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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE HEBREWS

CHAPTER ELEVEN:
“FAITH AND ANCIENT WITNESSES”

Hebrews 11:1-3 – Faith Defined

HE11:1 But, “faith” is hoping for something, 486 [hoping for] the reality of things without visible proof. 487

486

“Faith” is hoping for something: Or, KJV: now faith is the substance of things hoped for; ASV: the assurance of things hoped for; WEY: confident assurance; RHM: things hoped for a confidence; BER: is being sure of the things we hope for; MON: the title-deed of things hoped for; NEB: faith gives substance to our hopes. The Greek word usually translated by the English “faith” is PISTIS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4102] The word “faith” is from Latin and means belief, or, trust with roots in Old English. “Conviction” is often a more appropriate word with greater strength, indicating “deep faith.” The essential definition of faith is hoping for something real which is unseen. See Romans 1:16. The Greek for belief (Old English) or faith (Latin) is PISTEUONTI [PISTEOS, PISTIN] and literally means: trust. Now the English “trust” is drawn from dru which means oak tree (thus the tree worshippers the Druids; endurance, durable). Dictionary of New Testament Theology discuss the Greek: “In classical Gk. literature pistis means trust that a man may place in men or The Gods [and is used of]… credibility… credit in business… guarantee… proof… pisteuo means to trust something or someone… [In Paul] ‘faith’ means receiving the message of salvation and conduct based on the gospel.” (Volume 2, pages 594, 601) Compare Romans 1:8 (above); 1 Corinthians 2:5; 1:14, 17.

487

[Hoping for] the reality of things without visible proof: Or, KJV: the evidence of things not seen; ASV: a conviction of things not seen; NEB: makes us certain of realities we do not see; WMS: the proof of the reality. Compare Romans 8:24; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 5:7. Having defined faith Paul will go on to illustrate it with dozens of Biblical examples. “What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.” [TLT]

HE11:2 For, it was because of [their] faith that the ancients received convincing evidence. 488

488

Ancients received convincing evidence: Or, KJV: for by it the elders obtained a good report; ASV: witness born to them; RHM: well-attested; NEB: stand on record; NAS: gained approval. The Greek is EMARTYRETHESAN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3140, obtained witness, or evidence]. Compare Hebrews 11:39.

HE11:3 By such faith we comprehend 489 how God’s verbal commands set in order the periods of time, 490 [Genesis 1:1-3] so that what is visible came into existence from what is unseen. 491

489	By such faith we comprehend: Or, understand, perceive, enables to see. The Greek is NOOUMEN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3539]. Compare Romans 1:20. Here Paul associates faith with reality, evidence, and comprehension. Faith is not gullibility.

490

How God’s verbal commands set in order the periods of time: Or, KJV: that the worlds were framed by the word of God; ABU: the ages have been framed by God’s word; RHM: the ages have been fitted together by declaration of God; NAS: worlds prepared; WEY: world came into being; MOF: world was fashioned; BER: put in order; TCN: the universe was created at the bidding of God; PME: the whole scheme of time and space was created; WMS: created, beautifully co-ordinated, and now exist at God’s command. Paul seems to paraphrase Genesis 1:3ff. Compare Hebrews 1:2, 3. [Psalm 33:6; 2 Peter 3:5] Research the Greek AIONAS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #165] and the English “Ages.” [eon, aeon]

491

What is visible came into existence from what is unseen: Or, KJV: so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear; BER: what see now see did not come from visible things; WEY: what is seen does not owe its existence to that which is visible; RHM: to the end that not out of things appearing should that which is seen have come into existence; NOR: did not evolve out of existing matter. Paul likely refers to creation by the Invisible God, though some see certain scientific principles here. At Romans 1:20 Paul argues that what may be known of God is revealed in His creation and thus any who deny Him are without excuse. Compare his argument on design at Hebrews 3:4. If the scientific theory of the Big Bang is correct, and the universe began with super-compressed pre-atomic material it would, indeed, be virtually invisible. “By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” [TLT]

