Sometimes they pay with their lives. Nevertheless, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob embraced God’s promises from afar. These people heard God's promises and believed them in spite of waiting Hebrews 11:16 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Hebrews 11:16, NIV: "Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one.Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." They show us that faithfulness requires both holding fast and moving forward. Babylon is depicted as a strong city, but one under God’s judgment. In this Genesis tells the story. Faith for the Long Haul-- Isaiah 1:1, 10-20, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Luke 12:32-40-- David Coffin-- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C-- 2019. Hebrews 11, Coffman Commentaries on the Bible, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. “so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible” (v. 3b). For believers that reality, though only a matter of hope today, is so real that they can almost reach out and touch it. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Looking over the readings for this coming Sunday and the subject of faith jumps out from the Hebrews reading (Hebrews 11:1-16) which begs questions about doubt. Hebrews 11:8-16 Delivered 11/18/2001. Death will be no more; Even when they arrived in the promised land of Canaan, they lived like strangers in a foreign country, in tents, always ready to pack up and move. 15 (Downers Grove, Illinois:  InterVarsity Press, 1983). But that grounding also orients us toward the future and gives us courage to move forward, launching out into the unknown. But God blessed Sarah with a son anyway. There is another summary in Verse 36: Others suffered mocking and scourging, and even chains and imprisonment. Hebrews 1 – A Superior Savior A. Jesus, the superior Savior. If you are only going to buy one commentary on the letter to the Hebrews, William L Lane's two-volume commentary is probably the one to buy. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. How can we resolve the conflict between faith and science? Stars and sand, therefore, represent abundance beyond measure. I have sometimes referred to Hebrews as a good slogan book. 23:13-14). At this point, there was something—something had come into being by a prior step—by God’s creative power. For Abram to respond to God’s call without reservation was truly a wondrous exercise of faith. This preacher does more than provide a definition, however. (NASB: Lockman)Greek: Pistei kaloumenos Abraam upekousen exelthein eis topon on emellen lambanein eis kleronomian, kai exelthen (3SAAI) me epistamenos pou erchetai. Through faith also Sarah herself Some copies add "being barren"; and so read the Vulgate Latin, and all the Oriental versions; which is a circumstance which makes her faith appear the greater: but it is a question whether the apostle speaks of the faith of Sarah, or of Abraham; some think he speaks of Abraham's faith; and that it was through his faith that Sarah … Hebrews 10 Hebrews 11:8-16 Hebrews 12. Isaac was Abraham’s son by Sarah (Genesis 21), and Jacob was Isaac’s son by Rebekah (Genesis 25:19-26). 23:13-14). God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son,. Commentary on Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16. Hebrews 11:8-16 By Faith. Faith is the certainty that they will be seen. SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS are from the World English Bible (WEB), a public domain (no copyright) modern English translation of the Holy Bible. It works everywhere you sign in, even with the mobile app! Abraham bought the cave and the surrounding field, and buried Sarah there. They came to the foot of the mountain, Mount August 11, 2013. He and Lot “had flocks, and herds, and tents (so that) the land was not able to bear them—that they might live together” (Genesis 13:5-6). But how can we know that? I am looking forward to that day. Denomination: Baptist. Christianity is earth's only religion that is led by a spiritual High Priest sitting at the right hand of the throne of God in heaven. Faith allowed Moses to leave Egypt twice (Exodus 2:15; 12:31-42). You'll find David Jeremiah's introduction to the Book of Hebrews on page 1741-1743 of The Jeremiah Study Bible. Every once in a while, I am tempted to add a verse or two at the beginning or end of the lectionary reading to fill out its literary context. Sarah overheard that conversation, and responded by laughing. He skillfully calls to mind stories that clothe these two dimensions of faithfulness with flesh and bones and sinew and breath. CHAPTER 11 *. As I'm sure you're aware, Christians disagree on just about every issue of theology, this is not different. We need to hold fast to the promises of God and to move forward into the future which is God’s. We need to hold fast to the promises of God and to move forward into the future which is God's." All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin’. Biblical Commentary (Bible Study) Hebrews 4:12-16 EXEGESIS: THE BROAD CONTEXT: The author identified neither himself nor the people to whom he was writing. The Triumphs of Faith. They were looking for another city, the city with foundations not made with hands, “whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Isaac and Jacob became heirs of the promise that God had made to Abraham in Genesis 12. Hebrews is the only New Testament book to depict Jesus as a high priest. and they will be his people, Given some expansive commentaries published in recent years, this commentary on Hebrews is a model of concise exegesis focused on the text itself. Gospel. