God gave to Abraham 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.28.3-1.28.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 28:3 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.27-1.27.28|AUTODETECT|” ). Isaac virtually repeated the words of the ancient promise first given to Abraham. For this reason the author of Hebrews lists Isaac among the men of faith. Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.27-1.27.28|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 27:27 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.39-1.27.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.39-1.27.40|AUTODETECT|” 39 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.16-58.12.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Jacob, not Esau, however, continued in the line of faith, as the writer notes afterward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.16-58.12.17|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 12:16 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Even though Isaac was an old man when he blessed his sons, his hour of death came more than forty years later 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 27:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.35.28-1.35.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.35.28-1.35.29|AUTODETECT|” 35:28 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.1|AUTODETECT|” ). He lived to be 180 years old. His son Jacob pronounced the patriarchal blessing on the sons of Joseph when he was ill and expected the end of his life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.1|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 48:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 21. By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph s sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.0|AUTODETECT|” The writer of Hebrews omits any reference to the blessings that Jacob pronounced on his sons as the patriarch predicted the future 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.0|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 49) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Instead he selects the incident when Jacob blessed Joseph s sons as a demonstration of Jacob s faith. That historic moment was indeed significant. Note these points:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.4|AUTODETECT|” a. In his first act of blessing, Jacob addressed Joseph and repeated the words of the promise God had given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God had told Jacob, I am going to make you fruitful and will increase your numbers. I will make you a community of peoples, and I will give this land [of Canaan] as an everlasting possession to your descendants after you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.4|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 48:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This was the patriarchal blessing passed on from one generation to the next.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.5|AUTODETECT|” b. When Joseph with his two sons came to Jacob, he received the blessing of the first-born. He received a double portion not of Jacob s herds and flocks, but of the promised land of Canaan. Not Joseph himself, but each of his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim received this blessing. They became two tribes in Israel because Jacob accepted Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 48:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.12-1.48.20|AUTODETECT|” c. Blessing the two sons of Joseph, Jacob functioned as king of the Promised Land. The patriarch crossed his arms and granted the blessing of the first-born not to Manasseh but to Ephraim 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.48.12-1.48.20|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 48:12 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the course of time, the tribe of Ephraim indeed became a leader in Israel. In faith, Jacob looked into the future and was given prophetic insight. He knew that God would fulfill the patriarchal blessing in the sons of Joseph.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.47.29-1.47.31|AUTODETECT|” d. Convinced that God would fulfill his promise, Jacob gave Joseph instructions to bury him in the cave of Machpelah in the land of Canaan 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.47.29-1.47.31|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 47:29 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.12-1.50.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.12-1.50.14|AUTODETECT|” 50:12 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Jacob s grave in the Promised Land would serve as a testimony and an encouragement to his descendants that they, too, would enter their inheritance.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 e. Jacob worshiped his God as he leaned on his staff.��37�� He fully acknowledged God s power and presence in the development of the patriarchal blessing. He worshiped in faith.) 22. By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.24|AUTODETECT|” Of all Joseph s earlier trials and experiences in which his faith had been tested, the writer of Hebrews selects none. He is interested in the promise of God that Abraham s descendants would inherit the land of Canaan. Therefore, the words Joseph spoke to his brothers at the end of his life are important. He said, I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 50:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The golden thread of the promise binds the patriarchs in faith that transcends the generations.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.2|AUTODETECT|” At the age of seventeen 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.37.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 37:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.4-1.50.14|AUTODETECT|” ), Joseph was sold to Midianite merchants who took him from his native land to Egypt. Joseph returned briefly to Canaan for the burial of his father Jacob 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.4-1.50.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 50:4 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.25|AUTODETECT|” ). He had lived at the court of Pharaoh, had married an Egyptian, and had the Egyptian name Zaphenath-Paneah. Nevertheless, Joseph remained true to the God of his fathers, and when he knew that the end of his life was near, he prophesied concerning the patriarchal blessing. He predicted the exodus of Jacob s descendants from Egypt. And in faith he told these descendants to carry his bones from Egypt to Canaan 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.50.25|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 50:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.13.19|AUTODETECT|” ). When the exodus occurred, Moses took the bones of Joseph with him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.13.19|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 13:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.32|AUTODETECT|” ). And Joseph s bones, which the Israelites had brought up from Egypt, were buried at Shechem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.24.32|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 24:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) within the land allotted to the tribe of Ephraim.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Joseph s command to bury his bones in Canaan was not an act of nostalgia or superstition, but an act of faith. Prophetically he spoke of the exodus and in faith saw that his remains would be carried to the Promised Land. He believed that God would fulfill his word.) ) Practical Considerations in 11:20 22) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” What a joy to see the faith of our fathers spanning the generations! The author of Hebrews lists the names of Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Each belonged to the covenant that God had made with Abraham when God said, I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.17.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 17:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God keeps his word throughout the generations.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 When parents see the love of the Lord in their children, who express a desire to do his will, their hearts are filled with gratitude to God. To see the next generation take up the torch of faith is an evident sign of God s faithfulness.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.34-1.26.35|AUTODETECT|” But when parents see their sons and daughters turn away from God and his Word, in spite of the training in home, church, and perhaps school, their parental hearts grieve. Isaac and Rebekah endured constant grief when Esau lived a life of disobedience 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.26.34-1.26.35|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 26:34 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.7|AUTODETECT|” ). And on his deathbed Jacob pronounced a curse on Simeon and Levi 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.7|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 49:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Salvation cannot be inherited; it is a gift of God. Parents of spiritually wayward sons and daughters need to pray that God in his grace will give them this gift. By exercising their faith, they trust in God s unlimited power to save their prodigal son or daughter.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:20 22) Verse 20) ��� although some leading manuscripts omit this conjunction, external textual evidence for its inclusion is strong. The translators of the New International Version have omitted it. Other translations include it and take it either as a connective or as an emphatic: By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even regarding things to come (NASB).) Verse 22) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.31|AUTODETECT|” ��� ����� the writer of Hebrews employs this noun with the definite article as a technical term for the exodus of the Israelites. The term occurs frequently in the Septuagint as a designation for Israel s departure from Egypt. In the New Testament it appears in three places: in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.15|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.15|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.22|AUTODETECT|” , it refers to death; and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.22|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 11:22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , to the exodus.) 1 11 2 8 0 0 ) E. The Faith of Moses) 11:23 29) 23 By faith Moses parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king s edict.) 24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh s daughter. 25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. 26 He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.) 29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.) ) 1. Moses Childhood and Position) 11:23 26) Abraham is the father of believers, but Moses is the father of the nation of Israel. The author of Hebrews devotes five sections that begin with the formula by faith to Moses (vv. 23, 24, 27, 28, 29). The first of these instances relates to Moses parents; the last, the people of Israel.) 23. By faith Moses parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king s edict.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.2|AUTODETECT|” The writer of Hebrews opens the Book of Exodus and reads about the cruel command of Pharaoh to kill all the Hebrew male children at birth. A Levite and his fiance�, Amram and Jochebed, decide to get married. Subsequently they are blessed with the birth of a son. Now they face the possibility of losing their child. They act boldly in faith. Seeing that their son is a most attractive child, they defy the king s command. What gives Amram and Jochebed the courage to disobey? Most likely, they see in their strikingly handsome son a sign of God s approval 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��38�� And because of God s favor they continue to exercise their faith. They hide Moses for three months until necessity dictates that they devise new ways to protect him. Unafraid of the king and his men, they decide to hide Moses among the reeds of the Nile River.��39�� God protects Moses royally when the daughter of Pharaoh tells Jochebed to nurse the child and pays her for the service. When Moses is old enough to leave his parental home, he enters the royal palace of Pharaoh. God honors the faith of Moses parents, because he protects Moses by having him live in the palace of Pharaoh who had given orders to destroy the male babies of the Hebrews.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 24. By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh s daughter.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.21-44.7.22|AUTODETECT|” Stephen relates that Pharaoh s daughter took Moses and brought him up as her own son. He concludes, Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.21-44.7.22|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:21 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Apparently Stephen had access to a source of oral tradition, for he states that Moses was forty years old when he decided to throw in his lot with the Hebrew slaves. In spite of his training at Pharaoh s court, Moses put his faith in Israel s God and severed his ties with Pharaoh s daughter. He refused to be recognized as an Egyptian prince, for he knew himself to be a descendant of Abraham, a son of the covenant that God had made with the patriarch, and a Hebrew who longed to be free. He identified with the oppressed Hebrew slaves.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 The author of Hebrews writes that Moses by faith refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh s daughter. The title son of Pharaoh s daughter was prestigious in Egypt and entailed power and privileges. To break the tie with the daughter of Pharaoh and to choose to be identified with the mistreated Hebrew slaves called for faith and courage. Moses acted not rashly in youthful fervor but maturely as a man who at the age of forty was fully educated. Deliberately he associated with the people of God, the Hebrews.) 25. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.25|AUTODETECT|” In God s providence, Moses received training that enabled him to become a leader of a nation. He was uniquely qualified to lead the nation Israel out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Thus he regarded himself as God s appointed deliverer of Israel. Says Stephen, Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.25|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Although Moses had been trained, he was not yet ready to govern the nation Israel. His own people were not yet ready to accept him.) 1 6 2 8 0 0 Moses, however, had cast his lot with the Israelites. His people, not the Egyptians, were the recipients of God s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Should he have sided with the Egyptians and turned his back on the people of God, he would have committed the sin of apostasy. In the words of the writer of Hebrews, he would have turned away from the living God (3:12). The choice Moses faced, then, was not so much between either being mistreated or enjoying the pleasures of Egypt as between either associating with the people of God or falling into the sin of apostasy.��40�� Moses chose mistreatment and identified himself with God s people.) Moses could have taken a halfway position. As the son of Pharaoh s daughter, he might have said that his influence would be incalculable in setting the Israelites free.

In earlier times Joseph had wielded his power and authority in the interest of Jacob and his descendants. No one would have chided Moses if he had stayed in Egypt. But Joseph by faith predicted the exodus and made his brothers promise to take his bones with them for burial in Canaan. Likewise Moses sided with the Hebrew slaves and renounced his royal title son of Pharaoh s daughter.) 26. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.) This verse relates three main thoughts.) a. Christ) The writer is rather explicit in his wording, for he refers to the Christ, in the original Greek.

