CHAPTER ELEVEN

OVERVIEW:

Commentary on Hebrews, by John Gill

apostle having, in the preceding chapter, spoken in commendation of the grace, and life of faith, and of its usefulness to preserve from apostasy, proceeds in this to give some account of the nature and actings of it; and which he illustrates by the examples of many of the Old-Testament saints: he begins with a definition of it, which consists of two parts (v.1), and with an account of the usefulness of it to the elders in general, who by it obtained a good report (v.2), and of the service it is of in understanding the creation of the worlds, the author and original of them (v.3), and then goes on to give particular instances and examples of faith among the elders, or ancient believers, which are reduced into several classes; and the first is of the saints before the flood, Abel, Enoch, and Noah. Abel’s faith lay in offering a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, in obtaining a testimony from God that he was righteous, and in yet speaking, though dead (v.4). Enoch’s faith is evidenced by his translation of God, that he should not see death, and by the testimony he received from him before it, that he was acceptable to him; by which it is clear he had faith, since, without it, it is impossible to please God: nor can any come aright unto him, without believing that he is, and has a gracious respect to all that diligently seek him (vv. 5, 6). Noah’s faith was seen in preparing an ark, by the order of God, for the saving of his family, and in condemning the world by so doing, and by becoming an heir of righteousness through faith (v. 7). The next class is that of the saints from the flood, to the times of Moses, in which are Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Abraham’s faith is celebrated for his obedience to the divine call, quitting the country where he was, and going he knew not where; and for his sojourning in the promised land, as in a strange one, in which Isaac and Jacob dwelt with him in tabernacles; and for looking by faith for the heavenly city built by the Lord; and for his offering up his son at the command of God, who was the son of promise, believing God was able to raise him from the dead, from whence he received hi by faith (vv. 8, 9, 10, 17, 18, 19). Sarah’s faith lay in receiving strength through it to conceive, bear, and bring forth a child when past age, which was founded upon the faithfulness of a promising God; hence from Abraham, by her, sprung a large posterity, like the stars of the sky, and the sand on the sea-shore (vv. 11, 12). Now all these patriarchs, both before and after the flood, as they lived by faith, they died in it; who, though they had not received the things promised, yet by faith saw them at a distance, were very well persuaded they would come to pass, and so, in some sense, enjoyed them; hence, whilst they lived, they lived like pilgrims and strangers, showing that they had no regard to the country they came from, and had no mind to return thither, but sought another, a better, and an heavenly one; so that God is not ashamed to be called their God, he having prepared a city for them (vv. 13, 14, 15, 16). Isaac’s faith is commended in blessing his two sons with respect to things future (v. 20), and Jacob’s faith is well spoken of for blessing both the sons of Joseph in his last moments, worshipping on the top of his staff (v. 21), and Joseph’s faith is instanced in two things; in making mention of the departure of the Israelites out of Egypt, as a certain thing; and in giving them strict orders to carry his bones along with the, when they went from thence (v. 22), the third class of men, famous for faith, is that of such from the times of Moses to the judges, in which are the parents of Moses, Moses himself, the Israelites in general, and the harlot Rahab. The parents of Moses showed their faith in hiding him three months, seeing him to be a lovely child, contrary to the king’s edict (v. 23). Moses’ faith lay in refusing to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; in preferring afflictions to the pleasures of sin, and the reproach of Christ to the riches of Egypt; he having, by faith, a respect to the heavenly glory, another instance of it; and by forsaking Egypt, without fear of the king’s displeasure, by faith seeing a King who is invisible; and by keeping the Passover, with the sprinkling of blood, that so the destroyer of the first-born of Egypt might not touch the Israelites (vv. 24, 25, 26, 27, 28). The instances of the faith of the Israelites are their passage through the Red sea, as on dry land, when the Egyptians, who attempted it, were drowned; and their compassing the walls of Jericho seven days, believing they would fall, as accordingly they did (vv. 29,30). The faith of Rahab, the harlot is commended for two things; for peaceably receiving the spies that came to her; and for the salvation she believed she should have, and had, when the unbelieving inhabitants of Jericho perished (v. 31). And the last class of heroes for faith, includes the times of the judges, kings, prophets, and the Maccabees; the judges, kings, and prophets, are lumped together, and only a few of their names are observed as a specimen of the rest, the apostle not having time to mention every particular one (v. 32), and various instances of faith without reference to particular persons to whom they belong, are recorded; some which lay in doing things greatly heroic, and even miraculous (vv. 33, 34, 35), and others in suffering things the most cruel and torturing, and death itself in divers shapes (vv. 35, 36, 37, 38). And thus, by an induction of particulars, the apostle proves both his definition of faith (v. 1), and the usefulness of it to the elders (v. 2), they by it obtaining a good report, though they did not receive the thing promised (v. 39), wherefore New-Testament saints have great encouragement, and much more reason, to exercise this grace; since God has provided for them the better thing he promised to others, that the one without the other might not be perfect (v. 40).