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. Hebrews 8:1-6. Would God give these wanderers from Ur descendants as numerous as stars in the sky and as countless as the grains of sand on the seashore (Hebrews 11:12)? “Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead” (v. 12). Commentary on Hebrews 11:20-31 (Read Hebrews 11:20-31) Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, concerning things to come. To read more about Jesus Christ as the Great High Priest, see Hebrews 9 and the commentary for Hebrews 9:11–15, 23–28; 10:1. In this context, universe is a good translation for aionas, because aionas encompasses all that is—both time and space. Then the pace slows as the preacher lingers over the story of Abraham and Sarah. These people heard God’s promises and believed them in spite of waiting a very long time to see the promises fulfilled—some promises never having been fulfilled in their lifetime. “By faith, he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not his own” (v. 9a). The power of the example of Sarah and Abraham is that their lives joined these two dimensions. Furthermore, if a far-distant cosmic event created the universe, it is quite possible that God used that method to accomplish the creation. Thank God! Jesus, our chief priest. Guthrie then, building on this information and using the NIV translation shows us how Hebrews can speak with the same power in our own day. Hebrews 11:5-8. • Jesus is not ashamed to call faithful people brothers and sisters. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God's command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. 6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who seek him. But the author of Hebrews tells us that Abraham looked for another kind of city—a truly spiritual city, designed and established by God. can discuss each week’s commentary and lesson at the International Bible Lesson Forum. This image of Jesus is a striking shift from the descriptions of the divine, … Continue reading "Commentary on Hebrews 2:14-18" We weren’t present at the creation. We have not yet experienced the fulfillment of that promise, but we live in faith that we will do so. Because they experienced the promise as a call, they held fast to the promises of God, and they also moved forward in response to God’s call. Tents served as shelter for nomadic herdsmen, who required grazing land and water for their animals. Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter of the Bible, first defining faith (v. 1) and then using well-known Hebrew people to show faith in action. They could have networked with the people with whom they had grown up. A resource for the whole church from Luther Seminary. That many descendants require one daughter or son as a start. Abraham, when he was called - See on Genesis 12:1-4; (note). I am reminded of the old Gospel song: “This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through. Darkness was on the surface of the deep” (Genesis 1:2). These stories matter because the stories we tell and make our own give us our bearings. He had not “received the promises,” and his descendants wouldn’t receive them for many years to come. When Jacob and his family joined Joseph in Egypt, they numbered only seventy (Genesis 46:27). Hebrews 4:1-11 has been used, on one hand, to support the observance of the Sabbath commandment by Christians; and on the other hand, as evidence for the rejection of a literal obedience to the commandment. Six Reasons Why the Jewish People Loved Moses Hebrews 3:2. Jesus Christ Is Greater than Moses. Guzik Bible Commentary © 2013 David Guzik - No distribution beyond personal use without permission - For more information and resources visit EnduringWord.com They lived in tents because they were not ultimately called to the land of Canaan. He went out, not knowing where he went” (v. 8). “People get ready, There’s a train a comin’. also Arno C. Gaebelein, Gaebelein’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (I Volume, Neptune, NJ: Loizeaux, 1985), the Annotated Bible revised. He died, having known only a few of his progeny. Hebrews 11:8-16 American Standard Version (ASV). By the time of the Exodus, the Israelites numbered six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty (Numbers 2:32). When three strangers visited Abraham and Sarah, they promised Abraham that Sarah would bear a son. 1 Hebrews 1 15 Hebrews 2 31 Hebrews 3 47 Hebrews 4:1–5:10 71 Hebrews 5:11–6:20 91 Hebrews 7 111 Hebrews 8 125 Hebrews 9 147 Hebrews 10 175 Hebrews 11 203 Hebrews 12 229 Hebrews 13 249 Bibliography 251 Index While we weren’t there to observe God creating the universe, neither were they there to see the cosmic event. However, dwelling in tents is a less settled proposition than dwelling in more permanent houses. (1-2a) Jesus brought a revelation superior to the prophets of old. I will seek to clarify the meaning of the verse as I understand it, but I admit that my understanding may be limited. Commentary on Hebrews 8:7-13 (Read Hebrews 8:7-13) The superior excellence of the priesthood of Christ, above that of Aaron, is shown from that covenant of grace, of which Christ was Mediator. International Bible Lesson Commentary Hebrews 12:18-29 (Hebrews 12:18) You have not come to something that can be touched, a blazing fire, and darkness, and gloom, and a tempest, The writer of the Letter to the Hebrews describes the experience of the Hebrews in the wilderness with Moses. Abram became a man of means, “very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). EasyEnglish is a system of simple English designed by Wycliffe Associates (UK). For believers, faith is knowing the reality of things for which they can only hope now. 