Elsewhere in his epistle he says, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (13:8). Because Christ transcends the centuries, the author of Hebrews confidently asserts that Moses endured disgrace for the sake of Christ. Moses considered disgrace for Christ of greater significance than all the glittering riches of Egypt. The writer, therefore, implies that even though Moses never used the name Messiah, he was fully aware of his presence and his coming.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, the reader of this passage faces some problems in interpreting it. For instance, Moses had no idea of the person and work of Christ as we know Jesus from the pages of the New Testament. Moses had the promises God had given to his ancestors, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These promises related to the growth of the nation Israel, the inheritance of Canaan, and the coming of the Christ. Moses saw the fulfillment of the promise that Abraham s descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.5|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.22.17|AUTODETECT|” 22:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.32.12|AUTODETECT|” 32:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And he realized that the time for the exodus and the return to Canaan was imminent. That he believed in the coming Deliverer is not in question. The problem of understanding the meaning of the word Christ centers on Christ s place in the context of the Old Testament.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Some commentators seek an explanation in symbolism. They point to the fulfillment of the prophecy in which God says, out of Egypt I called my son 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=28.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Hos. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.50-19.89.51|AUTODETECT|” ) and see an identification of Christ with the nation Israel. Both of them came forth out of Egypt. Others understand the expression the Anointed (the Messiah) to refer in a collective sense to Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.89.50-19.89.51|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 89:50 51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.4|AUTODETECT|” ). Still others think that Christ accompanied the Israelites during the time of the exodus and the journey to the Promised Land 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.4|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Based on Scripture, all these comments are helpful in understanding the text at hand. However, we ought not expect more from a text than the author intends to convey.��41��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. Comparison) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.11-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” The emphasis falls on this comparison: disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt. This is a comparison of spiritual riches and earthly treasures. The words of the Beatitudes readily come to mind: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.5.11-40.5.12|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 5:11 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.1.11-2.1.14|AUTODETECT|” To insult is a passion that originates in man s sinful heart. Man directs this passion against his fellow man, especially the person who is righteous. And insult directed against man is ultimately directed against God. We know that the Israelites endured daily abuse from their ruthless Egyptian taskmasters 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.1.11-2.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 1:11 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.7|AUTODETECT|” ). God saw the misery of the Israelites, heard their cries, and was concerned about their suffering 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moses deliberately sought identity with these Hebrew slaves because he believed that God would set his people free and fulfill his promises. Moses knew that gaining spiritual objectives for the cause of God s people was incomparably better than becoming heir to the riches of Egypt. He pursued his spiritual objectives, even though that pursuit resulted in scorn, derision, abuse, and disgrace. Moses, however, was looking ahead to his reward. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. Compensation) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.35|AUTODETECT|” Although Scripture clearly teaches that no man is able to earn salvation, the term reward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.35|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” 11:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.42|AUTODETECT|” ) appears repeatedly. That is, God rewards man on the basis of divine sovereignty and not because of merit. Every claim to one s deserts must fall silent in the face of the demand for total obedience. ��42�� But Jesus word is reassuring to every believer who seeks to do God s will. Jesus said, And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.42|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In his sovereign grace God rewards anyone who diligently seeks him in faith. And that is exactly what Moses did in Egypt. He looked to God for his reward.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 2. Moses Leadership) 11:27 29) 27. By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.14-2.2.15|AUTODETECT|” What does the writer mean when he writes he left Egypt ? Moses left Egypt twice. The first time he fled because he feared for his life after he had killed an Egyptian 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.14-2.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 2:14 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.30|AUTODETECT|” ). Between the first and the second time lies a forty-year period 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.30|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Considering the flow of the author s thought in respect to the flight of Moses in chapter 11, we note that he selects significant incidents that underscore Moses faith. He begins with the act of faith exercised by Moses parents (v. 23). In the next section he presents Moses as a man of faith at Pharaoh s court. The summary of this period of Moses life begins with the formula by faith. Then, describing Moses faith in three sentences, the author mentions Moses refusal to be called son of Pharaoh s daughter, his choice to identify with the people of God, and his decision to endure disgrace rather than enjoy royal treasures (vv. 24 26). Next the writer selects Moses departure from Egypt as an example of an act of faith (v. 27).

Also, the account of the institution of the Passover, whereby the first-born of Israel were saved, depicts Moses as a man of faith (v. 28). And last, the crossing of the Red Sea represents the faith of Moses and the Israelites (v. 29). The writer of Hebrews, then, enumerates specific events from the life of Moses in which his faith triumphed.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.14-2.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Was Moses flight from Egypt after he killed an Egyptian an act of faith? The Exodus account relates that Moses was afraid and that Pharaoh tried to kill him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.14-2.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 2:14 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). If Moses left Egypt in fear, we have difficulty believing that his flight was an act of faith. Why would the author of Hebrews select this incident as an example of Moses trust in God? Moreover, the writer adds that Moses did not fear the anger of the king. This observation makes the interpretation of Moses flight to Midian rather complicated.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.10|AUTODETECT|” By contrast, after Moses had waited forty years in Midian, God called him and spoke to him from the burning bush. He instructed Moses to go to Pharaoh and to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.1-2.4.9|AUTODETECT|” ). This was an assignment that demanded faith. Moses repeatedly objected until God reassured him that the elders of Israel would listen to him (v. 18), that God would make the Egyptians favorably disposed to the Israelites (v. 21), that Moses would perform miracles 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.4.1-2.4.9|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 4:1 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.5-2.14.28|AUTODETECT|” ), and that Moses brother Aaron would accompany him (vv. 14 16). After receiving these divine instructions, Moses became a man of faith who was unafraid of Pharaoh. The responsibility of leading the people of Israel out of Egypt was assigned to Moses in his capacity of Israel s leader. Furthermore, the entire verse By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible refers to all the confrontations Moses had with Pharaoh in his effort to gain freedom for God s people.��43�� That he left Egypt is then the culmination of a series of events. One of these events is the institution of the Passover, to which the author of Hebrews pays particular attention in the next verse.��44�� And the clause not fearing the king s anger covers the period of the ten plagues and Pharaoh s pursuit of the Israelites to the waters of the Red Sea 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.5-2.14.28|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:5 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��45�� Moses is the man of faith, who tells the people not to be afraid, to stand firm, and to see the Lord fight for them (vv. 13 14). By faith Moses was unafraid, for he knew that God was on his side.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.11|AUTODETECT|” The words he persevered because he saw him who is invisible take on added meaning against the setting of Moses experience of seeing the burning bush in Midian. Also, God spoke to Moses repeatedly in Egypt. During the wilderness journey, the Lord would speak to Moses & , as a man speaks with his friend 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.11|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 33:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.7-4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” ; also see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.12.7-4.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Num. 12:7 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.23|AUTODETECT|” ). Although Moses was not permitted to see the face of God, he did see his back 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.33.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 33:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The abiding presence of God, especially during Moses trying days in Egypt, strengthened Moses faith. Because of God s instructions, Moses was able to persevere in faith and accomplish his task to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 From the general context of the account in Exodus, the author of Hebrews moves to a specific incident: the institution of the Passover celebration.) 28. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.) By faith, writes the author of Hebrews. In selecting the mountaintop experiences of Moses life of faith, the author takes the incident of the institution of the Passover feast. This experience was different from the preceding instances. For the first time the Israelites themselves were involved, for they with Moses had to exercise their faith in God. Second, this experience was essentially spiritual.

In the days of Abraham, God instituted the sacrament of circumcision. When the Israelites were about to leave Egypt, God inaugurated the Old Testament sacrament of the Passover. And he appointed Moses to instruct the people of Israel to implement this sacrament. Moses task of instructing a nation of slaves in the meaningful celebration of the Passover was an act of faith. To understand the meaning of the phrase by faith, we must note the following points:) a. Institution of Passover) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.23|AUTODETECT|” God told Moses to keep the Passover and to sprinkle the blood of the lamb that was slain. The word Passover is a popular translation of the Hebrew original which may mean to pass over by sparing someone.��46�� Obviously, the word relates to the Exodus account, where Moses instructs the elders of Israel to slaughter the Passover lamb. They had to put some of the blood of the lamb on the top and sides of the doorframe of the houses of the Israelites. When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, said Moses, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.23|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Moses instituted the festival of Passover as an annual event. On the fourteenth day of the month Nisan (approximately March-April), each family had to select and kill a year-old male lamb, without blemish, at sundown 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.23.5|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 23:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.16.6|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 16:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.10|AUTODETECT|” ). The blood of the lamb had to be smeared on the doorposts and lintel of the house. The lamb was roasted and eaten with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Everything had to be eaten that evening. If food was left, it had to be burned 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.34.25|AUTODETECT|” 34:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.14|AUTODETECT|” ). The meal had to be eaten in haste. And the festival had to be observed as a lasting ordinance 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.14|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��47��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. Sprinkling of blood) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=4.1.45|AUTODETECT|” Before the Israelites were to leave Egypt, they had to sacrifice a lamb and put some of its blood on the doorposts and lintel of their house. God would go throughout the land of Egypt and strike down every first-born of man and animal. But if a house had the blood of a lamb on its doorpost and lintel, God would spare its inhabitants. Moses listened obediently to God s instructions and in faith passed them on to the Israelites. Could he expect the Israelites to obey the command of God? If they failed to listen, they would suffer the death of their first-born.

