Hebrews 11

Hebrews 11 is often referred to as the "Faith Chapter" of the Bible, showcasing the power and impact of faith through the examples of Old Testament figures. The chapter emphasizes that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, and it recounts the faith-filled actions of various patriarchs and prophets who lived by belief in God's promises, often without receiving what was promised in their lifetime. This chapter encourages believers to persevere in faith, looking to these ancestors as examples of steadfast trust in God.

Hebrews 11:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
2 For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.

The passage defines faith as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen, emphasizing that faith goes beyond physical evidence and rests on trust in God’s promises. The "assurance of things hoped for" refers to a confident trust in God's promises for the future, such as eternal life, salvation, or the fulfillment of His word. It is a firm belief that what is hoped for will come to pass, grounded in faith. The "conviction of things not seen" is the inner certainty or evidence of realities that cannot be perceived by the senses, such as God's existence, His ongoing work in the world, or spiritual truths. While the assurance focuses on trusting in future promises, the conviction emphasizes belief in unseen realities that exist now. Together, these aspects of faith form the foundation of the believer's trust in God, as demonstrated by the lives of the ancients who were commended for their faith.

Hebrews 11:3 (NKJV)
3 By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

This verse emphasizes that through faith, we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, revealing His immense power and authority. This verse teaches that God’s spoken word brought everything into existence from nothing, underscoring His role as the Creator. It highlights that the visible world is not a product of random processes but originates from the unseen power of God. Faith enables believers to grasp this truth, acknowledging that creation reflects God’s wisdom and design. This insight encourages trust in God’s sovereignty, as the same power that created the world sustains His promises.

Hebrews 11:4-7 (NKJV)
4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
5 By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
7 By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

These verses presents the faith of Abel, Enoch, and Noah as powerful examples of how trust in God transforms lives. Abel’s offering was accepted by God because it was offered in faith, pointing to the need for a Redeemer. By offering a lamb, Abel acknowledged his sin and placed his hope in God's promised plan of salvation through the coming Messiah, foreshadowing Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for humanity's redemption. In contrast, Cain’s offering reflected self-reliance rather than faith in God’s provision. Enoch’s faith led him to walk in such close fellowship with God that he was taken to heaven without experiencing death, demonstrating that faith creates a deep relationship with God and brings His favor. Noah’s faith moved him to obey God’s warning about unseen events, building an ark that saved his family and bore witness to the coming judgment. His obedience demonstrated trust in God’s word, even when it seemed impossible to human reasoning. These examples teach that faith not only acknowledges God’s redemptive plan but also produces a life of obedience, trust, and alignment with His will, which pleases God and secures His approval.

Hebrews 11:8 (NKJV)
8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.

Abraham’s obedience to God’s call, without knowing his destination, underscores a profound trust in God’s guidance and promises. His willingness to leave his home without a clear end point exemplifies the essence of faith as a journey towards a divine assurance, anchored solely in God’s word.

Hebrews 11:9-10 (NKJV)
9 By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise;
10 for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

This passage highlights Abraham’s faith as he lived as a foreigner in the land of promise, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Although Abraham never physically dwelled with Jacob, the mention of Jacob reflects the generational nature of God’s covenant. It shows that the promise God made to Abraham was not just for him alone but was passed down to his descendants, who also lived as sojourners, trusting in God’s promise. Abraham’s life in tents symbolized his understanding that his ultimate home was not an earthly possession but a city with eternal foundations, designed and built by God. Isaac and Jacob shared this same faith, living temporarily in the promised land while looking forward to the fulfillment of the promise in God’s eternal kingdom. This demonstrates that faith often involves trusting in promises that extend beyond one’s lifetime, anchored in the certainty of God’s eternal plan.

Hebrews 11:11-12 (NKJV)
11 By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude—innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.

Sarah’s faith enabled her to conceive Isaac, despite her old age, showing that faith's power can overcome natural impossibilities. This miracle led to an innumerable lineage from Abraham, fulfilling God’s promise and illustrating that God’s blessings extend far beyond immediate circumstances.

Hebrews 11:13-16 (NKJV)
13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

These verses reflect on the fact that many faithful did not receive what was promised during their lifetimes but saw them from a distance and welcomed them, indicating their understanding of their status as temporary residents on earth, looking towards a heavenly homeland. Their unwavering focus on God's future promises, instead of the past, underscores their faith and God’s approval, as He has prepared a celestial city for them.

Hebrews 11:17-19 (NKJV)
17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
18 of whom it was said, “In Isaac your seed shall be called,”
19 concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.

This passage highlights Abraham’s faith in God’s promises, even when tested in the most extreme way. God commanded him to offer his son Isaac, the child of promise through whom God had said his descendants would come. Despite this command seeming to contradict the promise, Abraham trusted God completely, believing that God could even raise Isaac from the dead if necessary. This faith demonstrated Abraham’s absolute confidence in God’s power and faithfulness to fulfill His word. The act of offering Isaac also symbolized the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, God’s Son, pointing forward to the redemption of humanity. Abraham’s willingness to obey revealed his unwavering trust in God, even when the circumstances seemed impossible to understand.

