To Be One in Christ: We Have Treasure in the Jars of Clay -- the Series of Explanation and Analysis of Scripture (15) - 11 - part II
The Explanation and Analysis of the Verses in Chapter 11 of HEBREWS
All thanks, praises and glories be to God!
(8) the test of faith (11:17-19)
Regarding the faith of Abraham, the previous verses have cited it already. Here, it is cited again, but is about different experience of faith. In the verses 8-10, it cites as a proof that by faith Abraham waited for Isaac promised by God. Here, it cites as evidence that by faith Abraham obeyed the command of God and would offer Isaac as a sacrifice. This experience of offering Isaac could be counted as the highest display of the faith of Abraham. In this chapter, it mentions many heroes of faith in the ancient times. And only the most distinct thing of each person is mentioned to show their faith. However, regarding the father of faith -- Abraham, in this chapter, it cites two important deeds of faith in his entire life as the examples for what is said in verse 2 in this chapter: “This is what the ancients were commended for”. It let us see that the Bible considers Abraham have more particularities in faith to be as the model of our faith. His deeds of faith can help us most to understand the significance of faith, and can best prove that God is faithful and reliable. Here, it gives several characteristics of the faith about offering Isaac by Abraham:
Heb 11:17 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,
(NOTES)
a. His faith is a faith that passed the highest test:
“By faith Abraham, when God tested him”. God asked Abraham to offer Isaac. As to this incident, the Bible especially remarks that it was to “test” Abraham (Gen 22:1; Heb 11:17). This does not mean that before this, God did not test Abraham. In fact, Abraham had passed several tests of faith before this. For examples, left his father's household and went to Canaan (Gen 12:1-3); after he was in Canaan, he met a famine (Gen 12:10); Lot strived for the land of the plain (Gen 13:11); defeated the four kings (Gen 14:13-16); waited for a long time for the birth of Isaac (Gen 21:1-2) and so on. However, this test is the toughest test among all the tests. God won’t give Abraham such a tough test from the beginning; but according to the level of his faith, tested him gradually, so that his faith can bear with it and become more and more stronger. Due to the omniscience of God, He does not need to test people so that to know their faith. Therefore, the tests from God are obviously all for the good of men themselves, so that men’s faith after the test will grow further, and also after passing the tests, men will know more about the faithfulness of God and receive more rewards.
After Abraham obeyed God’s quest to offer his Isaac, his faith is shown to be a faith that passed the highest test and a faith more precious than the gold through the trial of fire.
b. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son:
“By faith Abraham, … offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son”
Regarding the event that Abraham offered Isaac, what confused him most was that Isaac is the promised son from God, whom he obtained after a long period of time by faith; how come God will take it back? To turn over to God the son that he obtained after such a long and difficult time of waiting, it is even more difficult than letting him give up the desire to get the son before he got it. However, Abraham did the instruction of God without hesitation, and brought his son to the mountain to offer to God. In (Gen 22:3), it is said: “Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. ” In (Gen 22:9,10), it is said: “When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son.” These records show that it is absolutely not an act that was put on airs that Abraham obeyed the command to offer Isaac; but he literally, swiftly, and seriously carried out the offering of his son to God. This proves that the faith of Abraham to God is without hesitation and doubt even on the matters that most easily make him doubt the good will of God, or on anything that makes him hesitate and feel difficult to do.
Heb 11:18 even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
(NOTES)
c. Isaac that he offered by faith is his “one and only offspring”:
“He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." ”
Although Abraham had Ishmael, since Ishmael was born by his maidservant Hagar, and was born “of human decision” and “a husband's will” (Joh 1:13), this son is considered illegal by God. God told him clearly that only Isaac who was born of the promise can be reckoned as his offspring. Now the one that God asked him to offer was this very “one and only” offspring. It is apparent that God was touching his most vital part to let him learn the highest obedience and offering. On the other hand, God appointed Abraham to offer his one and only son who he loves; this will let Abraham deeply understand how wide and long and high and deep the love of God is when God offer His One and only Son to the worldly people through the offspring of Abraham! Since Abraham by faith saw the Son of God will be given “from a distance” (Joh 8:56), here, God asked him to offer the only son who he loves most to God to prove that his love of God has nothing to hold back. Dear believers, if God now ask us to turn over what we love most to Him, we should not complain that God ask for too much from us, for before God give us the request, He has offered His One and only Son whom He loves to us.