And Moses himself put full confidence in God. If the blood of the lamb proved to be ineffective in protecting the first-born from the destructive power of the angel of death, his role as leader of the people would end abruptly. To establish Moses authority in spiritual matters, the people of Israel would have to see that not one first-born died in those houses where the blood of a lamb had been sprinkled. How many first-born among the Israelites were spared? We know that the nation numbered 603,550 men who were twenty years or older 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.1.45|AUTODETECT|” Num. 1:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Moses faith stood the test when numberless first-born of man and animal were saved.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 c. Salvation of first-born) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.14.29-4.14.30|AUTODETECT|” Why would God strike down the first-born of the Egyptians and protect those of the Israelites? Certainly not because of any merit in the nation Israel. Within a relatively short time, all the Israelites of twenty years and older would hear the verdict: all of them would perish in the wilderness, except Joshua and Caleb 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.14.29-4.14.30|AUTODETECT|” Num. 14:29 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God spared the first-born because the Israelites believed God and obeyed his word. Their first-born were spared because the atoning blood of the Passover lamb was sprinkled on the entrance of their homes. The Israelites had to see physically and spiritually that salvation comes from the Lord.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” The festival of Passover became the sacrament of the Lord s Supper. The Passover lamb in the New Testament times was Jesus Christ, who gave his life as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.29|AUTODETECT|” John 1:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.36|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.1.36|AUTODETECT|” 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.19|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Christ Jesus gave himself as a ransom for all men 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=54.2.6|AUTODETECT|” I Tim. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 12 2 8 0 0 The author of Hebrews says nothing about the work of Christ at this point. He depicts the life of faith of Moses and the Israelites. Their keeping of the Passover feast was the beginning of an observance that would lead to and end in the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. Covered by his blood, countless believers are saved.) 29. By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned.) In the eighth century John of Damascus composed a hymn in which he gave expression to the joy the Israelites experienced after crossing the Red Sea.) Come, ye faithful, raise the strain) Of triumphant gladness;) God hath brought his Israel) Into joy from sadness;) Loosed from Pharaoh s bitter yoke) Jacob s sons and daughters;) Led them with unmoistened foot) Through the Red Sea waters.) translated by John Mason Neale) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.1-2.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Israel expressed joy and gladness in the so-called Song of Moses 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.15.1-2.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 15:1 18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.14|AUTODETECT|” ), and no wonder faith had triumphed. The Israelites looked back upon the waters of the Red Sea and saw that the Lord had fought for them and had given them the victory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.14|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.11-2.14.12|AUTODETECT|” But what of Israel s faith in crossing the Red Sea? Instead of acting in faith they cowered in fear. No faith is evident in their complaint against Moses: Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? Didn t we say to you in Egypt, Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians ? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert! 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.11-2.14.12|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:11 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And the fact that the Israelites, except Joshua and Caleb, died in the desert because of their lack of faith in God makes the phrase by faith rather general.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The writer of Hebrews has already spoken about the lack of faith of the Israelites. Candidly he asks, Who were they who heard and rebelled? Were they not all those Moses led out of Egypt? (3:16). But because of the faith of those who genuinely believed in the promise that God would save the nation Israel from the imminent attack of the Egyptian military forces, God led his people safely to the other side of the Red Sea. From the Exodus account we learn that Moses faith was undaunted. By faith he knew that the Lord would deliver the Israelites and the Egyptians would meet defeat (14:13 14).��48��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.14.28|AUTODETECT|” The contrast with respect to faith and unbelief is not between the faithful minority and the complaining, terrified Israelites. Rather, the contrast is between the nation Israel that expressed faith in God and thus was victorious and the unbelieving king and army of Egypt who perished in the waters of the Red Sea. The Israelites listened to Moses instructions; they saw the Red Sea divided and the path through the sea as dry land; they noticed that the pillar of cloud had shifted from being in front of them to being behind them; and in the light of that cloud they reached the other shore. The Egyptians tried to do exactly the same thing. But it was not the same.��49�� The Egyptian army spent the night in darkness; they followed the Israelites into the sea; they experienced difficulties in driving their chariots; and they suddenly saw the waters of the Red Sea rising. All of them drowned; not one of them survived 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=2.14.28|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 14:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They had entered the Red Sea without faith in Israel s God. When they realized that the Lord was fighting for the Israelites, it was too late.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The Israelites were victorious because they had listened to the instructions God had given to Moses. They had acted in faith. But this act of faith is indeed the only one recorded. The writer of Hebrews chooses this act in view of Moses trust in God. The next act relates to the fall of Jericho s walls, but that happened forty years later when the next generation had taken the places of their parents. This generation differed from the one that left Egypt.

Whereas the people leaving Egypt failed to trust the Lord, the new generation faithfully executed divine instructions.) ) Practical Considerations in 11:23 29) Among the heroes of faith stand Amram and Jochebed, the father and mother of Moses. They put their full confidence in God when they married, when children were born, and when hiding the infant Moses became an impossible task. Moses resourceful parents exercised their faith, used their imagination, and demonstrated their courage when they constructed a simple basket made of papyrus reeds, tar, and pitch. They placed the three-month-old Moses in the basket, had Moses sister watch him, and put the basket among the reeds of the Nile. Undoubtedly they knew that Pharaoh s daughter would bathe along the riverbank. When Pharaoh s daughter found the infant, Moses sister offered to find a nurse for the child.

Thus Jochebed was asked to nurse the child, was paid for her services, and was assured of Moses safety.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” By faith parents are able to protect their children from the constant attack of evil in our society. They realize that Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to destroy their children 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.5.8|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 5:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Parents resist the devil by standing firm in their faith. They build spiritual homes in which they train their children to fear and love the Lord. With their children, they faithfully attend the worship services of a church true to Scripture. And with ingenuity, wherever God gives opportunity and occasion, they provide Christian day school education for their children. And, of course, they spend much time in prayer in behalf of their sons and daughters.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.25|AUTODETECT|” The first few years of his life Moses spent in the slave hut of his godly parents. Amram and Jochebed taught him to fear God. But when the day came to take Moses to the royal palace, they knew that he would be educated in the culture of the Egyptians and in a pagan religion. Humanly speaking, they had lost a son to the secular world of that day. But the amazing fact is that Moses loved God and chose to be mistreated along with the people of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.25|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Instead of being called son of Pharaoh s daughter, he was called friend of God. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.43|AUTODETECT|” What happened? Joseph had been the second-in-command in Egypt 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.41.43|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 41:43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ). In a similar fashion, Moses faced the prospect of ascending the Egyptian throne. Instead Moses associated with God s people and turned his back upon the treasures of Egypt. Why? Because Moses believed God! In faith he accepted God s promises. In every situation he sought God, trusted him, and knew that God rewards those who earnestly seek him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). As a child of God, Moses talked to and trusted in his heavenly Father. And God blessed him.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Although times, customs, and circumstances today differ from those of Moses day, spiritual choices are the same. Young people today must make the same choice Moses made in ancient Egypt. Earnestly and sincerely they ought to seek God in prayer, strive to do his will, ask for wisdom, and cling to his promises.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.2|AUTODETECT|” After the exodus, the people of Israel knew God not only as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but as the Lord God, who had brought them out of Egypt, the land of slavery 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.2|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|” ). Today God s people know him as the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.15.6|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 15:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.1.3|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.31|AUTODETECT|” 11:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.3|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.3|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” ). That is, because of his Son Jesus Christ, God is the Father of everyone who believes in Jesus.��50�� Moses regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.26|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.8|AUTODETECT|” ). In the New Testament we have received God s complete revelation and know that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.13.8|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 13:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 3 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:23 29) Verse 23) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ������ this two-ending adjective is a derivative of the noun ��� (city) and is the opposite of the adjective ������� (rustic).��51�� It occurs in the Septuagint text of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Exodus 2:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.3.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Judges 3:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.20|AUTODETECT|” ; Judith 11:23; and Susanna 7; and in the New Testament text of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.20|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.23|AUTODETECT|” and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 11:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The adjective has perplexed translators, as is evident from the many translations: proper child (KJV), goodly child (RV, ASV), fine child (JB, NEB), beautiful child (R.S.V., NAB, GNB, MLB, NASB, Moffat, NKJV), and no ordinary child (NIV). The word may designate someone who is fair to look on and comely. ��52��) 1 14 2 8 0 0 Verse 24) �1x� ������x� ����� the phrase is devoid of definite articles to emphasize the dignity of Moses status. He bore the title son of Pharaoh s daughter.) Verse 25) ������� as a second aorist middle participle from �1��� (I take; in the middle: I choose, prefer), this form is modified by the adverb ������ (rather). The adverb is somewhat redundant with the participle in the middle voice, not in the active voice. The aorist tense of the participle coincides with that of the main verb ������� (he refused) in the preceding verse. The contrast with the aid of ������ & $ features the durative present infinitives ��������������� (to suffer with) and ���� (to have).) The durative idea is expressed in the adverb ���������� (for a while) and the noun �������� (enjoyment), which shows progression in the -��� ending. The noun ������� is an objective genitive; it is descriptive of the noun enjoyment and is the equivalent of sinful enjoyment. ) Verse 26) !��������� from the verb !������ (I consider), this aorist middle participle expresses action that is simultaneous with that of the main verb ������� in verse 24.) The Greek word order is significant because it shows emphasis.

The words of greater value stand first, and the phrase in opposition, disgrace for the sake of Christ, appears last in this part of the sentence. The genitive of ��� ������� is objective.) ������������� the noun occurs three times in Hebrews (2:2; 10:35; 11:26). Only in this verse does it have the definite article which takes the place of a possessive pronoun: his reward.) Verse 27) ��������� the compound in the second aorist active is directive. The verb is often used to indicate abandoning a heritage, giving up riches, and leaving one s native land.��53��) �t �������� the aorist passive participle denotes cause. The New English Bible even inserts the conjunction and, an addition which has no manuscript support: By faith he left Egypt, and not because he feared the king s anger. ) A��� although the main verb ���������� (he persevered) is in the aorist, the participle from A��� (I see) is in the present tense.) Verse 28) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.48|AUTODETECT|” ��������� this verb from ����� (I make, do), in combination with the word �����, means to keep the Passover 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.12.48|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 12:48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.18|AUTODETECT|” , LXX; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.18|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.19|AUTODETECT|” ; and the expression ����� ������� in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.22.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 22:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.24|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The verb, however, in the perfect active indicative, has two objects . Admittedly, the verb suits the first object better than the second.��54�� The perfect tense, to be sure, relates to the institution of the Passover feast that was celebrated annually afterward and became the sacrament of the Lord s Supper in New Testament times.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 �p ��������� by using the neuter plural, the author indicates that he wants the noun, preceded by the definite article, understood in the widest possible sense to include male and female, man and animal.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ���� the verb ������� (I touch) appears three times in the New Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Col. 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.28|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.12.20|AUTODETECT|” 12:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In these passages it occurs as the aorist active subjunctive. The verb governs the genitive case.) 1 11 2 8 0 0 Verse 29) �������� the subject of the verb must be supplied; it is intimated by the use of �P��� in the preceding verse. The verb derives from �������� (I go through), is a directive compound, and is culminative aorist.) �� ������ �������� although the feminine relative pronoun in the genitive case follows the noun ��� (land), it finds its antecedent in �������� (sea). The noun ������ (attempt) and the aorist participle of ������� (I take) are an idiomatic expression for experiencing. ) ) F. Faith at Jericho) 11:30 31) 30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.) 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.) ) The writer of Hebrews deliberately by-passes the forty-year journey from Egypt to Canaan. He wants to indicate that the people of Israel refused to exercise faith and that, devoid of faith, they perished in their disobedience. Except for Joshua and Caleb, all the Israelites who were twenty years or older died in the desert.