Hebrews 11:1-40

 Part Three: The Superiority of the Christian’s Walk of Faith (10:19-13:25)
 

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 11:1-7

The central design of this chapter is to evidence the patience of those who in former ages, endured by faith before they received the fulfillment of God’s promises. The apostle for the illustration and enforcement of his exhortation, brings forward a great variety of instances, from the history of the former ages, in which faith had enabled individuals to perform very difficult duties, endure very severe trials, and obtain very important blessings. The principles of the apostle’s exhortation are plainly these: “They who turn back, turn back to perdition. It is only they who persevere in believing that obtain the salvation of the soul. Nothing but a persevering faith can enable a person, through constant continuance in well-doing and a patient, humble submission to the will of God, to obtain that glory, honor, and immortality which the Gospel promises. Nothing but a persevering faith can do this; and a persevering faith can do it, as is plain from what it has done in former ages” (J. B.).

1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

·        “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” - Faith in the N.T. is employed sometimes to signify the act or state of the mind we call belief, and sometimes the object of the mind in this state or act—the thing believed. The contents of this verse do not furnish so much a formal definition of faith, as they supply a terse description of how it operates and what it produces.

“Faith” is the substance of... the word substance (hupostasis) may be better translated “assurance” or “stand under” which denotes that faith is the firm grasp on an unseen act or a firm foundation of assurance or a firm trust (being sure) in those things hoped for. Of things...strictly means, a thing done or an accomplished fact. Evidence...is derived from a verb (elenchos) which signifies “to convince” (by demonstration or by means of evidence) with its natural and most obvious meaning being “conviction” in things not seen.

Therefore, “faith” is a conviction in reference to things not seen. A promise is made respecting future good...I am satisfied that He who promises is both able and willing to perform His promise. I believe it; and in believing it, I have confidence respecting what is not evident either to my sense or to my reason...I believe it; and in believing it, I have conviction in reference to things which are not seen. This “confidence” or “assurance” respecting things hoped for, is the grand spring of dutiful exertion, and dutiful submission; it is this, and this alone, that can induce a man to persevere in doing and suffering the will of God, till in due time the promised blessing is obtained. Such things include:

1)      The coming of the Lord.

Þ      Titus 2:13— “13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

2)      The resurrection of the dead.

Þ      Acts 24:15— “15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”

This is the kind of confidence that is seen in the good report of the “elders”.

2 For by it the elders obtained a good report.

·        That is, by their faith: it was not a cause yet it was a condition...by means of their faith these good men performed actions, sustained trials, and obtained blessings, of which we have an account of in the Book of God. Thus on account of their faith they have favorably testified of God, or have “obtained a good report.” This “good report” has not been obtained from their descendants but from God! This being in the passive voice (the use of the verb which denotes the subject as receiving the action) that the “good report” was given to them by God because they were the chosen of God, and were justified and accepted with Him.

3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

·        “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God,” - The particular manner of the creation of the world is an object of faith. It is one of the unseen things; we did not witness the creation. How was this accomplished? By “the word of God.” That is, by the Word of Power or manifestation of the invincible will of God or by Christ, the essential Word of God, to whom the creation of all things is ascribed

Þ      John 1:1-3— “1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.”

“Framed”, that is put together; adjusted; the parts fitted together: the word expresses the manifoldness and the unity of all creation. The tense (perfect; completed in the past with abiding results) marks that the original lesson of creation remains for abiding use and application.

·        “So that things which are seen” - as the heaven, earth, and sea, and in which the invisible things of God, the perfections of His nature, are discerned. This is an illustration of what faith is, viewed as a “conviction in reference to things not seen.” We did not see it; but God has told us so in His revelation; and by believing it , or by faith, we believe that the “ages” were “framed” by God. Even in the very existence of God Himself:

Þ      1 Timothy 6:16— “16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. “

·        “Were not made of things which do appear.” - the ages were not made from pre-existence matter, but out of nothing (exnihlo). The world was framed by the very word of God! The practical force of this verse to us is: our “faith” does not rest upon what “appears” outwardly, but is satisfied with the bare Word of God. Since God created the universe out of nothing, how easily can He preserve and sustain us when there is not anything (to our view) in sight!

[As expressed in verse 2, the “elders” obtained a good testimony” because of their faith. The rest of the chapter is filled with illustrations of the faith possessed by these “elders”. The first three mentioned were “antediluvians” (those that lived before the great flood)].

4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

Þ      Genesis 4:1-5— “1 And Adam knew Eve his wife; and she conceived, and bare Cain, and said, I have gotten a man from the LORD. 2 And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. 4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: 5 But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.”

·        “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain,” –(Ref. Gen 4:3-5) the question here is one that the reader must answer; What made Abel’s sacrifice more excellent? It was “by faith” that Abel offered a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain. “The superior excellency of Abel’s sacrifice to Cain’s, lay both in the matter, and in the manner of it; the one was offered heartily to the Lord, the other only in show; the one was offered in faith, the other not; Abel looked through his sacrifice to the sacrifice of Christ, not so Cain” (J. Gill). The superiority of the one sacrifice to the other lies in the fact that God gave acceptance to one and not another. Although there is no prior evidence of required sacrifice, it should be noted that sacrifices were of Divine institution to express or foreshadow Christ. Cain knew what was expected of him, yet, he chose not to render the proper sacrifice towards God. Whatever works do not spring from faith are unacceptable to God.

·        “By which he obtained witness that he was righteous,” - not righteousness by his offering, nor by his faith, but by the righteousness of Christ, which his faith in his sacrifice looked unto.

·        “God testifying of his gifts:” - God testified of the excellency of the sacrifice by probably consuming the offering with fire sent from heaven.