Hebrews 11:20 (NKJV)
20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.

Isaac’s blessings to his sons Jacob and Esau were made with faith in God’s future provisions and guidance. His faith influenced how he spoke over his children, impacting their destinies in accordance with divine will, showing that faith extends into the legacies we leave behind.

Hebrews 11:21 (NKJV)
21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.

As Jacob neared the end of his life, his blessings to Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh were acts of faith, acknowledging God’s ongoing promises across generations. His worship in his final moments, despite his frailty, illustrates a life concluded in faithful recognition of God’s enduring faithfulness.

Hebrews 11:22 (NKJV)
22 By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.

Joseph’s instructions regarding his bones, anticipating Israel's eventual exodus from Egypt, signify his faith in God’s promises to his ancestors. His command reflects a confident belief in future deliverance and the importance of maintaining a connection to the Promised Land even after death.

Hebrews 11:23 (NKJV)
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.

Moses’ parents' decision to hide him, defying Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew baby boys, was driven by their faith in God’s protection over their child. Their actions saved Moses to later become a leader for Israel, illustrating how faith can counteract fear and bring about divine plans.

Hebrews 11:24-26 (NKJV)
24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

When Moses matured, he chose identification with the Hebrews over a comfortable life in Pharaoh's palace. His decisions were fueled by faith in God’s greater reward, showing that faith often calls for choosing divine values over worldly benefits, and looking ahead to eternal gains rather than temporal pleasures.

Hebrews 11:27 (NKJV)
27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.

Moses' departure from Egypt, not motivated by fear but by faith, underscores his vision of God who is invisible. His endurance is attributed to his focus on God, demonstrating that faith empowers believers to overcome daunting challenges by keeping their eyes on God’s presence and power.

Hebrews 11:28 (NKJV)
28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood, so that he who destroyed the firstborn would not touch them.

Moses' observance of the Passover was an act of faith, following God’s instructions to protect the Israelites from the plague on the Egyptian firstborn. This act of obedience, rooted in trust in God's word, highlights how faith leads to divine protection and deliverance.

Hebrews 11:29 (NKJV)
29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.

The miraculous crossing of the Red Sea by the Israelites, contrasted with the drowning of the pursuing Egyptians, illustrates that faith can make a way where there seems to be none. This event emphasizes that God’s miraculous interventions are accessed through faith, leading to salvation for believers but judgment for the unbelievers.

Hebrews 11:30 (NKJV)
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.

The destruction of Jericho’s walls after the Israelites obeyed God’s directive to march around them for seven days showcases faith's power to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. This story highlights that faithful obedience, even when actions seem illogical, can lead to remarkable victories.

Hebrews 11:31 (NKJV)
31 By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.

Rahab’s protection of the Israelite spies, resulting from her faith in God’s power and the fear of His people, led to her preservation during Jericho’s conquest. Her inclusion among the faithful illustrates that God’s salvation is available to all who turn to Him in faith, regardless of their past.

Hebrews 11:32-34 (NKJV)
32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets:
33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

These verses briefly summarize the acts of faith by other figures such as Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and various prophets. Their stories of conquering kingdoms, performing righteous acts, and achieving the impossible through faith illustrate the broad and powerful impact of faith in God across different scenarios and challenges.

Hebrews 11:35-38 (NKJV)
35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.
36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment.
37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—
38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

These verses depict the severe trials and tribulations faced by believers, who through faith endured extreme suffering, including torture and martyrdom, in hope of a heavenly reward. The description of their hardships and unwavering faith despite such adversities underscores the profound strength and conviction that faith instills, and the spiritual perspective that regards earthly suffering as temporary compared to eternal glory.

Hebrews 11:39-40 (NKJV)
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise,
40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.

The concluding verses highlights that all the faithful individuals mentioned in this chapter, despite their commendation for their faith, did not receive the ultimate promise during their lifetimes. Their faith was forward-looking, trusting in the fulfillment of God’s greater plan for humanity. These verses emphasize that God’s promise—centered on salvation and the coming of the Messiah—was not completed until Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. The "something better" that God provided for us is the born-again experience through Jesus Christ, the last Adam, and the indwelling of His Spirit. Through Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, believers now have access to the new covenant relationship with God, characterized by the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This is a reality that the Old Testament saints could only anticipate, but now, through Jesus, believers can experience new life and reconciliation with God. Furthermore, God’s plan includes all His faithful people, both past and present, and they, together with us, will be made perfect at the culmination of His redemptive work. This culmination will occur at the second coming of Jesus Christ, when the righteous will be resurrected and glorified, mortality will be replaced with immortality, and believers will enter into eternal life. This teaches that faith often requires patience, trusting in the fulfillment of God’s promises at His appointed time.