Heb 11:19 Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.
(NOTES)
d. His faith is in God who could raise the dead:
“Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead”; it shows that the reason that Abraham can offer Isaac without hesitation is because he has complete faith in God, which is a faith in God that God can raise the dead. In the Genesis, it does not give the reason why he is so brave to obey the command of God to offer his one and only son. However, from verse (Rom 4:17) and here, it let us see clearly that such a offering of Abraham comes from this precious faith of him. Otherwise, even though Abraham had more than one son, it would be impossible for him not to be hesitate even to offer any one of them. Why did not Abraham feel difficult to bring Isaac to offer him as a sacrifice? It is because he believed surely that even though he killed Isaac and offered him as a sacrifice, God can still raise him from the dead; for God is “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. ” (Rom 4:17).
We might guess that when Abraham brought his Isaac to Mount Moriah to offer to God, how heavy his mood was, and his heart might be filled with grief like being punctured by needles. In fact, that is only our imagination. The Bible does not give any hint that when Abraham brought Isaac to offer to God, he was very sad. On the contrary, from the records of the Bible, we see that when Abraham brought Isaac to offer, he did not show any sadness at all; as if he was doing a common task that God commanded him, and he absolutely did not feel like there was any catastrophe come upon him. It is because he has absolute assurance that he “reasoned that God could raise the dead”.
Then what made Abraham have such a faith in God? In another word, what made the faith of Abraham go so deep? Undoubtedly, when his wife Sarah was old and barren, she can still gave birth to Isaac for him. This had a significant influence on him that when he offered Isaac, he has the faith that God can make his son raised from the dead (11,12). Since God can give offspring to him from an old person as good as dead, thus, can not God raise up the dead? It is obvious that the faith of Abraham grew up gradually. From his experience of faith before, he got to know the faithfulness of God; thus, he can do what God asked him to do at present by trusting in and relying on the faithfulness of God Almighty. The experience of receiving a son from one “as good as dead” made him understand: since God can make one “as good as dead” give birth to a son; of course God can make his son, even if dead, back from the death! Since he can keep on knowing, thinking, and understanding the deeds and faithfulness of God from the experience of faith, thus, he can be willing to offer his one and only Isaac to God without any hesitation at all.
e. His faith is a faith received the reward:
“he did receive Isaac back from death”. Although his son did not die, it was as if his son has been through the death already; although he eventually did not kill his son, it was as if his son has been killed already. He did receive Isaac back from death; this is one of his reward. Regarding this son that he had, he did not get one more son because of offering Isaac; although God did not increase what he already had, it was as if he was given one more son. Before this test, Isaac is the son that God promised him; after this test, Isaac became the son that God rewarded him. The reward that he received was not up to how much was added by God to what he already had; but was up to that his mind to God was proved to be faithful and pure. When he knew that he was tested by God, he did not become unfaithful to God or be shaken in faith; and when he pleased God, his joy was beyond description; this is the most valuable reward. As to one who sincerely loves God, the reward that he asks for is not up to the increase of his wealth or anything else, but is up to getting the chance to show his mind in front of God.
(9) the blessing of faith (11:20-21)
A. Isaac (11:20)
Heb 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau in regard to their future.