·        “And by it he being dead yet speaketh.” - Although Abel died a death at the hands of his own brother, such was his faith, or because of his faith, though he is dead, he is yet spoken of, as the Word of God is read, preached, and studied.

Through an act of faith Abel “obtained witness” that he was righteous. God certainly testified to his righteousness in showing respect to his offering. Jesus also bore witness to the righteousness of Abel in Matthew 23:35, “35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar” and the apostle John in 1 John 3:12, “12 Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.” Through his faith Abel still speaks and his faith is given for our learning; Romans 15:4— “4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” Abel’s example of faith continues to warn us in regards to worshipping God.

5 By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

Þ      Genesis 5:21-24— “21 And Enoch lived sixty and five years, and begat Methuselah: 22 And Enoch walked with God after he begat Methuselah three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters: 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty and five years: 24 And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”

An Example of “Faith Walking”:

·        “By faith Enoch was translated” – (Ref. Gen. 5.21-24) “translated” means to change, to transpose, to transfer, to remove from one place to another...to carry across, to bear up. A good example for the Christian may be found in Colossians 1:13; “13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” Yet, this is spiritual in nature as all converted persons are translated...but this speaks of a translation from earth to heaven there to continue living with the saints brought about by a change from mortality to immortality (Enoch was a pledge for the resurrection from the dead).

·        “That he should not see death;” - Why did Enoch not see or taste death? Because of his belief; because of his faith...Enoch obtained a great benefit from God, translation to heaven without tasting death because of his belief. Notice that none but a believer can be an object of the divine favor of God.

·        “And was not found, because God had translated him:” - that is, he was not to be found among men or in the land of the living, for God had removed him from earth to heaven.

·        “For before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” - Enoch did those things that pleased God...he walked with God by faith in the ways of his worship and service and thus was acceptable to God in Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God.

Enoch’s example of faith, “walking with God,” illustrates the value of walking with God throughout life.

6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

·        “But without faith it is impossible to please him:” - The argument is framed thus: God Himself had translated Enoch, who before his translation had pleased Him (as his translation evidenced); but without faith it is impossible to please God: —therefore Enoch was by faith translated. The argument is drawn from the impossibility of the contrary: as it is impossible to please God without faith, and as Enoch received testimony that he did please God, then he must have had faith...a justifying and sanctifying faith. Faith is that which alone obtains acceptance with God.

·        “For he that cometh to God” - that is, to the throne of grace, to worship, to prayer, for assistance and to service to Him...such a coming ought to be spiritual and with the heart which would presuppose a spiritual life in Christ.

Þ      Hebrews 4:16— “16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.”

·        “Must believe that he is,” - that is, “exists”...one must believe in God, as the God of all grace, love and mercy; and one must believe in Him not only as the God of nature (creation) and providence, but as his covenant God and Father in Christ.

·        “And that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” - that is, those that seek Him in Christ through faith, where He is only to be found. To seek God is to forsake, deny, go out of self, and take Him for our Ruler and satisfying portion. What is our reward? Heaven, or completed salvation, is spoken of as a “reward”…to intimate the character of those to whom it is given, namely, the diligent laborer. Note: that which God rewards is the work of His own Spirit within us, so that we have no ground for boasting.

7 By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Þ      Genesis 6:13-22— “13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. 14 Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. 16 A window shalt thou make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above; and the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, second, and third stories shalt thou make it. 17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons’ wives with thee. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort shalt thou bring into the ark, to keep them alive with thee; they shall be male and female. 20 Of fowls after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth after his kind, two of every sort shall come unto thee, to keep them alive. 21 And take thou unto thee of all food that is eaten, and thou shalt gather it to thee; and it shall be for food for thee, and for them. 22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”

The facts are these: “Noah was warned of God of things not seen as yet;” in consequence of this, he was “moved with fear,” and built an ark; he obtained the salvation of his family; “he condemned the world, and he became an heir of the righteousness that is by faith.”

·        “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet,” - the approaching deluge was the event of which Noah was warned. The circumstances of that event are termed “things not seen as yet;” because, though in their own nature sufficiently apprehensible by the senses, they were then unseen, because future, and because nothing in the appearance of nature indicated their approach. Noah’s confidence (faith) in what God said would happen (unseen) prompted him to act in reverence toward God.

·        “Moved with fear,” - When it is said that Noah was “moved with fear,” we are not to suppose that he was in any degree afraid that he or his family were to perish in the approaching deluge...but with an awful sense of the judgments of God upon the wicked; and with reverence of God by whom he had received the warning or with a religious fear by which he offered worship to God. A reverential awe of God is a sure fruit of saving faith.

·        “Prepared an ark to the saving of his house;” - the building of the ark was to secure his family from the flood which he believed would shortly come upon the world, according to the Word of God...in this his faith was seen...true faith is attended through or by means of obedience.

·        “By the which he condemned the world,” - as a preacher and through his actions he declared that the world would be condemned...by his works, as well as his words, he reproved, and condemned them, by building the ark he declared his own faith and condemned their unbelief.

·        “And became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” - “the righteousness which is by faith” is the justification by believing or faith in Christ and eternal life through that. All righteousness is of Christ and is received by means of faith. Noah received a right standing in God’s eyes because his faith pleased God…Noah demonstrated that faith and works are not necessarily contrary to one another.

From the examples of these antediluvian saints we learn that faith is a strong conviction that “worships” God properly, “walks” with Him in life, and “works” as He directs.