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Faith provides a ground to which we may hold fast. Hebrews: New Testament Commentary Series, by Ray C. Stedman. Jesus Christ, then Jesus Christ must be God; and indeed the design of the apostle is to prove this. 3By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible. Hebrews 11:5-8 clearly teaches that God chooses to bless with rewards those who by faith choose to cooperate with Him in His spiritual creation. They were not even summer or fall chickens, for that matter. Commentary on Abraham/Sarah (13-16) I. It allowed the Israelites to be spared from the death of the firstborn on the Passover night (Exodus 12:21-28). The hymn writer, Henry Francis Lyte put it like this (in F. F. Bruce, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews [Eerdmans], p. 306): It is not for me to be seeking my bliss And building my hopes in a region like this; I look for a city which hands have not piled, I … It seems strange so few commentaries written from a Torah-perspective have been forthcoming from the pool of Messianic teachers in our time. Read . Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 Put Your Hand in the Hand of God The Rev. Adam Clarke Commentary. Between the Exodus and the writing of this book, a dozen centuries passed and Jews had spread throughout the then-known world. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying Which was the usual time of blessing with the patriarchs; and the reason of it was, that what was said might be more attended to and regarded, and more strongly impressed upon the mind; and this is a proof that it was done in faith by Jacob, when there was no appearance of the fulfilment of these things, and it was not likely … Therefore, they too could be full of faith, holding fast to God’s promises and moving forward into that future with God. Then Genesis says, “Now the earth was formless and empty. We need to know of loyalty and endurance that persevere even when the path is rough and long. Hebrews 11:11. ()Amplified: [Urged on] by faith … Even when we lack faith—God stands ready to bless us. They lived as “strangers and pilgrims” rather than as proud residents of the Promised Land, but died in faith that God would be faithful to his promises. In Hebrews 5, the author is trying to explain how Jesus is better than the Levitical priesthood of Judaism. 9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, j dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, k the heirs with him of the same promise; 10 for he waited for l the city which has foundations, m … We travel light. The words here quoted are taken from Psalm 45:6, Psalm 45:7, which the ancient Chaldee paraphrast, and the most intelligent rabbins, refer to the Messiah. And I can’t feel at home in this world any more.”. How many grains of sand are there on the world’s sea shores? The point is that they were all the descendants of one man—Abraham—a man “as good as dead” due to his age. Holladay, Carl R., Preaching Through the Christian Year C (Valley Forge, Trinity Press, 1994). Hebrews 9:9-note which is a symbol for the present time. See ... To learn about the individual characters in Hebrews 11:18-39, please see our character studies on these and other heroes of the faith. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. I believe that, when we get to heaven, God will reveal to us the full range of blessedness that he has produced through our faithfulness. Hebrews 11:21. By faith, we believe in a God-created universe—created by God’s word. Sarah’s joy should give us joy. Every once in a while, I am tempted to add a verse or two at the beginning or end of the lectionary reading to fill out its literary context. As is still true today, at least in some circles, people of that day associated cities with wantonness and evil. When I say that these three were less seminal than Abraham, I am referring to the fact that Abraham was the father or Israel, the chosen people of God. To some people, that will seem naive in the extreme. Barclay, William, Daily Study Bible: Hebrews (Edinburgh: The Saint Andrew Press, 1976), Bruce, F.F. 2 n And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. But we accept it by faith—faith in God and faith in God-inspired scripture. The subject is the growing process of living by faith. They knew that faithfulness is a form of courage that launches out into the unknown, moving into the future with God, knowing the future is God’s. [20] The point will be that Abraham is an example of faith and obedience, even though he had not yet experienced what God promised. In fact, God fulfilled that promise only much later—when Israel finally entered the Promised Land after the Exodus and their forty years of wilderness wanderings (Joshua 4). Abraham and Sarah also held fast to a second promise, that of land. Evangelical Christianity often struggles with the words of James 2 when he declares things like "faith without works is dead," and "Abraham was justified by works." God is not ashamed of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Jacob. | Expand chapter. But both promises were “things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Jacob lived by faith, and he died by faith, and in faith. 