Their sons and daughters demonstrated faith in Israel s God when they conquered the fortress city of Jericho.) 30. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.1-6.6.24|AUTODETECT|” The story of Jericho s fall is well known 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.1-6.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:1 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.6-6.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ). Joshua, the successor of Moses, received God s promise: he and all the Israelites would take possession of the land from Lebanon to the Negev desert, and from the river Euphrates to the Mediterranean Sea. Repeatedly God instructed Joshua to be strong and courageous 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.6-6.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 1:6 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.9|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.9|AUTODETECT|” 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.32-5.1.36|AUTODETECT|” Joshua and the Israelites put their faith in God, and because of their faith they were prosperous and successful. Whereas their fathers had refused to follow the pillar of cloud into the Promised Land 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.32-5.1.36|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 1:32 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), they, by contrast, trusted the Lord God, crossed the Jordan, and conquered Jericho.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Jericho was strategically located on the eastern flank of Canaan. Nomadic tribes from the desert to the east would cross the Jordan and invade the land. The heavily-walled city of Jericho filled with mighty warriors prevented the invaders from entering the main valleys that provided access to the central part of Canaan.��55�� The city itself was comparatively small; it had a circumference of 600 meters and measured approximately 225 by 80 meters.��56��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Because of their access to fresh water and storehouses of food, the people of Jericho could bide their time behind the massive city walls. However, the people of Israel received God s promise to Joshua: See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.2|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God told the Israelites to march around the city once every day for six days and on the seventh day seven times. And on that last day, when the priests sounded their trumpets on the seventh time around, Joshua commanded the people to shout, for the Lord has given you the city! (6:16). They had to devote the city to God as a first-fruit offering of their conquest. God brought down the walls of Jericho, which was situated on a volcanic rift prone to earthquakes.��57�� Regardless of the means by which God destroyed Jericho, the fact remains that Joshua and the people of Israel put their faith in him. That is the point the writer of Hebrews makes: By faith the walls of Jericho fell. Faith in God can move mountains.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.13|AUTODETECT|” The writer of Hebrews could have chosen to recount the incident in which the sun stood still in the middle of the sky for a full day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.10.13|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 10:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) at the request of Joshua. That feat was an act of faith. Says the writer of Joshua, There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man (10:14). But the author of Hebrews excludes this incident and mentions the destruction of Jericho instead. By implication he cites the faith of the people of Israel. Purposely, however, he places the faith of the immoral and pagan prostitute Rahab next as a contrast to the faith of the Israelites.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 31. By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” Both James and the author of Hebrews refer to Rahab and call her forth-rightly the prostitute 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” James 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.5|AUTODETECT|” ). Matthew lists her name as the mother of Boaz in Jesus genealogy 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.5|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). She was one of Jesus forebears because she believed in Israel s God.��58��) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Faith knows no barriers. Consider the evidence against Rahab, for she was) a pagan Canaanite,) a prostitute, and) a woman.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.8-6.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Rahab s faith triumphed. Her fellow citizens were destroyed, but she and her extended family lived because of her faith in Israel s God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.8-6.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 2:8 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.25|AUTODETECT|” 6:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). God did not condone her sinful practice of prostitution; instead he granted her grace and salvation. And although in Israel the man, not the woman, was heir of God s promises, in matters of faith distinctions disappear (Gal. 8:28).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Rahab believed Israel s God. She received no promise of salvation, no gospel of faith and repentance, and no assurance of acceptance. She had heard the reports about the exodus from Egypt, the conquest of the land east of the Jordan, and the destruction of the Amorites. Her confession of faith was based on the works of God. She said, The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 2:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hers was a simple but basic confession. She believed in God and trusted in him to deliver her from the impending destruction of her people and her city.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” The author of Hebrews writes, By faith the prostitute Rahab & was not killed with those who were disobedient. By using the expression disobedient, the writer places the inhabitants of Jericho on the same level as the rebellious Israelites who perished in the desert. He asks, And to whom did God swear that they would never enter his rest if not to those who disobeyed? (3:18). Unbelief results in disobedience; faith in obedience. Rahab believed and welcomed the spies into her home. At great personal risk she protected them from the king s soldiers, who knew that the spies were in Rahab s house. Rahab not only believed; she also put her faith to work in the interest of God s people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.2.25|AUTODETECT|” James 2:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.14-6.2.21|AUTODETECT|” ). And last, she trusted God that at the time of the siege of Jericho her life and those of the members of her family would be spared 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.14-6.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 2:14 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.30-44.16.31|AUTODETECT|” ).��59�� We see somewhat of a parallel in the case of the Philippian jailer who asked Paul and Silas, Men, what must I do to be saved? They replied, Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.16.30-44.16.31|AUTODETECT|” Acts 16:30 31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Joshua spared the life of Rahab s family and placed them outside the camp of Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.23|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.21|AUTODETECT|” ). Nevertheless, because of her faith, Rahab was welcomed by the Israelites, married Salmon, and became the mother of Boaz, who was the great-grandfather of David 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=8.4.21|AUTODETECT|” Ruth 4:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.5-40.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.1.5-40.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 1:5 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 11 2 8 0 0 ) G. Known and Unknown Heroes of Faith) 11:32 40) 32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets, 33 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36 Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37 They were stoned; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated 38 the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.) 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. 40 God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.) ) 1.

Those Who Triumphed) 11:32 35a) The list of individuals mentioned as heroes of faith is coming to a close, but not because the author has depleted his sources. He simply lacks the time to enumerate additional heroes. Instead of describing their deeds of faith, the writer merely records the names of those stalwarts known from Scripture.) 32. And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets.) Ever since the beginning of the epistle, the author modestly refrained from mentioning himself. Here, however, for the first time he uses the first person singular pronoun I.