Without faith it is impossible to please God! We have seen how Abel, Enoch, and Noah “obtained a good testimony” by their faith. Of Enoch in particular it is said “he pleased God.” Whether we are “worshiping”, “walking”, or “working”, faith must be the motivating factor behind it all…without faith then, we can never please God.

 There is but one type of faith that is pleasing to God and includes the following:

1.      Includes conviction “that believes that God is.” We must believe there is a God, and that he is the God of the Bible; though we do not see Him, we have faith in “things not seen.”

2.      Includes confidence “that He acts on the part of those who diligently seek Him.” We must believe that God acts on the part of those seeking after Him.

Þ      1 Chronicles 28:9— “9 And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.”

Þ      2 Chronicles 7:14— “14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Þ      2 Chronicles 16:9— “ 9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou hast done foolishly: therefore from henceforth thou shalt have wars.”

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 11:1-7

The faith which leads “to the saving of the soul” is one that includes a strong conviction that God is and a strong conviction that He will reward those who diligently seek Him. It is the same type of faith in Abel, Enoch, and Noah.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 11:8-22

Another aspect of our faith pertains to “the promises” in which we hope; we are warned not to fall short of what’s been promised [Hebrews 4:1— “1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.”] and along with faith (patience) is necessary to inherit the promises [Hebrews 6:11-12— “11 And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: 12 That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”]

The faith that pleases God, then, is one that “embraces” God’s promises. In verses 8-22, we learn of the faith of those who “embraced” the promises and because of their faith, God is not ashamed to be called their God.

8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

·        “By faith Abraham, when he was called” - Note: The individual, internal, and invincible call of God is an act of sovereign grace, accompanied by all-mighty power, quickening those who are dead in trespasses and sin, imparting to them spiritual life. This Divine call is regeneration, or the new birth, when its favored recipient is brought “out of darkness into His marvelous light.”

Þ      1 Peter 2:9— “9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”

Abraham was called out of his own country, kindred, and father’s house; which was an emblem of the call of God’s people out from among the men of the world, friends, acquaintances, relations, and even out of themselves...out of darkness and bondage. Those that are called are those that are chosen for the raising up as fit instruments to propagate the interest and cause of God.

·        “To go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance,” - that is from Ur of the Chaldees, to the land of Canaan {a complete break from the old is required for the regenerated person...a practical separation from the world is imperative}. The inheritance was not to his own person but to his seed and posterity. A saving faith is one which heeds the Divine commands as well as relies upon Divine promises.

·        “Obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” - in the word “obeyed” there are at least two things there: “obeyed signifies the consent of the mind, “and went out” tells of his actual performance. Abraham obeyed not only in word, but in deed. When God called him to go forth, and Abraham prepared to obey the call to go forth, he knew not what land he was to go into which demonstrated the reality and power of his faith. Note: even if God’s commands appear severe or unreasonable, we must obey them...how many there are who profess to be God’s people yet only obey Him so long as they consider that their own interests are being served...unqualified obedience is required from us. This is another example of “conviction or faith in things not seen.” Here we can see that faith and obedience are not contradictory terms. And the Lord said;

Þ      Luke 6:46— “46 And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:

·        “By faith he sojourned in the land of promise,” - that is, the land of Canaan, so called, because it was promised to Abraham, and his seed and is typical of heaven which is obtained by the free promise of God.

·        “As in a strange country,” - here Abraham sojourned by faith, believing that as it was promised it would be given to him, and his seed. This being a demonstration of faith on the part of Abraham because if it were not by faith that Abraham sojourned “in a strange country,” he might just as well returned to the comfort of the land that he had departed from where his relatives had possessions and fixed places of abode.

·        “Dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:” - Abraham dwelt with them in tabernacles, or tents, which they pitched as they moved from place to place.

Nothing but continued faith could enable Abraham to continue as pilgrim and a sojourner in Canaan, waiting for the fulfillment of the promise (took 400 years; See Genesis 13:14-17; 15:13-21). Continued faith enabled Abraham to do so. Note the practicality of such a lesson; nothing but continued faith could enable the Christian Hebrews to continue “steadfast and unmovable” in the profession and practice of Christianity during the season of privation and suffering, of undefined length, which might intervene before the full accomplishment of the promises which had been made to them. Persevering faith would enable them to do this.

10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

·        “For he looked for a city which hath foundations,” - [this may indicate that the “promises” may have included more than the land of Canaan] This “city” is one prepared by God in the heavenly country in which the “foundations” are the everlasting love of God, eternal election, the covenant of grace, the promise of it and the preparation of it by God secured by the blood of Christ. Abraham was looking for this heavenly city by faith...he looked through and above temporal things, to spiritual things.

·        “Whose builder and maker is God.” - God the Father has prepared this glory from the foundations of the world, and has promised it before the world began, and has chosen His people to it; whereby, the Spirit of God has made it known to His people and has prepared them for it. Our faith requires us to live as in a foreign country.

Þ      1 Peter 2:11— “11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”

11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

·        “Through faith also Sara herself” - (Not Abraham’s faith)

Þ      Genesis 17:17— “17 Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?”

Both Abraham and Sara doubted at first but Sara perceived that the promise was the word of Him who was able to do as He had said, however inconsistent with the ordinary course of nature; she no longer laughed at the promise, but believed it, reckoning that He who had promised was faithful.