(NOTES)
According to Genesis 27, when Isaac gave blessings to his sons, since he had a taste for wild game and loved Esau, he was about to give blessings to Esau and forgot the words of God said to Rebekah when Esau and Jacob were born: “The older will serve the younger”. However, it turned out that he was cheated by Jacob and gave blessings to Jacob first. This matter does not seem to us the most commendable deeds in the entire life of Isaac; for it is more like his failure, but not the victory. According to the record of the entire life of Isaac, there were several times that he tolerated the quarrels of the Philistines et al. and gave up the wells that he dug; finally he got the well that God prepared for him (Gen 26:12-22). From our viewpoint, such things are more worthy to be recorded here. However, the Bible here, does not mention these things about him, but especially record the incident that he blessed Jacob and Esau. It is because although there was his weakness on this matter, his faith was also shown more clearly on this matter. After he gave the blessings to Jacob, Esau came back and asked for the blessings, he “trembled violently ”. After Esau knew that his blessing was taken by his own younger brother through cheating, he burst out with a loud and bitter cry and pleaded his father for the blessings. At that time, although Isaac had a bias to Esau, he answered Esau that: “I have made him lord over you … So what can I possibly do for you, my son?” At last, he can only give Esau some inferior and earthly blessings. It shows that Isaac deeply believed that his blessings were actually from God to bless others through him. God will fulfill His will; and it is not for men to change it according to their own will. Therefore, this incident is more valuable in the eyes of God. His faith and obedience to God is his most commendable deeds.
B. Jacob (11:21)
Heb 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
(NOTES)
When Jacob was dying, he blessed Joseph's two sons respectively; it is similar to the faith of the blessings of Isaac to him. According to Genesis 48, Jacob put his two grandsons Manasseh and Ephraim as his own sons, so that they will divide the possessions together with other sons of him; also according to the inspiration of Holy Spirit, he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh. In such a way of laying his hand, it equals to give double of his possessions to the tribe of Joseph. He did this to prove that he believed that God had given the possessions of the land of Canaan to his descendents. Therefore, by faith he gave the possessions to his descendents in advance. Although in the entire life of Jacob, there were a few times that he treated others cunningly, God did not wait till his deeds became perfect to be pleased with him, but is pleased with his faith.
“worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff”. According to (Gen 47:31), when Jacob was dying, he asked Joseph not to bury him in Egypt, but carried his remains to Canaan and buried him where Abraham was buried. Joseph promised to do his will. Then Jacob “worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff”. Since Jacob was sick seriously and was difficult to get up, he still worshiped God as he leaned on the top of his staff, so that to make all his efforts to worship God respectfully, even though he was dying. This shows that he deeply believed that the promise of God will realize, and his descendents will inherit the possessions of the land of Canaan. Now although he was dying, he was not willing to be buried in the foreign land, but wished to be buried in the land of Canaan promised by God to show his firm faith in the promise of God. After he knew that his will can be realized, for Joseph promised to bury him in the land of Canaan, from his heart, he gave out enormous thanksgivings and was willing to offer God his most sincere worship with his last strength-- “worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff” .
(10) the will of faith (11:22)
Heb 11:22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and gave instructions about his bones.
(NOTES)
Joseph has the same faith as his forefathers, and believed that the Israelites must be able to get back to Canaan. Therefore, he gave the will to the Israelites when his end was near, to bring his bones out of Egypt when the Israelites went out of the Egypt in the future (Exo 13:19). Therefore, to give a will in such a way, it not only shows that he has the same faith of Isaac and Jacob et al., but also proves that his faith is correct, for the promise of God is true and will fulfill it according to what he believes.
Note that: regarding the faith of Isaac, Jacob, and Isaac et al., the Bible especially records their faith when their “end was near” , but not their faith “at the very beginning”. Final judgment can only be passed on a person when the lid is laid on his coffin. The faith of one when his end is near, is the final judgment of a person on his road of faith. There are many believers, they love LORD very much in the beginning of believing in God; however, their love is lost gradually, their love of the world increases instead! Therefore, if we love LORD more than others right now, there is nothing to boast about; we need to wait and see that we can love LORD to the end; then we can say that it is successful. In (Jam 1:4), it says: “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ”
(11) the courage of faith(11:23)
Heb 11:23 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.