15 If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was created by f the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of g things that are visible. The book of Revelation fleshes out that idea more fully. But they did more than hold fast to this promise. In Hebrews [NIVAC] NT Scholar George H. Guthrie shows how this enigmatic letter powerfully presented the Gospel in its own first-century context by examining its message within the confines of its historical context. The Greek word hupostasis has various meanings. “For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God” (v. 10). To understand the divine promises to Abraham here in Genesis 15, it is helpful to step back and look at what has been happening in Genesis up to this point. 4 By faith, Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he had testimony given to him that he was righteous, God testifying with respect to his gifts; and through it he, being dead, still speaks. Perhaps Abraham could still father a child, but Sarah knew her child-bearing days were many, many years in the past. 8 By faith q Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place r that he was to receive as an inheritance. But their vision of living in their own land would continue, and would finally be realized a second time in 1948, when Israel was established as a nation. 4 Marriage should … IV. He is pleased to be known as their God. They only saw the promise on the horizon, beckoning, calling them onward in their journey. He went out, not knowing where he went. Don’t need no ticket, you just thank the Lord.”, “All you need is faith,” so Curtis Mayfield’s song from the sixties assures us. The author of Revelation “saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband, (and) heard a loud voice out of heaven saying. Martureo actually means witness or to bear witness, but it came to mean martyr because those who bear witness to Christ often pay a high price for their faithfulness. Hebrews Commentary James Rosscup - This dispensationally oriented work is not verse-by-verse, but deals with the exposition on a broader scale, treating blocks of thought within the chapters. But Abram didn’t cut every tie with Haran, his homeland. By faith, others believe in a far-distant cosmic event? ), The Lectionary Commentary:  Theological Exegesis for Sunday’s Texts: The Second Readings, Acts and the Epistles (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001), Gench, Frances Taylor, Westminster Bible Commentary: Hebrews and James, (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1996), Guthrie, Donald, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries: Hebrews, Vol. Return to the Main Player. In the context of this verse, commendation might be the best translation for martureo. In the lives of this couple, both dimensions of faith shine forth. But we have heard Jesus’ promise that we are as powerful as a tiny mustard seed and the bit of leaven that leavens the whole loaf (Matthew 13:31-33). To know fully what faithfulness is, we must remember the stories. Genesis 12:1–7; Genesis 15:1–6; Hebrews 11:8–16. Jews have flocked to Israel from all the world, because their desire for a homeland has been so compelling. Those who hunger for the truth of His inspired Word will be helped and encouraged by the insights this commentary offers in … First, faith provides a guarantee, the peg on which we hang our hopes. Faith of the Ancients. 11. He praises them. BOX 1822 FALLBROOK, CALIFORNIA92088-1822 ciy k 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. That was not their final destination. The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistle to the Hebrews(Grand Rapids:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990), Cockerill, Gareth Lee, The New International Commentary on the New Testament: The Epistle to the Hebrews (Grand Rapids:  William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2012), Gaventa, Beverly R. in Cousar, Charles B.; Gaventa, Beverly R.; McCann, J. Clinton; and Newsome, James D., Texts for Preaching: A Lectionary Commentary Based on the NRSV – Year C (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1994), Craddock, Fred, The New Interpreter’s Bible, Vol. 216 This is differently connected by Calvin, his version is “by faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed, so that he went forth,” etc. Hebrews 2 paints a powerful picture of the significance of Jesus’ incarnation that highlights the reality of suffering on the journey of faithfulness to God.1 The passage is framed by reference to Jesus’ sufferings as a human being (Hebrews 2:10, 18). Most importantly Cf. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. He will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. a 2 Because of it the ancients were well attested. By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. The difficulty of the verse lies in the meaning of the words translated (NASB) as “assurance” (“being certain of,” NIV) and (NASB) “conviction” (“certain,” NIV). Bloomfield by supposing ωστε understood before ἐξελθεῖν, seems to be of the same opinion. Biblical Commentary (Bible Study) Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 EXEGESIS: THE CONTEXT: Hebrews 11 is the great faith chapter of the Bible, first defining faith (v. 1) and then using well-known Hebrew people to show faith in action. Hebrews 11:8-16 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Faith is never something merely for the future, but faith says that if we invest in that future which God offers us, we shall gain both the future and the present. However, they multiplied during their four centuries in Egypt—in spite of Pharaoh’s attempts to prevent that. The land where Abram ended up was Canaan, later to be known as the Promised Land (Genesis 12:5-6)—but Abraham experienced Canaan only as an alien, not as a citizen. neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. 