Hebrews 11:4-7 – The Faithful Before The Flood

HE11:4 In faith Abel approached The God with a better sacrifice 492 [Genesis 4:4, 10] by which [faith] he received the evidence that he was right in what he did. 493 [Genesis 4:4, 10] For The God testified regarding Abel’s gift-offerings, and though he is died, he still speaks. 494

492

In faith Abel approached The God with a better sacrifice: Or, KJV: by faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice; RHM: fuller sacrifice; WEY: acceptable; GDS: greater; MOF: superior. Paul gives Abel as the first person of faith loyal to God. The paraphrase is from Genesis 4:4,10. Abel’s name [meaning, “Exhalation”] occurs 26 times in the Bible. Jesus mentions him. [Matthew 23:33; Luke 11:51] Compare the notes on Hebrews 12:24. From the beginning of sacrificial offerings, God showed his approval of the firstlings of the flock even as Paul earlier indicates.

493	He received the evidence that he was right in what he did: Or, KJV: he obtained witness that he was righteous. Paul alludes to Genesis 4:4, 10.

494	He still speaks: Or, continues to speak. The Nazarene references the account in Genesis chapter 4. [Matthew 23:33] Paul alludes to this matter again at Hebrews 12:24. Compare a similar analogy at Revelation 6:9-11.

HE11:5 In faith Enoch was removed so as not to see death. 495 [Genesis 5:22-24] And he could not be found, [Genesis 5:24] for The God removed him. 496 Because before his removal Enoch received a testimony that he had pleased The God well. 497

495

Enoch was removed so as not to see death: Or, KJV: by faith Enoch was translated; BER: transferred; WEY: was taken from the earth; TCN: removal from the earth; NJB: experience death. There are high degrees of bias in the translations of these phrases. Paul references Genesis 5:22-24. For a detailed discussion see Where Are the Dead? in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. The Greek for “removed” is METETETHE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3331, change, removing]. Even Strong’s is very prejudicial by stating: “transferral (to heaven).” Consider the biased paraphrase of TLT, “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying – suddenly he disappeared because God took him.” Compare also TAY. An examination reveals that Enoch likely died during a vision and thus did not “experience death” [NJB]. Thereafter, God took the body so it could not be found, similar to the burial of Moses. [Genesis 5:22; Jude 14] Paul states in Hebrews 11:13 that “ALL OF THESE PERSONS DIED.” He would seem to include Enoch. The Nazarene taught that “no person has ascended to heaven” and thus would rule out Enoch going to heaven. [John 3:13]

496

He could not be found, for The God removed him: Possibly, because God had removed his body to an unknown place, Enoch’s enemies could not find him. [Genesis 5:24] The Hebrew Text has only, “Then he was no more, for God took him.” “God took him” is an expression used in some languages for the death of a person.

497

Enoch received a testimony that he had pleased The God well: The Bible does not reveal this matter, though Paul may base it on a truth from another source. Since Jesus Christ is the “firstfruits of the dead” Enoch could not have survived death. [1 Corinthians 15:23] Some feel he passed away during the vision described in Jude 14, 15 which quotes the Jewish apocryphal book Enoch.

HE11:6 Indeed, without faith it is impossible to please [The God] well. 498 For the person who approaches The God must of necessity be convinced that The God exists as well as believing He is the Rewarder of those who seek Him out. 499

498	Without faith it is impossible to please [The God] well: Or, KJV: without faith it is impossible to please him; RHM: well-pleasing; WEY: truly to please. Paul writes at Romans 14:23 that ‘anything not of faith is sin.’

499	Convinced that The God exists as well as believing He is the Rewarder of those who seek Him out: It is not enough to just believe in God as a Deist might. The believer must also have faith that God rewards the seeker.