Þ      Romans 4:17-22— “ 17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”

Though Sarah laughed when she was first heard God’s promise, she later “judged Him faithful who had promised.”

·        “Received strength to conceive seed,” - that is, received strength from the power of God to retain seed, received from men, and conceive by it...considering Sarah’s condition she could not have conceived without the power of God...she was able to conceive by the grace of God.

·        “And was delivered of a child when she was past age,” - though there were great difficulties in conception due to nature itself, Sarah was enabled by the power and grace of God to something contrary to nature. It was “by faith” that Sarah “received strength,” and it was also “by faith” that she was now “delivered of a child.” It is the constancy and perseverance of her faith which is here intimated. True faith not only appropriates his promise, but continues resting on the same till that which is believed be actually accomplished.

·        “Because she judged him faithful who had promised.” - that she should have a son at this stage of her life. Sarah fixed her mind not on the promise but on Him that had made the promise. Through her faith she understood God as being faithful, able, willing, sure to perform His word.

12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

·        One should regard this verse as setting forth the fruit of Sarah’s faith, namely the numerous posterity which issued from her son, Isaac. The double reference to the “sand” and the “stars” calls attention to the twofold seed: the earthy and the heavenly, the natural and the spiritual Israel. From her faith there issued Isaac, and from him, ultimately, Christ Himself.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

·        “These all died in faith,” - To die in faith one must live by faith; and for this there must be, first, diligent labor to obtain a knowledge of Divine things...the understanding must be instructed before the path of duty can be known. Those that are here referred to are all those believers of the preceding verses with the exception of Enoch. These all died a corporeal death, which is common to all, to the righteous and to the wicked, but saints die in faith, having the grace of God which once implanted can never be lost.

·        “Not having received the promises,” - The word “promises” is a metonymy (Greek for “other name” and means use of the name of one thing for that of another associated with it), for the things promised. Literally they had “received the promises,” for that which they had heard from God was the basis of their faith. The Greek word for “received” signifies the actual participation in and possession of; faith, then, relies upon and rests in that which is not yet ours. The present spiritual happiness of the Christian consists more in promises and expectant anticipation than an actual possession, for “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” They did not receive the promises in their lifetime but through faith they could see them “afar off.”

·        “But having seen them afar off,” - that is possible because the eyes of their understanding had been Divinely enlightened...Thus they were able to perceive in the promises the wisdom, goodness, and love of God.

Þ      Ephesians 1:18— “18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,”

·        “And were persuaded of them, and embraced them,” - This announces the soul’s satisfactory acquiescence in the veracity of God as to the making good of His word. They had a full assurance of faith, that what was promised would be fulfilled.  They “embrace” these promises warmly...such is the nature of true faith when one lays hold of the promises of salvation...this is the effect of assurance.

·        “And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” - They who really embrace the promises of God are suitably affected and influenced by them: their delight in heavenly things is manifested by being weaned from earthly things.

14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.

·        “For they that say such things” - that is, that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth. They sought a homeland…a heavenly country.

·        “Declare plainly that they seek a country.” - the country that they were seeking was heaven itself, the promised rest...for them to seek a earthy rest would have been carnal and not the result of faith. To “seek” the promised Inheritance denotes that earnest quest of the believer after that which he supremely desires

Þ      Psalm 27:4— “4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

To seek after heaven must be the chief aim and supreme task which the Christian sets before him: laying aside all that would hinder, and using every means which God has appointed.

15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

·        “And truly, if they had been mindful of that country” - that is, Chaldea:

·        “From whence they came out,” - as Abraham and Sarah did along with their posterity.

·        “They might have had opportunity to have returned.” - The patriarch’s remaining in a strange land was quite a voluntary thing on their part. Yet, they could have returned...this is an important lesson for the Christian. God does no violence to the will of man, that through exercising His sovereignty man also retains his freedom. Conversion itself is wholly brought about by the mighty operations of Divine grace, nevertheless it is as a free act on the part of the creature. However, once lead out of the bondage of sin and to the obtaining of the knowledge and belief in the truth, the Christian is content to sojourn here rather to return to that which is now detestable to his very nature.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

·        “But now they desire a better country,” - This is not to be understood of that present time, they were not then in heaven...but this is the desire of the saints that are at present, still on earth, whose desire is a better “country” which the earth is not capable of providing.

·        “That is, an heavenly:” - One of the evidences that we are truly seeking Heaven, is the possession of hearts that are weaned from this world. He who finds his satisfaction in temporal things is woefully deceived if he imagines he can enjoy eternal things...we can not be fixed to the things of this world...the soul of every wise man has heaven for his country, and earth as a strange place.

·        “Wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God:” - Because the patriarchs were willing to renounce all worldly prospects so as to follow God in an obedient faith, for the sake of an invisible inheritance, God did not disdain to be known as their Friend and Portion. This was the grand reward for their faith. So well did God approve of their desire and design, He was pleased to give evidence of His special regard unto them. “Not ashamed” literally signifies that God had no cause to “blush” because He had been disgraced by them...He made a joyous acknowledgement of them. The wider reference is to the elect, who have a special interest in God.

·        “For he hath prepared for them a city.” - Here is the crowing evidence that He is their God. The “City” is Heaven itself. It is spoken of as “prepared” because God did, in His eternal counsels, appoint it:

Þ      Matthew 20:23— “23 And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with: but to sit on my right hand, and on my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to them for whom it is prepared of my Father.”