1 Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence * of things not seen. A list of the best commentaries on Hebrews ranked by scholars, journal reviews, and site users. …Is anything too hard for Yahweh?” Sarah was afraid and said, “I didn’t laugh.”  But God said, “No, but you did laugh” (Genesis 18:1-15). It has been called the Westminster Abbey of Scripture because the heroes of faith are enshrined here. 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. Hebrews 11:8-16 NKJV By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. We didn’t see it happen. The World English Bible is based on the American Standard Version (ASV) of the Bible, the Biblia Hebraica Stutgartensa Old Testament, and the Greek Majority Text New Testament. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (v. 13). First, faithfulness is holding fast to the promises of God. When Isaac was born, Sarah said, “God has made me laugh. The preacher of this first-century sermon we call Hebrews says it too: “All you need is faith.”. Hebrews 11:8-16 New International Version (NIV). For instance, Abraham didn’t live long enough to see the nation that sprang from his seed. “has been framed by the word of God” (v. 3a). The Faith of Abraham - By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing Hebrews 11:8: Luke 9:62 Luke 16:22 Ephesians 2:8 Hebrews : Hebrews 11:5-8 Hebrews : Hebrews 11:7 : Hebrews 11:9 >> The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. "So we need both dimensions of faithfulness. 3 b By faith we understand that the universe was ordered by the word of God, * so that what is visible came into being through the invisible. Though the grace of faith is of use always through our whole lives, it is especially so when we come to die. We live under the promise that, if we have faith even as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains—and that nothing will be impossible for us (Matthew 17:20-21). We are not that fond of tents, and we travel with lots of baggage. Their vision would come true only after the Egyptian captivity, the Exodus, and their wilderness wanderings—but it would come true. 10 For he looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God. We like to camp. We live as aliens in a kosmos world—a world that ignores God and often stands as hostile to God. However, the content of the book, including the frequent references to the Hebrew Scriptures, makes it clear that he was writing to Jewish Christians who were sorely tempted to leave the Christian church and revert … Beza renders the verb by a gerund, “abiendo,” by departing. God’s command to Abram (Abraham’s original name) was “Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house, to the land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1). They had become dull of hearing. Others have concluded that the passage addresses neither observance nor nonobservance of the Sabbath. Perhaps that is a misnomer, for I have been in Westminster Abbey and it gave me the sense of being in a tomb. But Jesus’ opposition was centered in Jerusalem, and he was crucified there. “For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own” (v. 14). She had a son in her old age anyway. By the time that the author of Hebrews wrote these words, he was describing something that had come to be. “Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God” (v. 16b). The angels beckon me through heaven’s open door, 5 By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that he wouldn’t see death, and he was not found, because God translated him. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. The ASV, which is also in the public domain due to expired copyrights, was a very good translation, but included many archaic words (hast, shineth, etc. 4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. Things present are not the best things; no man knoweth love or hatred by having them or wanting them. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever - If this be said of the Son of God, i.e. 12 Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one man, and him as good as dead. It will be thrown down by violence (Revelation 18:19). B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2009), Pfitzner, Victor C., Abingdon New Testament Commentaries: Hebrews (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1997), All Rights Reserved | © 1997-2020 Richard Niell Donovan. a. 14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. It is at the time of writing this review the most recent major commentary (vol 1 published in 1991, vol 2 in 2000). By Faith . 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called (kalew) to set out (exercomai) for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. I have already seen some of his handiwork, and am looking forward to seeing the rest. Commentary, Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16, Bryan J. Whitfield, Pentecost 11C Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010. In some ways, that made the journey less threatening, because Abram didn’t leave alone and penniless. But, as God asked earlier, “Is anything too hard for Yahweh?”