HE11:7 In faith Noah received a divine warning of events unseen, [Genesis 6:13] [and] responding in a godly way he constructed a life-saving Ark for his household. 500 [Genesis 6:14] By this faith [Noah] condemned the world order of humankind, 501 and in accordance with his conviction became an heir of righteousness. 502

500

He constructed a life-saving Ark for his household: Or, RHM: filled with reverence prepared an ark. [Genesis 6:14] The Flood occurred about 2370 BCE. The Ark was 450x75x45 feet, or 1,400,000 cubic feet. Its volume equaled 500 railroad boxcars. Eight persons survived the Flood. [1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5] Interestingly, the Chinese character for boat is “eight + people” and the luckiest number in parts of the Orient is 8.

501

[Noah] condemned the world order of humankind: Paul’s word is KOSMOS, meaning an orderly arrangement, or order among humankind. Peter uses KOSMOS in describing the size of the Deluge. [2 Peter 3:5-7] Paul’s use of the word strongly suggests all humanity was drowned in the Flood and not just people living in a certain area.

502	In accordance with his conviction became an heir of righteousness: Or, RHM: and of the righteousness by way of faith became heir; GDS: that uprightness which faith produces. Peter calls Noah a “preacher of righteousness.” [2 Peter 2:5] Noah will be among the righteous raised to life. [Acts 24:15]

Hebrews 11:8-19 – Abraham and Sarah

HE11:8 In faith Abraham obeyed when called to leave 503 [Genesis 12:1] for a place he was about to receive as an inheritance. 504 [Genesis 15:4] He departed without completely knowing where he was going. 505

503

Abraham obeyed when called to leave: The man Abram lived “across the River [Euphrates]” – from which the word Hebrew comes – evidently wealthy with his hundreds of slaves. The Ur of Chaldea was the “Paris of the ancient world.” Leaving this comfortable life to travel 1,500 miles and live in tents the rest of his life was an act of faith. [Genesis 12:1ff; Romans 4:11, 13] His name [“Father of a Multitude”] occurs 293 times in the Bible. Like “John” [Ivan, Juan, Yves] in the Christian world, Abraham is among the most used names in the world. The Patriarch was born 352 years after the Flood in the year 2018 BCE.

504	For a place he was about to receive as an inheritance: Compare Genesis 15:7ff; Nehemiah 9:7; Acts 7:2-4. The land of Abraham is still there with his descendents as occupants.

505	He departed without completely knowing where he was going: Such a simple matter requires more faith than most people are willing to exercise. [Genesis 12:4; Acts 7:2] Complete trust in God is required.

HE11:9 In faith he dwelt in the land of promise though an alien, 506 [Genesis 23:4] living in tents with Isaac and Jacob the joint-heirs of the same very same promise. 507

506

He dwelt in the land of promise though an alien: Abraham becomes the first true missionary. Few things are harder than leaving one’s familiar homeland to dwell as a stranger in a foreign land. [Genesis 23:4] Abraham was a true pioneer of faith. Paul names Abraham 33 times, most often in Hebrews [12]. Compare James 2:21, 23; 1 Peter 3:6.

507	Isaac and Jacob the joint-heirs of the same very same promise: Paul introduces in passing two of the three other great patriarchs who are named in the triune formula at Exodus 6:3. Compare the Nazarene at Matthew 22:32 and Luke 13:28. The “promise” involves a land and a seed.

HE11:10 For [Abraham] was awaiting a city 508 having foundations [built] by the Technician and Builder – The God. 509

508

For [Abraham] was awaiting a city: Or, KJV: he looked for a city. It is possible Paul alludes to Genesis 22:17, “Your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies.” The word “gate” implies a city. We have no evidence Abraham foresaw something like the New Jerusalem. The Nazarene told the Jews, “Your forefather Abraham was overjoyed at the possibility of seeing my day. And he did see it and was overjoyed.” [John 8:56 NCMM, Nazarene Commentary 2000©] Surely Abraham knew of the prophecy at Genesis 3:15. What he had learned in his theophanies we do not know, but Jesus gives us some insight.