(NOTES)
When Moses was born, it was the time that the Israelites were oppressed severely by Pharaoh. At that time, the king of Egypt had gave this order to all his people that every boy of the Israelites that was born must be thrown into the Nile (Exo 1:22). However, Moses’ parents hid him for three months so that Moses escaped from this disaster of being destroyed. This situation was similar to the situation when Christ was born, that he was persecuted by the king Herod. This tells us that the “prince of the world” always persecutes by all means the messengers who are sent by God or the Son of God who He loves. Although in such situations, God always has ways to protect His servants such that they can fulfill the work that God wants them to do in all kinds of circumstances under the persecutions and sufferings. Here, we should notice several characteristics of the faith of Moses’ parents:
a. a faith of the yokefellow:
Although in (Exo 2:2-3), it did not mention Moses’ father. However, we can see here that to hide Moses was the decision that was made by the husband and wife together. The reason that it does not mention Moses’ father in Exodus, might be because he was not there when Moses was put in a basket among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. They hid Moses with one mind; it shows that they had the same faith and were willing to be yoked together, and took the responsibilities together. In one family, it is precious that the couple can trust in God together with one mind in the sufferings. It is a pity that nowadays many Christian couples do not have the same mind in the sufferings, such that they fell in the crafty plots of the devils. However, the testimony of Moses’ parents tells us, if the husband and wife trust in God together with one mind, they will receive the peace and help of God, which transcends all understanding.
b. a faith with hope:
“because they saw he was no ordinary child”. Here, “no ordinary ” not only referred to his no ordinary appearance, but also described that he was the good hope in his parents’ eyes with affections. By faith, they saw that this child might become a good instrument for God so that they hid him.
c. a faith obeying the guidance of God:
“By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after he was born”. Note that the verse of “hid him for three months”; there are similar records in Exodus and Acts. How come Moses' parents hid him for just three months, neither more nor less, just three months, they put Moses along the bank of the Nile, and just met with Pharaoh's daughter went down to Nile to bathe and rescued Moses? We have reason to believe that Moses' parents not only have faith to believe that God will protect their children so that he can be used by God in the future, but also their faith is the faith obeying the guidance of God. They did not hide the baby according to their own will, but according to the will of God; when the time of God came, they did not hide him any more, but put him along the bank of the Nile.
d. a brave faith:
“they were not afraid of the king's edict”. They were low without any power. However, they dared to disobey the Pharaoh’s edict. This is a brave faith. And their faith include great love; they are willing to risk their life for their child. There is no fear in love. This love makes their faith to be a faith that is fearless of death. Through this kind of faith, they rescued an important servant of God -- Moses’ life. All of these certainly were in the plan and arrangements of God.
(12) the choice of faith (11:24-31)
A. Moses (11:24-28)
These verses cite the example of Moses again to show the accomplishments of faith on Moses.
Heb 11:24 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter.
(NOTES)
i. made him refuse the honor of the world:
According to the study of the archaeologists, they believed that the Pharaoh's daughter who adopted Moses is the daughter of king Thotmes I. She is the sister of king Thotmes II with same father and different mother. She took the place of king Thotmes III and acted as regent for 20 years; she was the most powerful ruler in Egypt, and also the first great queen in history. Therefore, Moses as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, had a lofty position. It is not easy to refuse such a honor; this situation is similar to the situation that LORD Jesus refused the temptations of the devil. It is not that he can not be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; but he “refused” to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. This power to “refuse” is the accomplishment of his faith, and is the most glorious victory of his faith. In (1Jo 5:4), it is said: “This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.”. The reason that the Christians have no power to refuse the temptations of this world, is mostly because they do not have faith in the goodness of the blessings promised by God.
Note that God did not let Moses inherit the throne of Pharaoh's daughter to relieve the Israelites from their sufferings. God did not use this method. God let Moses refuse the power of Egypt first, and depart from all the honors of Egypt and become a low person completely, then lead all the Israelites out of Egypt.
Heb 11:25 He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.
(NOTES)
ii. made him suffer for the sake of God willingly:
The faith of Moses not only made him refuse the glory from the world, but also made him suffer for the sake of God willingly. These two things are often connected. If you refuse the pleasures of sin in this world, not only you can not enjoy it, but also you might suffer because of it. Even so, Moses who has the faith still chose God, instead of Egypt.
Note that Moses chose to be God’s people, it was not at the time that Joseph was the ruler of all Egypt and God’s people were welcomed by the Egyptians; but it was at the time that his fellow countrymen suffered most.