Þ      1 Corinthians 2:9— “9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

This proves that God is not ashamed of the relation He has with His people because He has made provision for them to dwell with Him to all eternity.

17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,

Þ      Genesis 22:1-24— “1 And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am. 2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of. 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clave the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went unto the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes, and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you. 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering, and laid it upon Isaac his son; and he took the fire in his hand, and a knife; and they went both of them together. 7 And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? 8 And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. 9  And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood. 10  And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. 11  And the angel of the LORD called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. 12  And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. 13  And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. 14  And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovahjireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the LORD it shall be seen. 15  And the angel of the LORD called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time, 16  And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son: 17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies; 18  And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice. 19  So Abraham returned unto his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham dwelt at Beersheba. 20  And it came to pass after these things, that it was told Abraham, saying, Behold, Milcah, she hath also born children unto thy brother Nahor; 21  Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram, 22  And Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel. 23  And Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24  And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, she bare also Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah.”

·        “By faith Abraham, when he was tried,” - “tried” or tested, that is by God...the word “offered up” is the same that is used for slaying and offering up sacrifices. Although this offering up of his son by Abraham might present a problem for some, it was done in faith by Abraham because he had the firm foundation to rest upon, for the Lord Himself had commanded him to do so. Also, this lays no charge against God for tempting man to sin...God is under no law, but is absolute Sovereign; for God’s will is the rule of justice and good; and though His creatures are bound by the laws He prescribes them, He Himself is not...He is the Lord of life, both Giver and Preserver of it; and He has the right to dispose of it in what manner He thinks fit. It may be added, that the “secret” will of God was not that Isaac should die, but a command was given to Abraham to offer him up, for the trial of his faith and love.

·        “Offered up Isaac:” - Abraham showed the greatness of his faith in the offering up of his son...notice should be given to the preparation that Abraham went through to fulfill the command given to him by God. Yet, Abraham closed his eyes to all the difficulties, and steadfastly counted upon the power of God that He would fulfill the promise that He had made to him. This is the very nature or character of a spiritual faith: it persuades the soul of God’s absolute supremacy, unerring wisdom, unchanging righteousness, infinite love, almighty power. In other words, it rests upon the character of the living God, and trusts Him in the face of every obstacle.

·        “And he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,” - Abraham had a promise made to him that he should have a son, and that a numerous issue should spring from him, which would inherit the land of Canaan...yes, even the Messiah should be of his seed. Abraham firmly believed that these promises would be fulfilled, yet, he was commanded to offer this very son up to the Most Holy God. A demonstration of faith on the part of Abraham.

18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

·        This is brought in by the apostle to show wherein lay the greatest obstacle before Abraham’s faith... He was called to offer up his son and heir after he had received the promises that his only-begotten, the one in which he dearly loved, was to be slain at his own hand; by which the special seed of the Messiah would issue from.

19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

·        “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead;” - Here we learn what was the immediate object of Abraham’s faith on this occasion, namely, the mighty power of God. He was fully assured that the Lord would work a miracle rather than fail in the performance of His promise. Here we see exhibited another of faith’s attributes, namely, the committal of events unto God. If Abraham had used carnal reasoning he would have been unable to rest until a solution was in sight...but faith rests the burden upon God...Abraham’s reasoning was the reasoning of faith; and the conclusion of it was, not that he believed that God would raise his son from the dead, but that God was capable of doing it.

·        “From whence also he received him in a figure.” - Abraham had, as to his purpose, sacrificed Isaac, so that he considered him as dead; and he thus received him back from the dead. This prefigured the death and resurrection of Christ. As Isaac had long been waited for, was born in a special manner, was the only-begotten of his father, was offered up as a sacrifice, and was raised again to life (after the three day journey in which in the mind of Abraham he had offered his son up).

20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Þ      Genesis 27:33-39— “33  And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? where is he that hath taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea, and he shall be blessed. 34  And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father. 35  And he said, Thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. 36 And he said, Is not he rightly named Jacob? for he hath supplanted me these two times: he took away my birthright; and, behold, now he hath taken away my blessing. And he said, Hast thou not reserved a blessing for me? 37 And Isaac answered and said unto Esau, Behold, I have made him thy lord, and all his brethren have I given to him for servants; and with corn and wine have I sustained him: and what shall I do now unto thee, my son? 38 And Esau said unto his father, Hast thou but one blessing, my father? bless me, even me also, O my father. And Esau lifted up his voice, and wept. 39 And Isaac his father answered and said unto him, Behold, thy dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth, and of the dew of heaven from above;”

·        “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau” - Jacob the younger of the two brothers received the blessings of his father Isaac...the younger was blessed because he was taken into covenant with God because Jacob would be the issue of the spiritual seed of all those that were chosen of God.

·        “Concerning things to come.” - Isaac passed on the blessing to his son Jacob of the promised land. Isaac disposed of Canaan as if he already had possession of it. Yet, in fact, he owned not an acre of that Land. However, Isaac demonstrated his faith in that he passed on the blessing of the inheritance to his son Jacob for a land in which he had not yet taken hold of...his faith had taken hold of the promise of God that He would be faithful to the promise He had made to his father Abraham.

