Hebrews 11—The Hebrew Hall of Faith

This chapter is referred to as the "Hall of Faith." It highlights the faith of Old Testament figures, emphasizing trust in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment. These were ordinary people chosen to do extraordinary work because of their faith.

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see. This is why the ancients were commended.

Faith is not merely a wish, dream or a feeling, but a firm trust in God's faithfulness, which is the foundation for future hopes. A person of faith lives out his belief; what his mind and spirit are convinced is true.

God considered their Jewish ancestors righteous because they acted on this faith. They never saw the promise of a Messiah but nonetheless, they kept their faith.

Hebrews 11:3 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.

There is no way to scientifically prove that the world was created. If we believe God's word is a witness to creation, we have a confident understanding of God's actions and promises. If we believe that the worlds were formed by the word of God from nothing, every other exercise of faith will be easy to us.

Hebrews 11:4 By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as righteous when God gave approval to his gifts. And by faith he still speaks, even though he is dead.

Abel's offering was accepted by God because it was given with a sincere heart, while Cain's was not. Able followed God's instructions for sacrifices, the only path to salvation, by offering a lamb. Only a blood sacrifice can take away sin. Cain chose to offer the "fruit of his labor," which was from the cursed ground and so his was rejected. (Genesis 4:1-16)

Hebrews 11:5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he did not see death: "He could not be found, because God had taken him away." For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.

Enoch is notable for his deep, intimate relationship with God, characterized by faithfulness and obedience. Walking with God is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily commitment through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. (Genesis 5:21-24)

Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.

Merriam-Webster defines belief as "a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing. Conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence."

God rewards those who seek Him with wonderful spiritual blessings, and the single most important reward is God Himself.

Hebrews 11:7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Before the Flood, the Earth was watered by springs or mist, no rain had fallen up to that time. Noah believed God and build an ark in spite of the ridicule he received. He preached for years but no one would listen. Because of his faith he showed the world that it was guilty. Noah's righteousness was not based on works, but was a result of his faith in God, which led to obedience. (Genesis 6–9)

Hebrews 11:8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, without knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.

Abraham was raised by parents who worshiped idols in an ancient city that flourished. He abandoned his familiar surroundings, culture and religious upbringing to follow God into a nomadic life in the desert. Abraham's departure from Ur was an example of faith in action. Although God promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham, he never owned any part of it during his lifetime except for a burial plot that he purchased. The land was promised as an inheritance for his future offspring (the Israelites). Abraham was looking for a "heavenly" city, suggesting a spiritual fulfillment beyond the physical land. (Genesis 11–25)

Hebrews 11:11 By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child, because she considered Him faithful who had promised. And so from one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.

At age 90, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, a miraculous fulfillment of God's promise that she initially doubted with laughter. Although she and Abraham were biologically past the age of childbearing—regarded as "dead" regarding reproduction—she ultimately embraced faith, recognizing God as faithful to His word. Her ability to conceive was not due to her own strength, but was a supernatural enabling from God, rewarding her trust.

God promised that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. While the covenant of the land was passed through Isaac, Ishmael was still recognized by God as a son of Abraham. God included Ishmael as part of His plan, promising to make him a great nation as well.

Hebrews 11:13 All these people died in faith, without having received the things they were promised. However, they saw them and welcomed them from afar. And they acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah lived by faith, seeing a distant glimpse of the full, ultimate fulfillment (a heavenly city and eternal inheritance) during their lifetimes. Yet each one had a faith that "looked forward," to their heavenly reward. They viewed their time on earth as a temporary, passing experience rather than a final destination.

Hebrews 11:14 Now those who say such things show that they are seeking a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 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.

These patriarchs a had the option to go back to their former lives and lands if they had desired, however they left behind their familiar and comfortable past to pursue God's promises, trusting in His faithfulness. Their lives were testimonies of faith, demonstrating their continuous pursuit of something beyond their immediate circumstances. They are often called the "heroes of faith."

Hebrews 11:17 By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, even though God had said to him, "Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned." (Genesis 21:12) Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

Abraham is often referred to as the "father of faith." Although he had another son, Ishmael, this passage refers to Isaac as his only son. Abraham knew that the promise of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would only come through Isaac. He believed that God would resurrect him from the dead. His faith required trust beyond human understanding. (Genesis 22:1-20)

Hebrews 11:20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning the future.

In Hebrew culture, a father's blessing often determines the future roles and destinies of their children. God's sovereign choice and purpose was made before the birth of Jacob and Esau. Isaac's blessing of his sons was an act of faith, trusting in God's promises for the future. (Genesis 27)

Hebrews 11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.

Jacob passed his blessing to his grandsons Ephraim and Manasseh, the sons of Joseph because he believed God would fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant through them. The staff was a symbol of leadership and authority. Jacob bowed his head over the staff in sign of thanks and reverence to God. In keeping with his faith he wanted his sons to carry his body to Canaan and bury him there. (Genesis 49:1-50:14)

Hebrews 11:22 By faith Joseph, when his end was near, spoke about the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his bones.