Nowadays, the believers should learn from Moses who “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time. ” Although this world gives people the pleasures, but it is the pleasures of sin, which will be judged by God; it is very short but will provoke even greater pains eventually. On the contrary, although to be “the people of God ” will suffer temporarily, it eventually leads us into the eternal peace and happiness given by God.
Heb 11:26 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.
(NOTES)
iii. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value:
The faith of Moses made him have different viewpoint of the pleasures in this world; he even regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt! This is what the worldly people can not understand. Here, we see that the spiritual insight of Moses is the same as the spiritual insight of the believers. After the apostles were captured and flogged for the name of God, the Bible says: “The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. ” (Act 5:41). The apostle Paul wrote to the believers in Philippi that: “What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Php 3:8). The believers can use this point to test and examine themselves. If let us choose between the honor and wealth of this world and the suffering and disgrace for Christ, will we choose to suffer for LORD and look down on the vanity of this world? This will test our faith effectively whether we have firm faith on the heavenly things or not.
“because he was looking ahead to his reward. ”:
This verse shows the reason that he regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, is because he looked forward to the reward that he wanted to receive. Although we sometimes think that it might not be the best love to LORD if we long for the reward, it does not mean that we should not long for the reward; for here in the Bible, it is obvious that the attitude of Moses’ longing for the reward is commended. In fact, if one does not think highly of the reward of God, that is a disrespect to God. On one hand, we should not for the sake of reward only to love God; on the other hand, in regard to the reward that God promise to us, we should admire and treasure it.
Note that this verse of “disgrace for the sake of Christ ” shows that although when Moses fled to Midian, there were still about two thousand years from the birth of Christ. However, Moses suffered the disgrace in that way; it was for the sake of Christ who was born after two thousand years. It is obvious that both those who have faith in Old Testament and we the believers nowadays have faith in the same one -- Christ. Nevertheless, they saw Christ in the future by faith from a distance, while we by faith look upon Christ who had come to this world and ascent the heaven.
Heb 11:27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible.
(NOTES)
d. he left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger:
This verse is about the incident that after Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian (Exo 2:15). However, here it is said that he left Egypt by faith. According to the Exodus, it is said that Moses fled due to being afraid of Pharaoh. While here, it is said that “not fearing the king's anger” and left Egypt. Why so? It might be because what the Exodus records only pays attention to record the process that he killed the Egyptian. However, what this book records is in regard to the overall situation of the faith of Moses to God. Although regarding the incident that Moses killed the Egyptian, it shows that Moses used to have his weakness of the flesh and blood. However, regarding the comparison of Moses’ attitude to the promise of God and to the treasure of the Egyptians, Moses can be counted as “by faith” “not fearing the king's anger” to leave Egypt. It is because that he bravely “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God ”, and gave up enjoying “the pleasures of sin for a short time” in Egypt.
“he persevered ” was about Moses fled to Midian. This verse also explains the previous verse of “not fearing the king's anger”; it does not refer to his momentary braveness of killing the Egyptian, but refers to his life in Midian for several tens of years. Since Midian is not quite far away from Egypt, if Pharaoh seriously chased Moses, it would not be very difficult. Therefore, for several tens years, Moses lived in Midian also under the threat of Pharaoh.
“persevered” tells that Moses fled to Midian as an alien; he did not live in seclusion aimlessly, but he persevered and waited for God to save his fellow countrymen. Otherwise, the Bible won’t say that “he persevered”, but will say that he lived a life in a leisurely way.
“because he saw him who is invisible”; this verse implies that the spiritual life of Moses in Midian as an alien was intimate to God.
Heb 11:28 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.