In the concluding part of his epistle, he refers to himself again in the first person singular (13:19, 22, 23).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.11|AUTODETECT|” What more shall I say? He hesitates in view of the numberless examples of men and women who lived by faith. He takes a sample of names: some of them belong to the period of the judges; others, to that of the kings. To be sure, the author fails to present the names in chronological order. He should have said Barak (Judges 4 5), Gideon (Judges 6 8), Jephthah (Judges 11 12), Samson (Judges 13 16), Samuel (I Sam. 1 16), and David (I Sam. 16 31; II Sam.; I Kings 1 2:12). But the writer of Hebrews has no intention of listing the names chronologically. In effect, he follows the order Samuel gave in his farewell speech to the people of Israel: Then the Lord sent Jerub-Baal [also called Gideon], Barak, Jephthah and Samuel, and he delivered you from the hands of your enemies on every side, so that you lived securely 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.11|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 12:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We have no indication why Samuel and the author of Hebrews follow a sequence differing from the chronological one.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The names appear in the sequence of three pairs: Gideon before Barak, Samson before Jephthah, and David before Samuel. The first one named in each set seems to be the more popular.��60��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.7.7|AUTODETECT|” a. Gideon fought with only three hundred men against the multitude of Midianite soldiers. By following faithfully the instruction from God, Gideon became a hero of faith. With his God Gideon was always in the majority 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.7.7|AUTODETECT|” Judges 7:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.4.8|AUTODETECT|” b. Barak refused to do battle with Sisera and Jabin s army unless the prophetess Deborah went with him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.4.8|AUTODETECT|” Judges 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ). With the prophetess to guide him, Barak fought the Canaanites and defeated them 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.4.16|AUTODETECT|” Judges 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and see 5:1).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.16.30|AUTODETECT|” c. Samson captures the imagination of everyone relishing physical prowess. But his love affair with Delilah not only deprived him of his strength; it also placed a permanent blot on his name. Yet Samson displayed unshakable faith in Israel s God when he prayed for strength to mete out justice to his enemies. God heard his prayer. Thus [Samson] killed many more when he died than while he lived 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.16.30|AUTODETECT|” Judges 16:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��61��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.11.39-7.11.40|AUTODETECT|” d. Jephthah s name is indissolubly tied to his rash vow that compelled him to sacrifice his only daughter 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.11.39-7.11.40|AUTODETECT|” Judges 11:39 40) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Nevertheless, Jephthah was filled with the Spirit of God. God used him to defeat the Ammonites and to punish the tribe of Ephraim. He was a man of faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 e. David stands at the head of the kings of Israel. Because he trusted God, David was enabled to conquer his enemies, build his kingdom, and strengthen the people of Israel. He was Israel s statesman and spiritual leader.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.9.9|AUTODETECT|” f. Samuel was a prophet, who was called a seer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.9.9|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 9:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” ). He stands first among the prophets and was an outstanding leader in Israel. The people turned to him, for they knew that God s favor rested on him.��62�� God answered his prayers offered in faith. Said Samuel, As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.23|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 12:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 5 2 8 0 0 The author no longer provides a commentary on the lives of the heroes of faith. Instead he summarizes categories of deeds of faith.) 33. Who through faith conquered kingdoms,) administered justice, and) gained what was promised.��63��) Although the author omits details, the common denominator he supplies is the expression through faith. This expression is a slight variant of the constantly recurring term by faith. The writer seems to intimate that the readers themselves ought to furnish details from their own knowledge of the Bible.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.7-5.1.8|AUTODETECT|” a. Who conquered kingdoms ? Certainly Joshua did when he took possession of the Promised Land. The description is even more apt for David. He conquered the nations surrounding Israel and thus extended the borders of the Promised Land in fulfillment of God s sacred oath. God had sworn that he would give the land to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He had promised Moses that this land would extend from Lebanon in the north to the Negev in the south, and from the river Euphrates in the east to the Mediterranean Sea as the western border 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.7-5.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 1:7 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). David fulfilled that promise through faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.4|AUTODETECT|” b. Who administered justice ? The names of the judges in Israel come to mind, especially the name of Samuel. The people of Israel said that Samuel had not cheated or oppressed anyone 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.12.4|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 12:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Kings of Israel and Judah administered justice in behalf of the people, as Scripture attests:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.8.15|AUTODETECT|” David reigned over all Israel, doing what was just and right for all his people. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.8.15|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 8:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.28|AUTODETECT|” When all Israel heard the verdict [Solomon] had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.3.28|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 3:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.19.6-14.19.7|AUTODETECT|” Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, appointed judges in the land and told them, Consider carefully what you do, because you are not judging for man but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.19.6-14.19.7|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 19:6 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.1-1.21.2|AUTODETECT|” c. Who gained what was promised ? Because the expression promises is in the plural, I think that the author intends to call to mind numerous promises God had made to his people. Already the writer spoke of Abraham, who after waiting for the son of the promise received Isaac 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.21.1-1.21.2|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 21:1 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.6.15|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 6:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.23.14|AUTODETECT|” ). At the end of his life, Joshua said to the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel, You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.23.14|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 23:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Indeed, God s promises to his people are innumerable, as the Scriptures themselves testify.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The author continues to enumerate the deeds of faith performed by his people. They are the heroes of faith,) who shut the mouths of lions,) 34. quenched the fury of the flames,) and escaped the edge of the sword.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.14.6|AUTODETECT|” a. Among the biblical examples of people who fought lions is Samson, who tore a lion to pieces with his bare hands because the Spirit of the Lord came upon him in power 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.14.6|AUTODETECT|” Judges 14:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.34-9.17.37|AUTODETECT|” ). Also, David told Saul that while David was keeping the sheep of his father Jesse, he would rescue a sheep from the mouth of a lion or a bear and kill the wild beast 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.34-9.17.37|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 17:34 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.6.21-27.6.22|AUTODETECT|” ). David testified that God delivered him from the paw of the lion. And from the lions den, Daniel answered King Darius: O king, live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.6.21-27.6.22|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 6:21 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Centuries later Paul wrote, But the Lord stood at my side & and I was delivered from the lion s mouth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.17|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.3.25|AUTODETECT|” b. The three friends of Daniel withstood the heat of the fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, accompanied by someone who looked like a son of the gods 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.3.25|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 3:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), walked around in the fire.��64�� Nebuchadnezzar confessed that God sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him (v. 28).��65��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.8-11.19.10|AUTODETECT|” c. Who escaped the edge of the sword? On numerous occasions David fled to safety when he was pursued by Saul. Elijah fled the murderous Jezebel and went to Mount Horeb in the Sinai Peninsula 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.8-11.19.10|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:8 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.6.31-12.6.32|AUTODETECT|” ). Elisha heard that the king of Israel wanted to kill him during the famine in besieged Samaria 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.6.31-12.6.32|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 6:31 32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Still other heroes of faith received divine aid in overcoming weaknesses. They were the people) whose weakness was turned to strength;) and who became powerful in battle) and routed foreign armies.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.16.29-7.16.30|AUTODETECT|” a. Who was weak and became strong? Of course, Samson. Just before he died, God strengthened him to execute the superhuman feat of pushing the pillars of the temple of Dagon from their places 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.16.29-7.16.30|AUTODETECT|” Judges 16:29 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.38.1-23.38.8|AUTODETECT|” ). Hezekiah prayed to God when Isaiah told him that he would die. God answered his prayer and granted Hezekiah fifteen additional years 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.38.1-23.38.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 38:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.20.1-12.20.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.20.1-12.20.6|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 20:1 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.24|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 32:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And when the weak remnant of the exiles returned from Babylonian captivity, God gave the leaders Nehemiah and Ezra and the people strength to rebuild the city of Jerusalem and the temple.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 b. Who were the mighty in battle? And who put foreign armies to flight? Here are a few names and examples:) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.50|AUTODETECT|” So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. [) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.17.50|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 17:50) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ]) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.1-14.20.30|AUTODETECT|” Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, faced a vast army from Edom. The king defeated the enemy because God fought for his people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.20.1-14.20.30|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 20:1 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.35|AUTODETECT|” Hezekiah, king of Judah, knew that a mighty Assyrian army had taken all the fortified cities of Judah and was marching toward Jerusalem. Because of Hezekiah s faith in God, an angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in one night 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.19.35|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 19:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.21|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.32.21|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 32:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Sennacherib, king of Assyria, withdrew his army and returned to Nineveh.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 35a. Women received back their dead, raised to life again.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.24|AUTODETECT|” In the Old Testament we read that both Elijah and Elisha raised boys from the dead and gave them back to their mothers. The widow of Zarephath, who was not of Israel, believed. When she received her son from Elijah, she said, Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord from your mouth is the truth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.24|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 17:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.4.8-12.4.37|AUTODETECT|” ). The Shunammite woman came to Elisha because she knew that this man of God would be instrumental in raising her son from the dead 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.4.8-12.4.37|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 4:8 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.15|AUTODETECT|” The New Testament provides the example of the widow of Nain who received her son when Jesus raised him from the dead 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.15|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:11 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1-43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” ). Mary and Martha received their brother Lazarus when Jesus called him forth from the grave 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.1-43.11.44|AUTODETECT|” John 11:1 44) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.36-44.9.41|AUTODETECT|” ). And the widows in Joppa welcomed Dorcas back when Peter raised her to life 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.9.36-44.9.41|AUTODETECT|” Acts 9:36 41) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 2 8 0 0 2. Those Who Suffered) 11:35b 38) In the next few verses the author summarizes the physical suffering that the heroes of faith endured. They were martyrs for God s cause. By faith they conquered even though they lost their lives.) 35b. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection.) The instrument on which people were tortured in ancient times was called the tympanum. Presumably it consisted of a large wheel on which victims were stretched out.

Then they were beaten to death.��66�� In the Maccabean period during the first part of the second century before Christ, an almost ninety-year-old scribe named Eleazar was put on the rack and endured blows that led to his death. Said Eleazar, It is clear to the Lord in his holy knowledge that, though I might have been saved from death, I am enduring terrible sufferings in my body under this beating, but in my soul I am glad to suffer these things because I fear him (II Macc. 6:30, R.S.V.). In this same period seven brothers and their mother were tortured by King Antiochus Epiphanes. They were put to death one after the other. One theme of this gruesome tale is that the martyrs believed in the everlasting renewal of life (II Macc. 7:9; also see vv. 14, 23, 29, 36).��67��) Accounts from the dark days of persecution that led to the Maccabean revolt were well known to the Jewish people whom the author of Hebrews addressed. These martyrs suffered and died because of their faith.