21 By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.

·        “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying,” - That is, when he was about to die...he saw his death as imminent, Jacob passed a blessing on Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph. This was done in faith because there was no appearance of the fulfillment of the promise and it was not likely that Jacob would see these things fulfilled.

·        “Blessed both the sons of Joseph;” -

Þ      Genesis 48:15-16— “ 15 And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, 16 The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.  This was done in faith and can be seen by the placing of Ephraim before Manasseh...Genesis 48:13, 14, 17, 18, 19; 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near unto him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand, and laid it upon Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly; for Manasseh was the firstborn. 17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him: and he held up his father’s hand, to remove it from Ephraim’s head unto Manasseh’s head. 18 And Joseph said unto his father, Not so, my father: for this is the firstborn; put thy right hand upon his head. 19 And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it: he also shall become a people, and he also shall be great: but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall become a multitude of nations.”

·        “And worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff.” - the sense is, that Jacob, having blessed the two sons of Joseph, being sat upon his bed, and weak, he leaned upon the top of his staff, and worshipped God, and gave praise and glory to Him, that he had lived to see not only his son Joseph, but his seed also. The meaning then is, “By faith when about to die he blessed the sons of Joseph; and by faith also he reverently bowed before God in the belief that when he died his remains would be conveyed to the promised land, and expressed his gratitude in an act of worship, leaning reverently on the top of his staff.”

22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.

·        “By faith Joseph, when he died,” -

Þ      Genesis 50:24— “24 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I die: and God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land unto the land which he sware to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

·        “Made mention of the departing of the children of Israel;” - Joseph predicted the exodus of the children of Israel. He believed the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, that Canaan should be the possession of their posterity. This shows the strength of his faith, and that it was about things not seen.

·        “And gave commandment concerning his bones.” - the commandment was a very strict one concerning his bones, not his body, which shows that he believed their departure out of Egypt was at a great distance, when his flesh would have already been consumed (200 yrs. after his death). He had such a firm belief that they would possess the land of promise, that he, exacted an oath of them that they would remove his remains with them, and that he might be buried in the land of his fathers. He could not have exacted this oath, nor could they have taken it, unless both he and they had a sure confidence that what God had spoken would be performed...this is indeed a confidence of faith.

CONCLUSION: Hebrews 11:8-22

What kind of faith pleases God? The kind of faith demonstrated by Abel, a “worshipping faith”, and by Enoch, a “walking faith”, and by Noah, a “working faith.” Yet, there is also a “waiting faith” seen in the picture of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.

The faith that pleases God is one that “embraces the promises” made by God. It is one that patiently awaits for the ultimate fulfillment, even if it doesn’t happen in one’s lifetime. However, with conviction and confidence of “things hoped for” and “things unseen” we must obey His calling, sojourn here on earth, offer up whatever He requires, and understand that we shall receive the necessary strength to do whatever He may bid us to do.

INTRODUCTION: Hebrews 11:23-40

In the last half of this chapter we are reminded how in the Old Testament those with faith were able to “overcome the world.” How such faith overcomes the world may vary. Notice what the Apostle John says;

Þ      1 John 5:4 & 5— “4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”

23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.

·        “By faith Moses, when he was born,” - that is, the faith of the parents of Moses did not obey the edict of the Pharaoh that every male child was to be cast into the river but they instead;

·        “Was hid three months of his parents,” - It was by faith that Moses’ parents were led to preserve his life by the confidence in God. The child was concealed in the hope that some way might be found out by which his life might be spared.

Þ      Exodus 2:1-3— “1 And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi. 2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch, and put the child therein; and she laid it in the flags by the river’s brink.”

Þ      Acts 7:20— “20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:”

·        “Because they saw he was a proper child;” - not only of a beautiful countenance, but that he was peculiarly grateful and acceptable to God (not an ordinary child)...the parents perceived something remarkable in him, which to them was a token that he would be the deliverer of God’s people, therefore, they hid him.

·        “And they were not afraid of the king’s commandment.” – they did not observe it...that is, they were not so alarmed, nor did so dread the king, as to be induced to comply to the command. This command was contrary to their nature and to the laws of God and to the promise of God as to the multiplying of His people. The faith of Moses’ parents demonstrates that they could withstand the king’s edit. Their faith overcame the ruler of the strongest nation then on earth!

Þ      Exodus 1:22— “22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river, and every daughter ye shall save alive.”

The history of Moses’ infancy, as an illustration of the faith of his parents, is thus admirably fitted to serve the Apostle’s object. It illustrates this general principle: “Persevering faith will do what nothing else can: it will enable you to do and suffer all the will of God, and, after having done so, to receive the promise...you may be called to what will expose your life, and what may be dearer to you than your life, to extreme danger; but a faith in the Gospel will prevent you from shrinking from the task assigned to you” (J. Brown).

24 By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;

·        “By faith Moses, when he was come to years,” - Moses, when he had arrived to great knowledge, being a nobleman in the court of Pharaoh, had confidence in God when he called him to be the leader of his people.

·        “Refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter;” - Moses (which means “out of the water”) chose to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Moses voluntarily renounced the honors and advantages connected with the title of “the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” He saw his kinsman enslaved and oppressed; he knew that by renouncing all connection with them (his people), he might retain all that he possessed as son of the daughter of Pharaoh.