(NOTES)
e. made him lead the Israelites out of the Egypt:
Keeping the Passover for the first time is the biggest event in the history of the Israelites. Among the ten plagues came upon the Egyptians from God through Moses, killing the firstborn is the most terrible and last plague. The Israelites followed the command of Moses to keep the Passover, killed the lamb and did the sprinkling of blood to avoid the killing of the firstborn; it shocked the whole nation of Egypt. The Pharaoh dared not to force the Israelites to stay any more and let them leave the Egypt. Note that if the Israelites did not keep the Passover, not only their firstborn will be killed, but also they won’t show any difference from the Egyptians. The Egyptians won’t think that it is the punishment from God of the Israelites and let them leave Egypt. Therefore, killing the firstborn and keeping the Passover are connected with each other. On one hand, it is the punishment to the Egyptians; on the other hand, the Israelites have faith in God to accept the salvation from God. On this matter, what is most important is the faith of Moses; if he himself did not believe it deeply, while God need to save the Israelites through the method of keeping the Passover, the Israelites won’t all keep the Passover. Therefore, here, the Bible mentions about keeping the Passover and takes it as a great deeds accomplished by the individual faith of Moses.
B. the Israelites (11:29-30)
Heb 11:29-30 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to do so, they were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.
(NOTES)
These verses talk about the historical events which are most worthy of recording for the process of the Israelites getting out of Egypt and entering the land of Canaan: the Israelites passed through the Red Sea and marched around Jericho. “Passing through the Red Sea” , is the great event to get out of Egypt; “marching around Jericho”, is the great event to enter the Canaan. These two events have the same nature, that is, they are both the victories over the enemies. Passing through the Red Sea was a big victory because of the rescue of God when they were chased by the enemies in the dangers and desperations. Marching around Jericho was the first big victory to attack the enemies, start to draw the promise of God, enter and occupy Canaan. These two victories were both obtained by faith. Although in these two big victories, the Israelites also had a lot of failures. However, here, it does not mention it, but encourages the believers with these two great events only. God can find something commendable from the believers through their faith even on those who failed most; such as Lot, although he was a failed believer, according to the record about him in (2Pe 2:7-9), it is still in a tone of commendation.
C. Rahab (11:31)
Heb 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
(NOTES)
The incident that Rahab welcomed the spies is cited from (Jos 2:1-24; 6:15-25). It is also mentioned in (Mat 1:5; Jam 2:25) in the New Testament. Here, the record explains that it is because of faith that Rahab welcomed the spies and did not want to be killed with “those who were disobedient”. The book of James said that it is righteousness though deeds that Rahab welcomed the spies. It is to emphasize her faith shown from her deeds. It is because true faith must be shown from the deeds.
(13) the achievements of faith (11:32-38)
Heb 11:32 And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets,
(NOTES)
“And what more shall I say? ” that is, he won’t talk about the following examples in details one by one, but not that he won’t continue to talk about it. Therefore, in the following verses, the author mentioned the deeds of faith of the judges and prophets briefly in a summary, then concluded the topic of this chapter and also introduced the encouragements in the next chapter. The author spoke in this way; it is apparent that in his ideas, the heroes of faith through all the generations left numerous examples to sufficiently prove the grace and faithfulness of God, which we “do not have time to tell about”. This idea also shows that the author must also belong to the ranks of the heroes of faith, for only one with faith can see the great power and marvelous deeds from everyone and everywhere. As to those who have no faith, they only know to complain and grumble against God for the difficulties in front of their eyes. Here, the judges who have been mentioned are:
a. Gideon (Jdg 6-8)
At that time, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites. The clan of Gideon was originally the weakest in Manasseh, and he was the least in his family (Jdg 6:15). However, by faith, he led only three hundred people to defeat the entire army of Midian so that the Israelites enjoyed peace forty years.
b. Barak (Jdg 4-5)
Barak was the judge at the time that the Israelites were oppressed by Jabin -- a king of Canaan. Deborah was the prophetess and was leading Israel at that time. According to the will of God, she commanded Barak to lead the army to strike Jabin's army. Although Jabin said he would fight only if she went with them, and seemed to be somewhat coward, in the meanwhile, it showed his faith. He asked a prophet who represented God to speak, and who can tell him the revelation of God, to go with him; this shows that he believed in God more than his own strength. He did not care about whether he can keep the honor of braveness or not; what he cared about was whether they can receive the instructions from God in the war and God will be with them or not.