509

Having foundations [built] by the Technician and Builder – The God: Or, builder, maker, architect, designed. The Greek is TECHNITES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5079]. Compare Hebrews 12:22; 13:14; Revelation 21:2. It is not stated that Abraham expected to be an inhabitant of this City though the possibility is one open for discussion. [Revelation 21:26; 22:14] “The God” is HO THEOS in Greek. It is not without purpose the “foundations” of the New Jerusalem are mentioned at Revelation 21:14.

HE11:11 Also in faith Sarah – who considered highly the One who promised as trustworthy 510 – received power to produce a seed despite the limits of her age. 511 [Genesis 17:17]

510

Sarah – who considered highly the One who promised as trustworthy: Or, KJV: because she considered him faithful who had promised; GDS: that he who had made the promise would keep it. Paul names two women in what he calls “a great cloud of witnesses.” Sarah means “Princess” and her faith in following her husband’s lead is remarkable. Her name occurs 46 times in the Bible, mostly in Genesis [41]. [Isaiah 51:2] Compare notes Romans 4:19; 9:9; 1 Peter 3:6. For details on Sarah see The Biblical Woman in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Sarah is only one of two women so named in Paul’s list.

511	Received power to produce a seed despite the limits of her age: Or, KJV: Sara herself received strength to conceive seed; RHM: for founding a seed. Paul alludes to Genesis 17:17. She was 90 when she gave birth to Isaac.

HE11:12 Because of this from one [person] – and he as good as died – were generated [offspring] as the stars of the Heaven for multitude, and as the sands of the seashore so uncountable. 512 [Genesis 22:17]

512

As the stars of the Heaven for multitude, and as the sands of the seashore so uncountable: Compare Genesis 22:17. Some scientists believe there are more stars in the Universe than grains of sand on the seashore. The comparison is to illustrate the unknown number of the final count of Sarah’s offspring. [Galatians 3:29]

HE11:13 In faith all of these [persons] died without attaining for themselves the Promise. 513 However, from afar they saw and welcomed [the fulfillment of that Promise]. 514 These [persons] confessed they were but strangers and aliens upon the Earth. 515 [Psalm 39:12]

513

All of these [persons] died without attaining for themselves the Promise: Or, KJV: these all died in faith; GDS: all these people lived all their live in faith, and died. This would seem to also include Enoch. What was “the Promise”? Part of the promise was what was indicated by Genesis 3:15 – the end of Satan and death and the restoration of Eden.

514

From afar they saw and welcomed [the fulfillment of that Promise]: Or, KJV: having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them; RHM: beholding and saluting; ASV: greeted them; MOF: hailed them; BER: scanning and hailing; NOR: glimpsed the fulfillment in the distance. Jesus cites Abraham as an example. [John 8:56] Abraham had faith in the resurrection. He knew of the Flood, likely from Shem. It seems likely he was aware of Genesis 3:15. Their hope would have been one of living in an everlasting Edenic paradise under the reign of the Seed. Heaven was not a hope opened to them and nowhere occurs in the Books of Moses.

515

They were but strangers and aliens upon the Earth: Or, KJV: pilgrims; RHM: sojourners were they upon the land; RSV: exiles. Compare 1 Chronicles 29:15; Psalm 39:12; Ephesians 2:19; 1 Peter 2:11. The Hebrews as a People were originally nomads and then later scattered in the Diaspora as though foreigners in every nation.

HE11:14 For those who say such things reveal they sought a fatherland. 516

516

For those who say such things reveal they sought a fatherland: Or, KJV: they seek a country; MON: fatherland; RSV: homeland; RHM: paternal home; BER: home country. The Greek is PATRIDA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3968]. During the reigns of David and Solomon the Hebrews had their homeland only to loose it several times until a finale in 70 CE with the destruction of Jerusalem and her Temple. Nearly 1,900 years later the Jews obtained their own homeland in the modern state of Israel. Paul continues to show this territory in Israel was not the real Promise. [Hebrews 13:14]

HE11:15 And, surely, if they had kept longing for the land they left they could have returned at any time. 517

517	They could have returned at any time: Abraham’s original homeland was Ur of the Chaldea. Compare Genesis 11:31; 24:6.