They looked for a better resurrection. That is, they did not expect to return to this earthly life. A better resurrection, however, is an everlasting renewal of life in the presence of God.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.24|AUTODETECT|” Saints of the Old Testament era had a vague idea about the doctrine of the resurrection. But during the immediate centuries before Christ s coming to earth, the teaching of a resurrection after this life developed. And later when Jesus was about to raise Lazarus, Martha expressed this doctrine when she said, I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.11.24|AUTODETECT|” John 11:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). By faith believers endured suffering and hoped for a better resurrection in the life hereafter.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 36. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.23|AUTODETECT|” The author of Hebrews moves from specific incidents to the more general occurrences of jeering, flogging, and being chained and imprisoned. From the New Testament we learn that jeering, flogging, and imprisonment were rather common. Jesus had to endure the sneers of Jews and soldiers. He suffered flogging during his trial at the court of Pontius Pilate. The apostles repeatedly spent time in prison. For example, Paul writes to the Corinthians, I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.23|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 11:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The recipients of the Epistle to the Hebrews had experienced public insult and persecution. They themselves had seen the inside walls of a prison (10:33 34). They knew that their trust in God would be richly rewarded.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.24-11.22.28|AUTODETECT|” Old Testament examples of people who were mocked, scourged, or imprisoned include the prophet Michaiah, who was slapped in the face and sent to prison for predicting the future 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.22.24-11.22.28|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 22:24 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.37.14-24.37.21|AUTODETECT|” ). Jeremiah was beaten by the officials of King Zedekiah and placed in prison for a long time 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.37.14-24.37.21|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 37:14 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ; also see 20:1 3; 38:1 13). And at the time of the Maccabean revolt, King Antiochus Epiphanes had the seven brothers and their mother tortured with whips and cords (II Macc. 7:1, R.S.V.).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 Once again the writer of Hebrews becomes specific in listing the types of suffering that believers had to bear. He puts three of them in brief succession.) 37a. They were stoned;) they were sawed in two;) they were put to death by the sword.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.14-3.24.23|AUTODETECT|” a. Because stones are plentiful in Israel, the practice of throwing stones to kill someone was common. The law of Moses specified that a blasphemer had to be stoned by the community 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.24.14-3.24.23|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 24:14 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.10-11.21.15|AUTODETECT|” ). Naboth the Jezreelite, although he was innocent, was put to death by the scheming Jezebel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.21.10-11.21.15|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 21:10 15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.24.21-14.24.22|AUTODETECT|” ). Also, prophets of the Lord God met a similar fate. Zechariah, son of Jehoiada the priest, died in the courtyard of the Lord s temple during the reign of Joash, king of Judah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.24.21-14.24.22|AUTODETECT|” II Chron. 24:21 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.35|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.51|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:51) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” ). That the practice of stoning the prophets had been quite prevalent in ancient Israel is evident from Jesus remark in his discourse of the seven woes. O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.23.37|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 23:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��68��) 1 1 2 8 0 0 b. Nowhere in Scripture is there a parallel to the clause they were sawed in two. Tradition is strong that the prophet Isaiah was cut in half with a wooden saw.��69�� This happened during the reign of King Manasseh. The Old Testament has no record of this incident.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.10|AUTODETECT|” c. Prophets who were killed by the sword are the contemporaries of Elijah. Complains the prophet to God, The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.10|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.26.20-24.26.23|AUTODETECT|” ). King Jehoiakim in the days of Jeremiah struck down with the sword the prophet Uriah. This prophet prophesied in the name of the Lord and predicted the destruction of Jerusalem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.26.20-24.26.23|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 26:20 23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.14-41.6.29|AUTODETECT|” ). And John the Baptist died at the hand of Herod s executioner because he had told Herod, It is not lawful for you to have your brother s wife 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.6.14-41.6.29|AUTODETECT|” Mark 6:14 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Many of the unknown heroes of faith were living in miserable conditions and sordid circumstances. 37b. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated 38a. The world was not worthy of them. The prophet Elijah is an example of those servants of God who lived in abject poverty. His lifestyle became a message of God s impending judgment on Israel. Elijah s appearance suited his prophetic calling. He was depicted as a man with a garment of hair and with a leather belt around his waist 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=12.1.8|AUTODETECT|” II Kings 1:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.13.4|AUTODETECT|” ). His successor Elisha inherited his coat, and in successive generations a garment of hair was the distinctive attire of a prophet 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.13.4|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 13:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ). With this apparel the prophet proclaimed a message of repentance and faith in God. John the Baptist, dressed in clothing made of camel s hair, with a leather belt around his waist 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Mark 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), preached a baptism of repentance (v. 4). The darker hair of a camel or of a goatskin gave the prophet s garment more of a mournful appearance than did the lighter colored sheepskins.��70��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.2-11.17.6|AUTODETECT|” These prophets of old, persecuted and mistreated, were the world s refugees. Their adversaries denied them bread to eat and water to drink. Consider the plight of Elijah. He depended on the ravens to supply him with bread and meat, and he obtained drinking water from the brook Kerith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.17.2-11.17.6|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 17:2 6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.9-11.18.10|AUTODETECT|” ). King Ahab sent search parties to every nation and kingdom to find Elijah, so that he might put the prophet to death 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.9-11.18.10|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:9 10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the eyes of Ahab, Elijah was not worthy to live on the face of the earth.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The text, however, says the exact opposite: the world was not worthy of them. That is, God s enemies cannot be compared with God s servants. These servants are great in honor and stature. King Ahab cannot be measured against Elijah, and King Herod is no match for John the Baptist. By their faith, believers tower above an unbelieving world in which God has placed them for man s benefit.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.13|AUTODETECT|” Referring to the prophets of the Old Testament era, the writer of Hebrews says, 38b. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. Obadiah, in charge of King Ahab s palace, hid a hundred of the Lord s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.18.13|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 18:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.4|AUTODETECT|” ; and see v. 4). Elijah fled into the Negev desert 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.19.4|AUTODETECT|” I Kings 19:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). For him the land of Israel was no longer safe.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.13.6|AUTODETECT|” Caves were rather numerous in Israel 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.13.6|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 13:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.24.1-9.24.13|AUTODETECT|” ). As fugitives, David and his men had no difficulty finding shelter from their pursuers or from the elements of nature 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.24.1-9.24.13|AUTODETECT|” I Sam. 24:1 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Constantly they endured the hostilities of Saul and his soldiers.) 1 14 2 8 0 0 The believer is always surrounded by an unbelieving world. He is often lonely but never alone, for Jesus is his faithful companion in life. Confesses Henry F. Lyte,) Man may trouble and distress me,) Twill but drive me to Thy breast;) Life with trials hard may press me,) Heaven will bring me sweeter rest.) 3. Commendation) 11:39 40) The author has come to the end of his discourse on the heroes of faith. Throughout the chapter the expression by faith is the golden thread that characterizes the life and deeds of God s people.

He concludes this chapter by commending these heroes of faith and by including the readers of his epistle in God s blessing.) 39. These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.) In this text the writer stresses a positive element and a negative. We consider them in sequence.) a. Positive) The word choice in the first part of this verse reminds us of the beginning of the chapter. After the brief definition of faith, the author writes, This is what the ancients were commended for (11:2). Then he provides examples of those who have been commended: Abel (v. 4) and Enoch (v. 5).

He seems to imply that all the other people he mentions are commended for their faith all the known and unknown believers. And who commends these saints? God, of course.��71�� God forgets none of his children. He recognizes everyone who acts in faith, because he has promised to be the God of his people (see, for instance, 8:10). As Father of his children, he expects them to put their trust in him. Instinctively a child puts full confidence in his parents and sometimes expects a parent to perform impossible feats.

So God wants the believer to come in faith and ask for seemingly impossible things. Why? Because God takes pleasure in commending the believer for his faith.) b. Negative) Although believers in Old Testament times received words of praise for exercising their faith, and although many promises that God had given them were fulfilled in their lifetime, they failed to obtain that which had been promised. They saw some promises come true, but not the one promise of the coming of Christ. The writer of Hebrews already stated that the Old Testament believers saw and welcomed the promises in Christ from a distance (11:13).

These believers looked forward to a heavenly country where God himself had prepared a place for them. At the conclusion of this chapter, the author once more testifies that although the saints received divine approval for their faith, they did not obtain that which had been promised.��72��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” What, precisely, did these Old Testament believers not receive? They had the promise of the coming of the Messiah and salvation in him. They were the heirs of the messianic prophecies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.3.15|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 3:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.49.10|AUTODETECT|” 49:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.24.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=4.24.17|AUTODETECT|” Num. 24:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.7.13|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.19.25|AUTODETECT|” Job 19:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6-19.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.2.6-19.2.12|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 2:6 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.16.10|AUTODETECT|” 16:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.22.1|AUTODETECT|” 22:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.6-19.45.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.45.6-19.45.8|AUTODETECT|” 45:6 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.110.1|AUTODETECT|” 110:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.10-60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” ; and numerous passages in the books of the prophets). But all these believers died before Jesus appeared on earth. To be sure, they died in faith and entered heaven. Nevertheless, they entered the presence of God with the promise that they had received and in expectation of its fulfillment. Their understanding of the plan of salvation was vague and incomplete. With the revelation God had given them, they tried to understand the mystery of redemption.��73�� Peter testifies to this when he writes, Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.10-60.1.11|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:10 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The author of Hebrews ends the chapter by including the readers of his epistle in the discussion of faith and the promise of salvation in Christ. Before he began this discussion, he already had exhorted his readers to persevere in faith, so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised (10:36). He brings the Old Testament saints and New Testament believers together in Jesus Christ. He considers them one family, and a family is not complete unless all its members are present. ��74��) 40. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.) Here the pastor speaks not with words of exhortation or admonition. Rather, he teaches his readers the unity and continuity of the believers of both the Old Testament and New Testament eras.��75�� He is saying that they (the heroes of faith) and we (believers in Jesus Christ) are one.

In the next chapter the writer brings the great cloud of witnesses and the readers of his epistle together in Jesus (12:1 2). Jesus is the originator, the author, and the captain of faith. He leads the believer to perfection.) Says the writer, God had planned something better for us. In view of its repeated use in Hebrews, we know that the word better relates to the era of fulfillment in Jesus Christ.��76�� That is, believers who belong to the Christian era have become recipients of the promised salvation in Christ. The Old Testament believers look forward to this fulfillment. Because we look back upon the accomplished work of Christ, by faith we are able to appropriate the fullness of salvation.

In other words, we are privileged above the saints who had only the promise.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6-58.8.7|AUTODETECT|” What is the significance of Christ s coming for the Old Testament believers? The author puts it this way: Only together with us would they be made perfect. During the time of the old covenant 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.6-58.8.7|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:6 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), believers were unable to reach perfection. With his coming, Christ brought many sons to glory (2:10) and made them perfect (10:14). Through his atoning work, Christ caused Old Testament and New Testament believers to share in his perfection (12:23).��77��) 1 5 2 8 0 0 Christ, then, perfects believers, for he is the perfecter of their faith (12:2). No believer can ever make himself perfect, because this work belongs to Christ. However, this does not mean that man should remain idle. Not at all. The author of Hebrews spurs his ) readers on to perseverance in the faith. Both Old and New Testament believers not only share the perfection Christ provides; they also have a common faith.

And as the heroes of faith diligently exercised their faith, so the readers of the Epistle to the Hebrews must persevere. The saints of the Old Testament era serve the New Testament believers as incentives to persevere in faith. In the unity we have with them, we know that through faith we inherit the promise of salvation (6:12; 13:7).) ) Practical Considerations in 11:32 40) The word saint makes us think of a person who walks around with hands folded, with eyes turned heavenward, and with a halo around his head. Somehow we get the impression that he is not one of us. But when the author of Hebrews takes us to the art gallery of the Old Testament and shows us the portraits of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and numerous other people, he confronts us with paintings of people in action. These saints are our brothers and sisters in faith.

