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 11:1-2

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

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

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

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

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

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 11:8-10

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 11:11-12

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

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 11:14-16

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 11:17-19 (Genesis 21:12)

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

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

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

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 11:23-24

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 11:24-25

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 his reward. (Exodus 2:10-15)

Hebrews 11:27-28

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

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

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

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 11:32-34

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 11:35-36

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 11:37-38

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 11:39-40

The faithful of the Old Testament trusted in God's promises without seeing their fulfillment. The promise 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.