HE11:16 However, now, they are reaching out for a better [place], that is a heavenly [place]. 518 Because of this The God is not ashamed to be called upon as their God, 519 for He prepared for them a city. 520

518

Now, they are reaching out for a better [place], that is a heavenly [place]: Or, KJV: now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly. The patriarchs and ancients were dead and unconscious. [Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10] It seems possible by the use of the words “now” and “they” Paul refers to those contemporary Hebrew Christians. Note how Jesus speaks of these as “living to God” at Luke 20:38. There are several views.

519

The God is not ashamed to be called upon as their God: Or, KJV: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God. We note Paul does not introduce YHWH. He uses HO THEOS. Paul may allude to such phrases as Exodus 6:3. [Acts 7:32] Whether Paul means the Hebrew patriarchs or the Hebrew Christians is open for discussion. [Revelation 21:3, 7]

520

For He prepared for them a city: Or, BER: gotten a city ready. The only such city Paul mentions is “heavenly Jerusalem” at Hebrews 12:22. Compare also Galatians 4:26 and the “Jerusalem above.” Such a “city” already existed in Paul’s day. Such a heavenly city is to experience a renovation when the Church joins the angelic membership. [Revelation 3:12; 21:2] It then becomes a “New Jerusalem” as foretold by Isaiah 65:17, 18. Though the inhabitants of this Holy City will be those in the Bride of Christ [Revelation 19:7-9; 21:10; 2 Corinthians 11:3] the Apocalypse shows this City descending to earth where upon their resurrection the ancient Hebrew patriarchs will see the City they “saw afar.” Within that City will also be Hebrew descendents of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, including the Messiah. See the Biblical Article The Hope of the Patriarchs

HE11:17 In faith when Abraham was tested he approached with Isaac and offered up his only-begotten 521 [Genesis 22:1] – the very one who had received the promises –

521

When Abraham was tested he approached with Isaac and offered up his only-begotten: Paul alludes to Genesis 22:1ff. Perhaps among the greatest tests of faith in the Bible. It is a parable or shadow of the Father offering up His Only-begotten Son. The Greek is MONOGENE [only + genes]. Compare John 1:18.

HE11:18 [and] toward [Abraham] it was said: “By means of Isaac your seed will be called.” 522 [Genesis 21:12]

522	By means of Isaac your seed will be called: Or, KJV: that in Isaac thy seed be called; RHM: in Isaac shall there be called to thee a seed. Paul quotes Genesis 21:10. Paul also references this verse at Romans 9:7.

HE11:19 For [Abraham] logically reasoned 523 that The God was able to raise the dead. As if in a parable [Abraham] received [Isaac] from death. 524

523

[Abraham] logically reasoned: Or, accounting, reckoned, considered, reasoned, argued, judging, believed. The Greek is LOGISAMENOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3049]. How could Abraham reason such? Surely he knew of Genesis 2:7 and could have reasoned that God could do the same with his son Isaac. Since God does not lie nor contradicts Himself, since he promised a nation would come out of Isaac, the fact that God now asked him to sacrifice his son, could only lead to the conclusion that God could raise up Isaac to fulfill the divine promise. Compare Romans 4:17.

524

As if in a parable [Abraham] received [Isaac] from death: Or, KJV: from whence also he received in a figure; RHM: similitude; NAS: type; MOF: a parable of the resurrection; RSV: figuratively speaking; KNX: in a hidden sense. The Greek is PARABOLE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3850]. The knife was raised. Abraham was willing. Isaac – in his mid 20s – was willing. Isaac was an instant from death when God provided a ram. Figuratively speaking Abraham received Isaac back from the dead – a near-death experience.

Hebrews 11:20-22 – Other Faithful Men

HE11:20 Also, in faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future. 525 [Genesis 27:27, 39]

525	Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future: Paul alludes to Genesis 27:27, 39.