25 Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

·        “Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God,” - Moses chose to be with the Israelites, who were God’s chosen and peculiar people, and were the true worshippers of Him. These people were then oppressed and down-trodden; but they were the descendants of Abraham and were those that had designed to be God’s peculiar people. Moses chose these people because God was with them. Moses knew that when he cast his lot with them that he was subject to the same trials.

·        “Than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;” - either the pleasures of Pharaoh’s court (which would include denying himself as a Hebrew) or sinful lusts in general. He chose to suffer affliction with God’s people rather than enjoy sin’s temporary pleasures.

26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

·        “Esteeming the reproach of Christ” - that is, on account of Christ or the approach which Christ suffered or the sufferings of Christ which may be common to all that proclaim Him as Savior. This is proof that the O.T. saints knew Christ and believed in Him...He was typified by sacrifices which they offered; and they were reproached for His sake, for the sacrifices they offered, and for the worship they performed...the sufferings endured in the cause of religion.

·        “Greater riches than the treasures in Egypt:” - Moses counted reproach itself riches, even greater than all the riches that Egypt might have to offer.

·        “For he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.” - The recompense of reward, cannot refer to the possession of Canaan, for Moses was never to enter that country...the meaning seems to be this...Moses expected that all the sacrifices he made in the cause of God and His people would be far more than compensated in a future state. Such was the faith of Moses. His reward was “in things unseen”…”things hoped for”…that heavenly reward!

27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

·        “By faith he forsook Egypt,” - Moses’ fleeing to Midian was consistent with great courage and was a point of prudence, and in obedience to the will of God...his departure shows that he would not desist from the work he was called to, but that he waited for God’s time, when he should be again employed...Moses waited patiently for God to call him again to service [this is a good example of a man waiting of God’s timing and not forcing his timing on God. God is a God who expects and even demands preparation before the man of God enters the work of God].

·        “Not fearing the wrath of the king:” - that is, Pharaoh...such are those that are called by grace, from a state of bondage and darkness, and out of a strange land, forsake this world and the powers of this world, and leave their situations in it, their sinful lusts and pleasures, everything that is in competition with Christ must be left in the past life. By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king.

·        “For he endured,” - that is, afflictions, reproach, Moses endured with patience and courage. His mind was not broken by them or overcome by them...Moses persevered by the grace of God trusting in the “things unseen”.

·        “As seeing him who is invisible.” - that is, God…Moses had no doubt that God had called him to this work, and that He would sustain him, than if he would have saw him with is bodily eyes. This is a most accurate account of the nature of faith.

28 Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

·        “Through faith he kept the passover,” - that is, Moses made or instituted or observed...he ordained the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood...it was appointed by divine direction...but Moses kept it and caused all the people to observe it which he did in faith of the speedy deliverance of the children of Israel, from the house of bondage; and of faith in the Messiah, of whom the Passover was a type.

·        “And the sprinkling of blood,” - of the paschal lamb whose blood was spread on the door-posts and lintels of their dwellings and this according to divine appointment. This received the name of “Passover,” because while Jehovah visited in wrath every other house of the Egyptians, He passed over the dwellings of the Israelites, and did not suffer the destroyer to come into their houses to smite them.

·        “Lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” - the “sprinkled blood” allowed the destroyer to pass over the dwelling but remember that it was by faith that the Passover was observed. This was typical of the blood of Christ being sprinkled upon the hearts and consciences of His people; whereby they are purified through faith...by the blood of Christ the justice of God is passed over if but we observe through faith.

29 By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

See Genesis 14:

·        “By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land:” -That is only by confidence in God were they able to do this. It was not by the power which they possessed to remove the waters and to make passage for themselves, and it was not by the operation of any natural causes...and it is not to be supposed that all that passed through the Red Sea had saving faith but that they had faith that God would provide for them a passage.

Þ      Exodus 14:21 & 22— “21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”

·        “Which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.” - these were Pharaoh and his army who by observing the Israelites pass through the sea on dry ground thought they could do the same; but every one of them were drowned...possible their due for drowning the male infants of the Israelites, of which Moses was sparred. This is evidence of lack of faith in the One that is able to deliver; this is living by sight and trust in what would seem to be evident.

Þ      Exodus 14:23-28— “23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them.”

The Apostle’s object is to show the power of real faith in God, whatever be its object. The nature and extent of that efficacy will depend on the nature and extent of the revelation believed. A faith in a revelation respecting the safe passage of the Red Sea enabled the Israelites fearlessly to entrust themselves in the strangely formed valley between two mountainous ridges of tumultuous waves, and to reach in safety the opposite shore. A faith in the revelation of salvation from guilt and depravity, and death and hell, will enable the Christian to perform all duties, that are involved in obtaining complete possession of this salvation, and will in due time bring him into the enjoyment of all its blessings, in all their perfection.

30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days.

(See Joshua 6:1-20)

·        “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down,” - that is, it was not by natural causes, or by any means that were in themselves adapted to secure the result...it was not by any natural tendency of the blowing of the horns...it was by the faith of Joshua, and the Israelites, who believed the walls would fall as God said they would. The strength of their faith can be seen in the fact that there was no natural tendency that would have caused this to happen by the actions of the Israelites.

·        “After they were compassed about seven days.” - this was a trial of their faith and patience. Faith can even bring down the walls of unbelief if it rests upon the word of God as it accomplishing power. This may be an emblem of the fall of the walls of the hearts of unregenerate men; of their unbelief, h