Joseph had foresight and understanding of God's plan, even as his life was drawing to a close. His instructions regarding his bones signified his faith in God's promise, that Canaan, not Egypt, was Israel's God-given home. (Genesis 50:22-26)

Hebrews 11:23 By faith Moses' parents hid him for three months after his birth, because they saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were unafraid of the king's edict.

Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, both recognized that God had a special plan for their son. They knew of Pharaoh's murderous designs, so they hid him until he reached the age of three months. Their faith in God was much more then their fear of the Pharaoh. So in order to preserve Moses' life, they trusted God would protect him when they placed him in the ark and put him in the water. (Exodus 2:1-10)

Hebrews 11:24 By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to suffer oppression with God's people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.

Moses was raised by Pharaoh's daughter, who mothered him as her own son. He was educated in the best schools in Egypt. He was equally impressive as a thinker and an athlete. Even though he had access to the "treasures of Egypt", he chose to share in the suffering of his own people. When he was called by God to become the leader of the Israelites, by faith he lead the people out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. Moses had a unique, intimate relationship with God where they spoke "face to face". He looked forward to (Exodus 2:10-15)

Hebrews 11:27 By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel's own firstborn.

Moses overcame fear of Pharaoh because he relied on God's presence to give him strength to persevere. Despite not being able to see God physically, Moses trusted in His promises. (Exodus 2:11-15)

The protection of Israel's firstborn was contingent upon their obedience to God's instructions regarding the Passover. Moses' obedience to God's command highlights the necessity of divine intervention. (Exodus 12:21-28)

Hebrews 11:29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

Egypt was a powerful empire, and its military might was formidable. Because of God's judgment and protection over His people the Egyptian army was overwhelmed. The people's faith was not just a belief but an active trust in God's promise and power. (Exodus 14)

Hebrews 11:30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.

God commanded the Israelites to march around Jericho's walls for six days. On the Seventh day, they blew their horns and shouted causing the fortified walls to collapse. The Israelites acted by faith leading to the miraculous conquest. Faith often requires action, even when the outcome is unseen or seems impossible.(Joshua 6:1-20)

Hebrews 11:31 By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, did not perish with those who were disobedient.

Rahab's actions in welcoming the spies were a demonstration of her faith. Rahab believed in the God of Israel despite her background. Her faith led to her salvation, both physically and spiritually. (Joshua 2:1-25)

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

The stories of faith are too many to list. Each individual mentioned acted on their faith, demonstrating that true faith results in action, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. In spite of their flaws, God used them to fulfill His purposes.

Gideon (Judges 6-8), Barak (Judges 4-5), Samson (Judges 13-16), Jephthah (Judges 11-12), David (1 Samuel 16—1 Kings 2), Samuel (1 Samuel 1-25), and the prophets – all those who spoke God's word to Israel, faced persecution and hardship, yet remained faithful to God. Daniel shut the mouths of lions. (Daniel 6:21-22) The prophet Elijah. (1 Kings 18:38, 2 Kings 1:10-12, and 2 Kings 1:14)

God's providence and protection over His chosen ones, emphasize faith that can lead to divine intervention in life-threatening situations. Reliance on God, rather than human strength, leads to true empowerment. Ordinary individuals are turned into formidable warriors through faith and win victory when they trust in God.

Hebrews 11:35 Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused their release, so that they might gain a better resurrection. Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment.

The widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:17-24) and the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:18-37), both had their sons restored to life through the prophets Elijah and Elisha, respectively. Jewish martyrs faced torture under Antiochus IV Epiphanes (2 Maccabees 6-7). They endured severe persecution and were martyred for their belief, but remained faithful, guided by the promise of eternal life and the "crown of life"

Hebrews 11:37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, they were put to death by the sword. They went around in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, oppressed, and mistreated. The world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and hid in caves and holes in the ground.

Stoning was a common method of execution in ancient Israel, often used for those accused of blasphemy or idolatry (Leviticus 24:16, Deuteronomy 13:10) According to Jewish tradition, the prophet Isaiah, was martyred by being sawn in half during the reign of King Manasseh. Various prophets and faithful individuals were executed by the sword for their beliefs. Wearing sheepskins and goatskins signifies a life of poverty and rejection keeping them from worldly comforts for their dedication to their prophetic mission. Caves and holes were often used as places of refuge, as seen in the life of David when he fled from Saul (1 Samuel 22:1) and the prophets who hid from Jezebel (1 Kings 18:4). This imagery also foreshadows the suffering of Christ, who had "nowhere to lay his head" (Matthew 8:20), and serves as a reminder of the cost of discipleship in a hostile world.

Hebrews 11:39 These were all commended for their faith, yet they did not receive what was promised. God had planned something better for us, so that together with us they would be made perfect.

The faithful of the Old Testament trusted in God's promises without seeing their fulfillment. The promise that referred to the coming of the Messiah which has been fulfilled and to the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant, which includes the second coming of the Messiah and the establishment of God's Messianic Kingdom. They were all motivated by the reward that will be given at the Judgment seat of Christ. The one common thing that they all shared together was this relentless pursuit of God.

While the people of the Old Testament only had a glimpse of the kingdom and the age to come, they maintained their faith in anticipation like a child on Christmas morning waiting to open their gift. We have the knowledge of the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf. We have opened the gift. Now we look forward to next Christmas when we get the ultimate gift...the gift of eternal life.