HE11:21 In faith dying Jacob blessed each of sons of Joseph, 526 [Genesis 37:29] leaning on the top of his staff while he worshipped. 527 [Genesis 47:31 LXX]

526	Jacob blessed each of sons of Joseph: Paul alludes to Genesis 47:29. Jacob’s death-bed blessings were prophetic of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. Compare Genesis chapter 49 where the Messiah is foretold.

527	Leaning on the top of his staff while he worshipped: Paul alludes to the Jewish Greek Septuagint, “And Israel worshiped over (leaning upon) the top of his staff.” [Genesis 47:31 LXX]

HE11:22 Nearing his death, in faith Joseph mentioned the exodus of the sons of Israel and gave an injunction regarding his bones. [Exodus 50:24, 25]

Hebrews 11:23-29 – Faithful Moses

HE11:23 In faith Moses, after his birth, was kept hidden three months by his parents, 528 [Exodus 2:2, 3] because they realized the beauty of the little boy 529 [Genesis 2:2] and did not fear the king’s decree. 530 [Exodus 1:16, 22]

528	Moses, after his birth, was kept hidden three months by his parents: Paul has in mind, first the faith of Moses’ parents. Compare Exodus 2:1ff.

529	They realized the beauty of the little boy: Or, KJV: a proper child; goodly, fine, fair, comely, handsome, unusual. Stephen calls Moses “divinely beautiful” at Acts 7:20. We may assume God’s direction in the choice of this child and His Pneumatic pressure directing their hearts.

530	Did not fear the king’s decree: Compare Exodus 1:16, 22. The faith of Moses’ parents is also highlighted here, for Moses was too young to have faith himself.

HE11:24 Having become someone great, [Exodus 2:11] in faith Moses refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 531

531	Having become someone great, in faith Moses refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter: Or, KJV: when he was come to years; RHM: grown up; WEY: grew to manhood. Compare Exodus 2:11.

HE11:25 Instead [Moses] chose to be ill-treated together with the People of The God 532 rather than having the temporary enjoyment of sin. 533

532	Chose to be ill-treated together with the People of The God: Or, suffer affliction, share maltreatment. [Exodus 2:10; Acts 7:21]

533	Rather than having the temporary enjoyment of sin: Or, KJV: than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; WEY: short-lived pleasures; WMS: passing enjoyment; NEB: transient pleasures. Moses was a righteous man.

HE11:26 [Moses] considered the reproach of the anointed 534 greater riches than the treasures of Egypt, 535 looking forward to the payment of the reward. 536

534

[Moses] considered the reproach of the anointed: Or, KJV: esteeming the reproach of Christ; NEB: he considered the stigma that rested on God’s Anointed. There are various views. See the NJB footnote. “Anointed” may refer to one chosen or commissioned by God. David uses similar language as God’s anointed. [Psalm 69:9; compare Romans 15:3]

535

Greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: Or, riches, wealth. Moses was in a position of power, prestige and considerable opportunity. As in other cases where a pharaoh or person had fallen into disrepute, it is likely the name of Moses was erased from the land of Egypt as some scholars suppose. The name “Moses” occurs about 900 times in the Bible. Jesus believed in Moses and he is mentioned often in Paul’s letters as well as once in Revelation.

536	Looking forward to the payment of the reward: Likely this “reward” is to be among the resurrection of the righteous in the New Earth.

HE11:27 In faith [Moses] departed Egypt without fearing the king’s anger, 537 [Exodus 2:14, 15] for he persisted greatly as seeing the Invisible One. 538

537	Departed Egypt without fearing the king’s anger: Paul may allude to the Passover exodus. [Exodus 12:51]

538

He persisted greatly as seeing the Invisible One: Or, KJV: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible; RHM: cannot be seen; BEC: who can’t be seen; WEY: unseen one; NEB: the invisible God; MOF: King invisible. Compare John 1:18; 1 Timothy 1:17. The Scriptures make it clear that The God has never been seen by humankind and is described as “invisible” unlike Jesus. [Hebrews 9:27; 1 John 2:28; Matthew 24:30] Read Moses’ experience upon asking to see God at Exodus 33, 34. [1 John 4:12]

HE11:28 In faith [Moses] kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood 539 [Exodus 12:1] so that the One destroying might not touch their firstborn. 540 [Exodus 12:29]

539	Kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood: Or, celebrated, established, instituted, performed. Compare Exodus 12:1ff. Or, splash, besmearing, affusion, pouring. The Passover is mentioned 80 times in the Bible.