The paintings are scenes of battles, feats of courage, and instances of suffering. The dominant people in these portraits are ordinary men and women. They have one thing in common, and that is faith.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” These people are saints, and because of this common faith, we are intimately related. We belong to the same family, for their trials and triumphs are ours, too. And just as they depended on divine help, we also trust in the Lord for aid. They spent their time in prayer; so do we. We pray and work for the coming of Christ s kingdom; as the second petition of the Lord s prayer has it, your kingdom come 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” ). And thus as prayer partners and coworkers for God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.3.9|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 3:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), we ourselves are saints who put faith into practice.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Ever since childhood we have been told not to boast about ourselves. Solomon said it well: Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; someone else, and not your own lips 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.27.2|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 27:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” ). But we must not only listen to what the author of Hebrews tells about our spiritual possessions; we must also tell everyone about them. In fact, we have to brag about them because they are so much better than the possessions of the Old Testament believers. We have a better salvation (6:9), a better hope (7:19), a better covenant (7:22), better promises (8:6), and better and lasting possessions (10:34). We are privileged sons and daughters of God, heirs and coheirs with Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We may not keep silent. God wants us to talk about our riches in Christ, so that others, too, may share our spiritual wealth.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.0|AUTODETECT|” By contrast, the Old Testament believers, mentioned in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.0|AUTODETECT|” Hebrews 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.35|AUTODETECT|” , had only fragments of God s revelation. With these bits and pieces, they persevered in faith. We, who have God s full revelation in Jesus Christ, ought to strive more earnestly to do the will of God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.35|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). A small spark of light led them to heaven; when the sun of righteousness shines over us, with what pretence can we excuse ourselves if we still cleave to the earth? ��78��) 1 56 2 8 0 0 ) Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 11:32 40) Verse 32) ���� an instance of the deliberative subjunctive in a rhetorical question.) ����������� the present middle participle (from ���������, I relate) modifies the accusative singular personal pronoun ��. The gender of the participle is masculine.) Verse 33) ��p ������� this construction is a variant of ������, much the same as ���p ������ (v. 13). Compare also ��� �� (vv. 4, 7) and ��� �P��� (v. 4).) ������������� derived from ������������� (I overcome), this verb in the aorist middle is a compound with perfective force.��79�� The compound consists of ���p (down) and ��������� (I fight).) ������� a verb in the aorist active from ��������� (I obtain) governs a genitive case.) Verse 34) ���������� the accusative plural of the compound noun ��������� derives from ���� (along), � (in), and ����� (I throw). Here it refers to an army that is placed in line of battle.) �������� from ���� (another), with the meaning belonging to another. The secondary meaning is foreign, that is, enemy. ) Verse 36) ����� in verse 35 the term ���� occurs. Although the two words are quite often differentiated, here they are synonymous.) ������ ����� see verse 29.) Verse 37) ��������� from ����� (I cut in two with a saw), the aorist passive form perhaps has led to dittography in the word ����������� (they were tempted).

But the expression they were tempted, sometimes appearing before the verb they were sawed in two and sometimes after it, breaks the sequence of those verbs used for describing the administration of the death penalty. In short, ����������� does not fit the context. Conjectural emendations of this form are numerous.��80��) Verse 39) ������������� the aorist passive participle of �������� (I testify) has a concessive denotation.) ��p ��� ������� see verse 33. The definite article takes the place of the possessive pronoun their.) �t� ��������� some manuscripts, perhaps because of verse 13, have the plural. The singular also appears in 9:15 and 10:36.) Verse 40) ������������� the aorist middle participle from the compound ��� (before) and ����� (I see) is with ��� ���� a genitive absolute construction and has a causal meaning. In the middle voice the verb means to provide. ) 5�� the conjunction seems to introduce a result clause instead of a purpose clause.) ����������� from ������� (I complete), this form is the aorist passive subjunctive.

The verb occurs nine times in Hebrews out of a total of twenty-three times in the New Testament. The negative �� appears to negate ���v� !��� more than the verb itself.) Summary of Chapter 11) What is faith? The author answers this question by giving the readers first a brief definition and then the application of faith in the lives of many believers. The definition is not designed to be comprehensive; rather, it is introductory in nature. Using examples taken from life, the writer demonstrates the characteristics and qualities of faith.) After an initial reference to the origin of the world, the author chooses his illustrations from specific periods of history. First, from the period between creation and the flood he selects the names of Abel, Enoch, and Noah.

These people lived by faith and experienced intimate fellowship with God. With these examples, the writer depicts a gradual progression: Abel s faith eventually resulted in physical death; Enoch s faith brought translation to glory; and Noah s faith provided salvation for him, his family, and the animals.) Then, from the period of the patriarchs, the author selects incidents from the life of Abraham. He shows Abraham s obedience relative to traveling to the land of Canaan, the birth of a son, and the sacrifice of Isaac. The patriarchs died without seeing the promises of God fulfilled: they longed for life eternal in a heavenly city. Also, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph looked to the future.) From the time of the exodus from Egypt to the conquest of Canaan, the writer gleans events from the life of Moses: his birth, childhood, education, and departure from Egypt. He also relates the faith of the Israelites in crossing the Red Sea and in marching around Jericho s walls.

A brief remark on Rahab s faith concludes his comments about that era.) When the author comes to the period of the judges, kings, and prophets, he lists only some representative names. He summarizes the types of trials and triumphs that believers endured and enjoyed. Although he refrains from providing details, he intimates a relation between these persons and deeds of faith.) In his conclusion, the writer discloses that the Old Testament saints and the readers of his epistle share a common faith and together reap the benefits of a fulfilled promise. Believers are made perfect through the work of Christ.) ) ) 1 Donald Guthrie, New Testament Theology (Downers Grove, Ill.: Inter-Varsity, 1981), p. 588.) 2 F. W. Grosheide, De Brief aan de Hebree�n en de Brief van Jakobus (Kampen: Kok. 1955), p. 255.) 3 Heidelberg Catechism, answer 21.) 4 See, for example, the KJV, NKJV, and NEB.

Other translations have confidence (Phillips, Lenski), we are confident (Moffatt), or guarantee (JB). The RV, ASV, R.S.V., NASB, NAB, and MLB have assurance. Helmut K�ster, in TDNT, vol. 8, pp. 586 87, argues that the term hypostasis (substance) refers to the reality of the goods hoped for, which have by nature a transcendent quality. Or, among the meanings that can be authenticated the one that seems to fit best here is realization & in faith things hoped for become realized, or things hoped for become reality. See Bauer, p. 847. Both K�ster and Bauer favor understanding hypostasis subjectively.) 5 James Hope Moulton and George Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament Illustrated from the Papyri and Other Non-Literary Sources (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1930), pp. 659 60.) 6 John Owen, An Exposition of Hebrews, 7 vols. in 4 (Evansville, Ind.: Sovereign Grace, 1960), vol. 7, p. 7.) 7 Bauer, p. 249.) 8 B.

F. Westcott, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1950), p. 350.) NEB New English Bible) 9 The expression elder describes a person who is both aged and dignified. Spanish-speaking people honor a gentleman by calling him don. Not every gentleman, however, receives this title; it is given to him who has gained the respect of the community.) 10 Among the translations that negate the verb to make are the KJV, NKJV, RV, ASV, NASB, NIV, and JB.) 11 The translations that negate to appear include the R.S.V., NEB, NAB, GNB, MLB, Phillips, and Moffatt.) 12 G�nther Harder, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 128.) Phillips The New Testament in Modern English) 13 John Albert Bengel, Gnomon of the New Testament, ed. Andrew R. Fausset, 7th ed., 5 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 4, p. 445.) 14 Grosheide, Hebree�n, p. 260.) 15 A.

T. Robertson, A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), pp. 1137 38.) 16 Ibid., p. 1003.) 17 Clement of Rome says the same thing: If thou offeredst rightly, but didst not divide rightly, didst thou not sin? The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1, I Clem. 4:4 (LCL).) NIV New International Version) 18 Speculation about why Abel s sacrifice was better than Cain s has occupied numerous commentators from ancient times to the present. One of Rembrandt s paintings portrays the two brothers as they present their offerings to God. The smoke of Abel s sacrifice spirals heavenward; that of Cain s fails to ascend.) 19 In the intertestamental period, several writers mentioned Enoch. For example, in Sir. 44:16 we read, Enoch pleased the Lord, and was taken up; he was an example of repentance to all generations (R.S.V.).

See the extracanonical books Wis. 4:10; Jub. 4:17 21; 10:17; I En.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.24|AUTODETECT|” 20 The author of Hebrews takes the Old Testament quotation of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 5:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 not from the Hebrew text but from the Greek translation.) 1 16 2 8 0 0 21 Paul Christoph B�ttger, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 143. Also see John Calvin, Epistle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1949), p. 272.) 22 Bruce M. Metzger, A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament (London and New York: United Bible Societies, 1975), pp. 671 72.) 23 Hans Bietenhard, NIDNTT, vol. 1, p. 690, defines an alien as one who lives among resident citizens without having citizen rights yet enjoying the protection of the community. ) 24 Friedrich Hauck, TDNT, vol. 3, p. 621. Also see Joseph H. Thayer, A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (New York, Cincinnati, and Chicago: American Book Company, 1889), p. 330.) 25 F. F.

Bruce, The Epistle to the Hebrews, New International Commentary on the New Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964), p. 302. Also see R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Epistle of the Hebrews and of the Epistle of James (Columbus: Wartburg, 1946), p. 393; Otto Michel, Der Brief an die Hebr�er, 10th ed. (G�ttingen: Vandenhoeck and Ruprecht, 1957), p. 262; and Leon Morris, The Expositor s Bible Commentary, vol. 12, Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), p. 119.) 26 Thomas Hewitt, The Epistle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1960), p. 175. Also see Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1977), p. 473; and Bauer, p. 409.) 27 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 672, reports on the deliberations of the Editorial Committee: Appreciating the lexical difficulty, but unwilling to emend the text, a majority of the Committee understood the words [and Sarah herself was barren] to be a Hebraic circumstantial clause, thus allowing [Abraham] (ver. 8) to serve as subject of [he received] . ) 28 Calvin, Hebrews, p. 285.) 29 Ceslaus Spicq, L �p�tre aux H�breux, 3d ed., 2 vol. (Paris: Gabalda, 1953), vol. 2, p. 352.) 30 James Swetnam, Jesus and Isaac: A Study of the Epistle to the Hebrews in the Light of the Aqedah (Rome: Biblical Institute Press, 1981), pp. 95 96, 128.

