The exhortation to faith is interrupted by this great chapter, in which the power of faith is illustrated from the history of ancient Israel. It is assumed throughout the epistle that the old community and the new are bound up with one another. The promises which had been given to Israel, and which... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS 11:1 F. The chapter opens with a definition of faith as the assurance whereby we lay hold of things still in the future, and the proving_ i.e._ the inward certainty which is stronger than any outward proof of things which lie beyond the evidence of the senses. Thus faith enables us on the on... [ Continue Reading ]
Examples of faith from the primitive history, as given in the early Chapter s of Genesis. Abel, on account of his faith, was not only accepted by God in his lifetime (Genesis 4:4), but even after his death his blood made its appeal to God for vengeance on his murderer (Genesis 4:10 *). Enoch passed... [ Continue Reading ]
Passing now from the men of the primeval world, the writer comes to the patriarchs, and especially to Abraham, who stands out in the OT as the chief example of faith. Abraham showed his faith by his obedience to God's call, and by his refusal to make a permanent settlement in the land of Canaan, eve... [ Continue Reading ]
The survey now passes from the age of the patriarchs to that of Moses and the Judges. It was the faith of his parents that saved Moses in his infancy; and his life, when he grew to manhood, had faith as its one motive. He turned from the pleasures of this world and shared in the hardships of his cou... [ Continue Reading ]
The rest of the history would take too long to survey in detail, and the writer contents himself with suggesting it by a few striking allusions. He mentions certain outstanding names, then refers in general terms to the many famous deeds that had been wrought by faith (_e.g._ the achievements of bra... [ Continue Reading ]
HEBREWS 11:39 F. In two closing verses the lesson of all this heroic past is summarised. By their faith the great men of Israel had received praise from God in His holy word; yet they did not obtain that promise, the hope of which had inspired them. The reason was that through the long past God had... [ Continue Reading ]