540

The One destroying might not touch their firstborn: Or, KJV: he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them; RHM: lest he that was destroying the firstborn should be touching them; MON: the Destroying Angel. It seems likely “the One destroying” was the Angel of Yehowah, the pre-existent Christ. [Exodus 12:23]

HE11:29 In faith, [Israel] walked through the Red Sea as though on dry earth, 541 [Exodus 14:22] while the Egyptians, accepting the challenged, were drowned. 542 [Exodus 14:28]

541	[Israel] walked through the Red Sea as though on dry earth: Compare Exodus 14:22. [Psalm 106:7, 9, 22; 136:13, 15]

542	While the Egyptians, accepting the challenged, were drowned: Or, KJV: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned; RHM: seizing an attempt; NWT: venturing. Compare Exodus 14:28.

Hebrews 11:30-38 – A List of Faithful Examples

HE11:30 In faith the walls of Jericho collapsed 543 after being encircled for seven days. [Joshua 6:1]

543	The walls of Jericho collapsed: Or, fell down, pulled down. Both Joshua and Israel are included here. [Joshua 6:1ff]

HE11:31 In faith, Rahab the prostitute 544– having received the [Israelite] spies peacefully – was not destroyed with those who disobeyed.

544

Rahab the prostitute: Or, fornicatrix, harlot, loose woman. The Greek is PORNE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4204, the root is “to buy”]. Paul’s names the second woman in his list, a non-Israelite. [Joshua 2:1ff] Her name appears a dozen times in the Bible. She became a forebear of the Messiah as the mother of Boaz. [Matthew 1:5] James points to Rahab as one whose faith moved her to work and thus she was justified. [James 2:25]

HE11:32 Well, what more can I say? For there is not time to relate [the stories] 545 about Gideon, [Judges 6:11] Barak, [Judges 4:6] Samson, [Judges 13:24] Jephthah, [Judges 11:1] David, [1 Samuel 16:13] Samuel, 546 [1 Samuel 1:20] and all the prophets. 547

545	There is not time to relate [the stories]: Or, KJV: for the time would fail me to tell.

546	Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel: Paul names six men: four judges, one king, and a prophet-judge. It is interesting to consider some of the names Paul omits, such as Job or Deborah. For details on these individuals consult a Bible dictionary.

547	All the prophets: Paul surely thinks of Elijah, Elihu, Isaiah, Daniel, for he alludes to some of these in the following phrases.

HE11:33 [Or] those who by means of [their] deep conviction struggled to conquer kingdoms, 548 worked righteousness, 549 obtained promises, 550 stopped the mouths of lions, 551 [Daniel 6:1]

548	Those who by means of [their] deep conviction struggled to conquer kingdoms: Or, KJV: through faith subdued kingdoms. The Greek word is rooted in “agonize.” [Judges 7:22]

549	Worked righteousness: Or, KJV: wrought righteousness; MOF: administered justice; NEB: established justice; TCN: ruled righteously; KNX: served the cause of right. [Genesis 15:6]

550	Obtained promises: Or, BER: procured promised blessing. [2 Samuel 7:12]

551	Stopped the mouths of lions: Likely an allusion to Samson and David. [Judges 14:6; 1 Samuel 17:34] Though Daniel comes to mind. [Daniel 6:1ff]

HE11:34 quenched the power of fire, 552 [Daniel 3:1] escaped the edge of the sword, 553 [2 Kings 6:15] were made powerful though weak, 554 became mighty in battle, 555 conquered foreign armies. 556