Says Swetnam, The spiritual seed is composed of all those who believe that God can give eternal life (p. 129).) 31 James M. Bulman, The Only Begotten Son, CTJ 16 (1981): 64.) 32 Hughes in Hebrews, pp. 484 85, tabulates the christological interpretations from the first century through the sixteenth.) 33 Hugh Montefiore, The Epistle to the Hebrews (New York and Evanston: Harper and Row, 1964), p. 200. Swetnam in Jesus and Isaac speaks of a foreshadowing (p. 123). He adds, however, that Abraham was not aware of the Christological aspects of his actions (p. 127). And Bauer explains the offering of Isaac as a type (of the violent death and of the resurrection of Christ), p. 612.) 34 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 673.) 35 Robertson, Grammar, pp. 921, 1015. Robertson calls the construction a classical idiom, though uncommon. ) 36 Bauer, p. 546.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.47.31|AUTODETECT|” 37 The sentence and [he] worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff is a quotation from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.47.31|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 47:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The NIV at this verse has the word staff in the text with the footnote, Israel bowed down at the head of his bed. The difference in wording centers on one Hebrew noun which, with the same consonants but with varying vowels, can mean either staff or bed. The Septuagint features the term staff. As he does elsewhere, the writer of Hebrews follows this translation.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 NASB New American Standard Bible) 38 Josephus in his Antiquities of the Jews 2.201 16 (LCL) relates that Moses father had a vision. God exhorted him not to despair, because Moses would deliver the Hebrew race from Egyptian bondage. John Brown in An Exposition of Hebrews (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1961), p. 539, asserts that the writer of Hebrews concurs with the Jewish belief of a special revelation to which Josephus refers.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.23|AUTODETECT|” 39 In his commentary on the faith of Moses parents, Calvin writes, We must, however, remark, that the faith here praised was very weak; for after having disregarded the fear of death, they ought to have brought up Moses; instead of doing so, they exposed him (Hebrews, p. 293). I cannot agree with this observation, for it appears to militate against the concluding part of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.23|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , they were not afraid of the king s edict. Faith banishes fear.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 40 Spicq, H�breux, vol. 2, p. 357.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.0|AUTODETECT|” 41 Hewitt, Hebrews, p. 181. Johannes Eichler and Colin Brown suggest that Moses identified himself with Israel s lot and considered Israel God s anointed. This interpretation has the further advantage of being compatible with all the other instances of faith in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.0|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 drawn from OT history. NIDNTT, vol. 2, p. 835.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 42 B�ttger, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 141.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.28-2.10.29|AUTODETECT|” 43 Spicq, H�breux, vol. 2, p. 359. Lenski in Hebrews, p. 411, notes that Moses fearlessness toward Pharaoh is described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.28-2.10.29|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 10:28 29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27-58.11.28|AUTODETECT|” 44 Some commentators find the order of events in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.27-58.11.28|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:27 28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 difficult to explain because the Passover observance (v. 28) took place before the actual departure from Egypt (v. 27). Grosheide in Hebree�n, p. 274, remarks that the writer of Hebrews departs from a strict chronological order more often (see 11:21).) 1 22 2 8 0 0 45 The NEB translation is, By faith he left Egypt, and not because he feared the king s anger. In their respective commentaries on this verse, Bruce and Hughes favor the NEB translation and apply it to Moses flight from Egypt into Midian.) 46 Thayer, Lexicon, p. 493. However, Ludwig Koehler points out that the meaning of the Hebrew original is not yet etymologically explained at all satisfaction [sic]. Lexicon in Veteris Testamenti Libros (Leiden: Brill, 1953), p. 769.) 47 Literature on the subject of Passover is extensive. A few representative studies are Judah Benzion Segal, The Hebrew Passover from the Earliest Times to a.d. 70 (London: Oxford University Press, 1963); Jakob Jocz, Passover, ZPEB, vol. 4, pp. 605 11; Joachim Jeremias, Pascha, TDNT, vol. 5, pp. 896 904; and Bernd Schaller, Passover, NIDNTT, vol. 1, pp. 632 34.) 48 In his commentary on Hebrews, Brown queries whether the faith of the Israelites when they crossed the Red Sea was saving faith. He writes that the faith of the revelation made to Moses respecting the Israelites obtaining a safe passage through the Red Sea, was not what we ordinarily term saving faith (p. 566).) 49 Bengel, Gnomon, vol. 4, p. 454; when two do the same thing, it is not the same thing. ) 50 Herman Veldkamp, Zondagskinderen, 2 vols. (Franeker: Wever, n.d.), vol. 1, p. 113.) 51 Thayer, Lexicon, p. 81.) KJV King James Version) RV Revised Version) ASV American Standard Version) JB Jerusalem Bible) R.S.V.

Revised Standard Version) NAB New American Bible) GNB Good News Bible) MLB The Modern Language Bible) NKJV New King James Version) 52 R. C. Trench, Synonyms of the New Testament (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1953), p. 388.) 53 Spicq, H�breux, vol. 2, p. 359.) LXX Septuagint) 54 Lenski, Hebrews, p. 412.) 55 Howard M. Jamieson highlights the commercial interests of Jericho s citizenry. Because of their proximity to the Dead Sea, the citizens traded salt, bitumen, and sulphur. Also, agricultural products abounded because of the fresh water available in the area.

See his article Jericho in ZPEB, vol. 3, pp. 451 55.) 56 Marten H. Woudstra, The Book of Joshua, New International Commentary on the Old Testament series (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1981), p. 109. Also see Martin Noth, The Old Testament World, trans. Victor I. Gruhn (Philadelphia: Fortress, 1966), p. 147.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.24|AUTODETECT|” 57 John J. Bimson, Redating the Exodus and Conquest (Sheffield: Journal for the Study of the Old Testament, 1978), p. 129. Archaeologists have discovered debris of walls that resemble those of medieval castles and of brown, black, and red-colored ashes of burnt material 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 6:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Bimson concludes that the excavated city would fit excellently as the large walled city which the biblical narrative says Joshua faced on crossing the Jordan (p. 128).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 58 Donald J. Wiseman, Rahab of Jericho, Tyn H Bul 15 (1964): 8 10. Woudstra, in The Book of Joshua, mentions that the Targums call Rahab an innkeeper. This expression in the Targums always receives an unfavorable sense (p. 69, n. 7). Also see Josephus, Antiquities 5.7 9 (LCL).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.21|AUTODETECT|” 59 Clement of Rome refers at length to Rahab and the spies. However, when he comments on the scarlet cord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.2.21|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 2:21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), he gives it New Testament fulfillment. He writes, And [the spies] proceeded to give her a sign, that she should hang out a scarlet thread from her house, foreshowing that all who believe and hope on God shall have redemption through the blood of the Lord. You see, beloved, that the woman is an instance not only of faith but also of prophecy (The Apostolic Fathers, vol. 1, I Clem. 12:7 8, LCL).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 60 Henry Alford, Alford s Greek Testament: An Exegetical and Critical Commentary, 4 vols. (Grand Rapids: Guardian, 1976), vol. 4, pt. 1, p. 228.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.32|AUTODETECT|” 61 James C. Moyer evaluates Samson: His life is a negative example of a charismatic leader who came to a tragic, yet heroic, end. Nevertheless, his partial victory over the enemy was reason to be named with the heroes of the faith 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.11.32|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 11:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ZPEB, vol. 5, p. 252.) 1 7 2 8 0 0 62 Samuel J. Schultz, The Old Testament Speaks (New York: Harper and Row, 1960), p. 122.) 63 Westcott in Hebrews, p. 377, neatly categorizes verses 33 34 into the literary symmetry of three triplets. The first triplet includes material victory, moral success in government, spiritual reward. The second triplet describes personal escape from wild beasts, physical forces, human tyranny. The last triplet describes the characteristics of strength, the exercise of strength, the triumph of strength. ) 64 Edward J. Young, The Prophecy of Daniel: A Commentary (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1949), p. 94.

Also see John F. Walvoord, Daniel: The Key to Prophetic Revelation (Chicago: Moody, 1971), p. 191.) 65 Mattathias, the father of Judas Maccabeus, addressed his sons when he was about to die. He enumerated the heroic deeds of many persons who are also mentioned by the author of Hebrews; for example, he referred to Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, and David. Says Mattathias, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael [the Hebrew names for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego] believed and were saved from the flame (I Macc. 2:59, R.S.V.).) 66 Thayer, Lexicon, p. 632.) 67 Bruce M. Metzger, An Introduction to the Apocrypha (New York: Oxford University Press, 1957), p. 147.) 68 Jews in Egypt, objecting to Jeremiah s admonitions, stoned him to death. Consult Tertullian, Scorpion Antidote 8; and Jerome, Against Jovinian 2.37.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.31|AUTODETECT|” 69 Captives were put to work and cut wood and stone 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.12.31|AUTODETECT|” II Sam. 12:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=13.20.3|AUTODETECT|” I Chron. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But the cruelty of cutting a person in two seems to have been inflicted only on Isaiah. For Jewish sources see Yebamoth 49b and Sanhedrin 103b, Talmud. Early Christian references are Justin Martyr, Dial. 120; Tertullian, Of Patience 14; also see the apocryphal book the Ascension of Isaiah.) 1 12 2 8 0 0 70 Franz Delitzsch, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, 2 vols. (Edinburgh: Clark, 1877), vol. 2, p. 289.) 71 Lothar Coenen, NIDNTT, vol. 3, p. 1047.) 72 The R.S.V. expresses the concessive idea in verse 39 more directly: And all these, though well attested by their faith, did not receive what was promised (italics added).) 73 Owen, Hebrews, vol. 7, p. 215. Also consult Brown, Hebrews, p. 593.) 74 Montefiore, Hebrews, p. 212.) 75 Consult Hughes, Hebrews, p. 517. He quotes Moffatt, who writes, The conclusion of the whole matter rather is (vv. 39, 40) that the reward of their faith had to be deferred till Christ arrived in our day. The [perfection] is entirely wrought out through Christ, and wrought out for all. It covers all God s People (compare 12:23), for now the Promise has been fulfilled to these earlier saints. ) 76 In the original Greek, the comparative adjective better appears nineteen times in the New Testament, thirteen of which are in the Epistle to the Hebrews (1:4; 6:9; 7:7, 19, 22; 8:6 [twice]; 9:23; 10:34; 11:16, 35, 40; 12:24).) 77 Reinier Schippers, NIDNTT, vol. 2, p. 64. Also see Guthrie, New Testament Theology, p. 597.) 78 Calvin, Hebrews, p. 308.) 79 Robertson, Grammar, p. 606.) 80 Metzger, Textual Commentary, p. 674.

The editions of the United Bible Society and Nes-Al delete the word; many translations (R.S.V., GNB, JB, NAB, NEB, NIV, and Moffatt) do the same. Editions that retain the word are TR, Bover, Merk, BF, and Nes-Al (25th ed.); so do the KJV, NKJV, RV, ASV, NASB, and MLB. J. B. Phillips expands the verb into a clause: they were tempted by specious promises of release. ) Kistemaker, S. J., & Hendriksen, W. (1953-2001).

Vol. 15: New Testament commentary : Exposition of Hebrews. Accompanying biblical text is author’s translation. New Testament Commentary (359). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.)