c. Samson (Jdg 13-16)
The deeds of Samson are recorded in most details in the book of Judges. He is listed as one of the heroes of faith; it is completely from the aspect that he bravely dealt with the Philistines, but not from the aspects of his life. Although Samson failed from the aspect of life. But by his faith, he can still be used by God; and what he can be used by God, being compared with his own weakness, had more significance to the chosen people of God. The Christians certainly must pursue the holy life. However, if one assumes that everyone must be perfect in every aspect before he can be used by God, this idea is not proper; if that is the case, from the ancient time to now, there won’t be anyone could be used by God. In fact, many people who are used by God still have their special weakness. Nevertheless, without any doubt, if one only has faith and can be used by God in work, but fails in life, he himself must suffer the loss, just as the tragedy of Samson tells us.
d. Jephthah (Jdg 11-12)
The family background of Jephthah is the worst among the judges. His mother was a prostitute; he himself was the head of a group of adventurers, and he could be called the worst among the sinners! However, he by faith became a judge and was put on the important position by God to save the Israelites! The example of Jephthah tells us once again, how the grace of God by faith came upon a person and turned one from an ignoble sinner into a noble instrument of God.
e. David (1Sa 16-17)
David is the most famous king of the Israelites. In his youth, by faith he killed the giant Goliath. He taunted Goliath: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. ” (1Sa 17:45) This is a big victory of his faith. Afterward, he defeated all the enemies by faith, and is called the one who suits God’s regard.
f. Samuel (1Sa 1-4)
Samuel is the last judge of the times of the judges in Israel; and also the first prophet in the times of kings. From his childhood to his old age, he served God in his entire life. He often taught the people with the revelations of God (1Sa 12).
g. the prophets
That is, the prophets in the times of the Old Testament. All their predictions are centered at one core -- Jesus Christ. On the way to Emmaus, Lord talked to two disciples after His resurrection, “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.” (Luk 24:27).
Heb 11:33-38 who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, 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. 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. Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 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-- the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
(NOTES)
As to the heroes of faith in these verses, what are talked about here are all in regard to their faith to overcome the sufferings without mentioning their name clearly. These people are unknown heroes of faith. They bore with all kinds of sufferings for the faith in God, and would not yield in faith. The testimonies they left to us, same as the heroes of faith mentioned above, are enough to be the encouragements to us.
As to all kinds of sufferings mentioned above, they are all the experiences of the heroes of faith in the Bible. However, here, it does not point out specifically anyone’s name; therefore, these words certainly include all those unknown heroes who are not recorded in the Bible, while suffered the same sufferings by the same faith. All that they suffered will be remembered and commended by God all the same.
“who through faith conquered kingdoms”: such as David (2Sa 8-9), Asa (2Ch 14-16), Uzziah (also called Azariah) (2Ch 26:1-15), Hezekiah
(2Ch 32:1-23).
“administered justice”: such as prophet Elijah (1Ki 17:1; 18:1-46; 21:1-29), king Josiah (2Ki 22).
“and gained what was promised”: such as Abraham received Isaac (Gen 21); Caleb received the promised land (Jos 14:6-14).
“who shut the mouths of lions”: such as Daniel was safe in the lions' den (Dan 6:22); such as David (1Sa 17:34-35).
“quenched the fury of the flames”: such as the three friends of Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan 3:16-27).
“and escaped the edge of the sword”: such as David rescued the Israelites from the swords of Philistines (1Sa 17:1-55); David escaped from the persecution and sword of Saul several times (1Sa 18:16-21; 19:8-24; 23:15-29).
“whose weakness was turned to strength”: such as Sarah was old but she can till give birth to Isaac (Gen 12); Peter and John changed from being weak to being courageous (Act 4:13).
“and who became powerful in battle ”: such as Gideon with only 300 soldiers defeated the entire army of Midian (Jdg 7:15-23); Samson struck down a thousand Philistines (Jdg 15:15).
“and routed foreign armies”: such as Joshua conquered all the nations in Canaan (Jos 10:1-43).
“Women received back their dead, raised to life again”: such as the son of the woman of Shunem rose from the dead (2Ki 4:17-37); the son of the widow in Nain was raised to life again (Luk 7:11-17).
“Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection”: such as Jeremiah proclaimed the predictions faithfully, and refused to change the messages even though being tortured (Jer 37:16-21; Jer 38:7-13); the apostle Paul suffered many persecutions and remained faithful (2Co 11:23-29).
“Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison”: such as the apostles (Act 4:1-4;5:26-28;40-42;8:1-4;9:1;Rev 1:9;2:10).
“They were stoned”: such as Stephen (Act 7:56-60).
“they were put to death by the sword”: such as James was put to death with the sword by king Herod (Act 12:1).
“They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated … They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.”: such as prophets in the times of Old Testament, the apostles in the times of New Testament, and the saints in all the times; they all have the similar experience.
“the world was not worthy of them”: this verse summarizes all the above people. Although they are precious in the eyes of God, this world does not welcome them. They did not enjoy any glory on earth and there is no their position in this world. They are regarded as unworthy of the world. Just as the apostle Paul said in the letter of Corinthians 1 “Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world. ” (1Co 4:11-13).
(14) the promise received through the faith (11:39-40)
Heb 11:39-40 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
(NOTES)
“These were all commended for their faith”; it is also translated as “And these all, having obtained a good report through faith”. That is, they obtained a good report that God made through them; and proved that they got the divine approval from God.
“what had been promised”:
refers to the Savior that God promised them; for only this Savior is whom all the people with faith are hope for in the times of Old Testament. Therefore, “promised” here does not refer to any common things, but especially refers to Christ.
Regarding these heroes of faith mentioned in this chapter, for the sake of their faith in the promise of God, they have given good testimonies, paid high price, showed all kinds of perseverance, braveness, and deeds of giving up themselves. However, they died with faith, yet not received what had been promised -- the Savior that God had promised to them. Although by faith they had already cherished the hope of the promised Savior by God, and received the proofs that they are commended by God. However, until their death, they did not see the coming of the promised Savior. They always kept their faith until they entered the rest of eternality. As to these heroes of faith, even though they did not see the realization of the promise of God in their entire life, they still hold firmly to what they believe in and show all kinds of brave deeds. No mention about us nowadays, we have seen the coming, the death, the resurrection, the ascension of the Savior who was exalted to heaven and sits at the right hand of the Most High, should not we hold more firm faith and wait for His Second Coming?
“God had planned something better for us”. “something better ” in verse 40 and “what had been promised” in the verse 39 refer to the same thing, for in the following sentence “so that only together with us would they be made perfect”. It is obvious that what God prepared for us and promised them are the same thing, and are what “they” and “we” obtain together. Therefore, so-called “something better ” refers to “what had been promised” -- the Savior promised by God. However, why use the word of “better ”, while in the previous verse it is “what had been promised”? This word of “better ” does not mean that what we get are different from what those in the Old Testament get; it is because as to them, the birth of this Savior, was only in the promise; but as to us, it is a promise that has realized already. Therefore, this Savior is “better” to us.
However, the complete salvation of Christ includes not only his birth, death, resurrection and ascension, but also his glorious Second Coming, the resurrection of our bodies and living forever with Him. Therefore, “something better ” implies things from two aspects: on one hand, if we look back, we see that the promise of God has realized already, it is better than in the times of Old Testament that it was not realized yet. On the other hand, we look forward and wait for the other part of “something better ” to realize, which is better than what have realized -- the resurrection of the body and the glorious Second Coming of LORD.
“so that only together with us would they be made perfect”:
This verse makes us see the salvation of Christ, is not only for a certain times or some people, if some who should be saved are not saved, it is not complete yet; if the grace of salvation given by God, has not been received by those who are supposed to receive it, it will not be perfect.
The word of “us” here, not only include the Hebrew believers at that time, but also include all the believers received the grace. Note that in this chapter, all the great men of faith that have been listed, not only include the descendents of Abraham, but also include those people previous to Abraham, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah et al. Thus, it can be seen that all people with faith receive the grace under the same promise with the same salvation.
Reference:
1. Zhongdao Chen: “The Lectures on the Bible Studying of the Letters in New Testament”.