552	Quenched the power of fire: Likely the Hebrew youths of Daniel chapter 3.

553	Escaped the edge of the sword: Compare 2 Kings 6:15.

554	Were made powerful though weak: Compare Judges 16:28; 1 Kings 18:46.

555	Became mighty in battle: Compare Judges 11:32; 2 Samuel 23:8.

556	Conquered foreign armies: Compare Judges 4:16.

HE11:35 Women received their [own] from the dead by a resurrection, 557 [1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:34] though others were tortuously beaten with sticks, 558 refusing to accept any release by ransom so that they might obtain a better resurrection. 559

557	Women received their [own] from the dead by a resurrection: Compare 1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:34.

558	Others were tortuously beaten with sticks: They may be an allusion here to 2 Maccabees 6:18, 19; 7:42.

559	A better resurrection: Paul may mean a resurrection better than that temporary one mentioned above. [Acts 24:15]

HE11:36 Others accepted their trial by mockings, scourgings, and prison bonds. 560

560	Trial by mockings, scourgings, and prison bonds: Compare Jeremiah 20:2; 37:15.

HE11:37 They were stoned. 561 They were tested. 562 They were torn apart. 563 They were murdered by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, 564 in need, in oppressions, and ill-treated. 565

561	Stoned: Compare 1 Kings 21:13; 2 Chronicles 24:21.

562	Tested: Compare 1 Kings 22:24.

563	Torn apart: Or, sawn asunder, cut in pieces. Some accept the tradition that Isaiah was here included.

564	Sheepskins and goatskins: Compare 2 Kings 1:8.

565	Need, in oppressions, and ill-treated: Compare 1 Kings 19:2, 5; Jeremiah 38:6.

HE11:38 The world order of humankind was not worthy of these. 566 They wandered about in deserts, in mountains, in caves, 567 and in cracks of the earth. 568

566	The world order of humankind was not worthy of these: Or, the world. [1 Kings 19:4]

567	Deserts, in mountains, in caves: Compare 1 Kings 18:4; 19:9.

568	In cracks of the earth: Or, peep-holes, caves, holes, caverns, holes. David’s men come to mind. [1 Samuel 13:6]

Hebrews 11:39-40 – Something Better Foreseen

HE11:39 Though all of these persons received convincing evidence regarding their faith, 569 they did not capture the Promise, 570

569	Though all of these persons received convincing evidence regarding their faith: Or. KJV: obtained a good report through faith.

570	They did not capture the Promise: Or, received, bare not away, obtain, procure. Compare Hebrews 11:13.

HE11:40 our God having foreseen something better for us 571 so that they might not be perfected apart from us. 572

571

Our God having foreseen something better for us: Or, KJV: God having provided some better thing for us; NEB: a better plan. That is, better than the Promise given to these ancient witnesses. None were promised heaven. Rather, their hope rested on the Edenic prophecy and the given that Paradise would be restored under Messiah’s reign. [Genesis 1:28; 3:15] The “us” is specifically the Hebrew Christians, descendents of these faithful ancients. This “something better” is mentioned in Hebrews 2:3; 3:1; 7:22; 10:19. See notes on Romans 8:18; 9:27; 11:5.

572

They might not be perfected apart from us: Or, KJV: that they without us should not be made perfect; ABU: apart from; BER: without us their consummation might not be attained. “Perfected” in Hebrews is a state of justification, or a person who has been declared “not guilty.” The Church is to judge the twelve tribes of Israel which would include those mentioned in Hebrews chapter 12 [Matthew 19:28] As well as the world. [1 Corinthians 6:2] The Church is described as sharing in the “first resurrection” [Revelation 20:5] while “the rest of the dead” [including those mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11] will be resurrected following the Thousand Years, then to be judged by the Lamb and his Bride. [Revelation 20:11-13; Hebrews 9:27]

Review Questions on Chapter Eleven

Summary of Chapter Eleven

Paul defines faith and then proceeds to give scores of examples of such belief or conviction – all with works or actions which supported their faith.