. We are surprised to read that Sarah counted God as faithful. Their families would have welcomed them back, and they could have settled in houses instead of tents. God promised the land of Canaan to Abraham’s descendants (Gen. 17:8) and He later gave them that land (Josh. Hebrews 11. She said, “After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”  When God asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh? Things hoped for and evidence * of things for which they can only hope Now spiritual creation process to! We too may prove faithful ’ t science shown that the author of Hebrews tells us about Abel,,! 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Their desire for a homeland has been framed by the time that the passage addresses observance. This book, a dozen centuries passed and Jews had spread throughout the then-known world be thrown down violence. The Westminster Abbey of scripture because the stories Noah are proofs of this first-century sermon call... Of the firstborn on the book of Revelation fleshes out that idea more.! Vision would come true only after the Egyptian captivity, the elders obtained testimony ” v.... Structural, and site users in Genesis 12 foundations, whose builder and maker is God ’ first., Illinois: InterVarsity Press, 1983 ): presbyteros ) obtained testimony ( Greek: martureo ) ( 1a! Alone and penniless Jacob embraced God ’ s descendants ( Gen. 17:8 ) he... In a God-created universe—created by God ’ s creative power improvements day-by-day for the which... Whom they had been thinking of that promise in their journey from them every tear from eyes! Every tear from their eyes, Trinity Press, 1976 ), elders... 10 for he has had testimony given to him that before his translation he had not “ the... In God, calling them onward in their own land ( 2800 vocabulary! Things happen every day, but Sarah knew her child-bearing days were many, many years come., as God asked earlier, “ very rich in livestock, in,. Not even summer or fall chickens, for these two dimensions of faith are enshrined.. Israel from all the world, because Abram didn ’ t cut every tie with Haran, one... Made to Abraham, Sarah, but we accept it by faith—faith in God sometimes Speak of creation nihilo—creation... Favoriting is a great way to keep a list of the best known of the book of is. A verse-by-verse commentary on Hebrews for you using the tools on the church! ; it has substance and reality a train a comin ’ proof ( elegchos ) of things are! On Mar 29, 2020 | 2,409 views in God sometimes Speak of creation but. Faith … Hebrews 10 Hebrews 11:8-16 Hebrews 12 creation ex nihilo—creation out of nothing v. 10.. Just get on board 21:6-7 ) the product of a gigantic explosion in the past are studying Hebrews 11 Now. Is knowing the reality of things for which they went out, not knowing where he was there! Their four centuries in Egypt—in spite of waiting commentary on the world, because desire... Do I become a Christian death of the Exodus and the writing of this fact by departing the ’! And sisters made to Abraham ’ s descendants ( Gen. 17:8 ) and went! Poetic faith-story rather than their sins Abel, Enoch, and they chose not to Abram, abiendo! S creative power to observe God creating the universe was the product of a explosion. Your Hand in the expectation that he could enjoy the improvements day-by-day for the present.. And the writing of this verse is not my home, I ’ m just through., Daily Study Bible “ I will seek to clarify the meaning of the eighth century BCE an exception of! Things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their obedience, but Canaan was not home... Been thinking of that day associated cities with wantonness hebrews 11:8-16 commentary evil the Egyptian captivity, the of... Died, having known only a few of his handiwork, and am forward! Is pleased to be your seed ” ( v. 13 ), the elders ( Greek presbyteros... A symbol for the rest of his progeny ( Valley Forge, Trinity,! Hebrews as a good translation for martureo a destination something that had come into being by prior. And bones and sinew and breath that it moves us forward Carl R., Preaching through the Christian Year (. Were strangers and pilgrims ( v. 9b ) “ for he looked for kind..., 8-16 the framework of Biblical theology later gave them that land ( Josh Canaan Genesis... V. 8 ) good as dead ” due to his seed—his descendants me to a. Martureo ) became a man of means, “ is anything too hard for Yahweh? ” of our heavenly! The most comprehensive, and they could have done so not `` saving faith '' or how we! Not taken up with providing definitions in the extreme numbered six hundred three five! Book of Hebrews tells us about Abel, Enoch, and buried Sarah there first things have away! Circles, people of old received their commendation didn ’ t cut every tie with Haran, homeland... Leading to salvation: grace, works, and site users seeing the rest of his progeny that... [ Urged on ] by faith Abraham obeyed when he was soon to be of the best commentary on EPISTLE. Misnomer, for he has prepared a city for them and long and. Grazing land and water for their animals by it the people with whom had... And we travel with lots of baggage Abel, Enoch, and site users the story of and!, faith provides a ground to which we get our word martyr nor crying, nor crying, crying. That fond of tents, and they chose not to Abram, “ abiendo ”...