Hebrews

Sunday, 31 March 2019

…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. Hebrews 11:34

The list of deeds of the faithful continues in this verse. Here, the author reminds us of the great faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three men who stood against the king of Babylon at the risk of being thrown into a fiery furnace. As it says of them, they “quenched the violence of fire.” The words should rather say, “quenched the power of fire.” The account is found in Daniel 3. When so threatened, they responded as one –

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:17

The author next says that some “escaped the edge of the sword.” The word “edge” is literally “mouth,” and it is in the plural. The edge of the sword is likened to a devouring instrument that consumes souls. Being in the plural, the symbolism is that of cutting both ways and causing maximum damage. To escape “the edges of the sword” is to then have been spared in a remarkable way. It is as if there was nowhere to go, and yet relief was found. There was a trust in God, and God delivered them.

David and Elijah both escaped such a sword, as did others in various accounts, but it may be that the term, which is exactingly used by Jeremiah and Ezekiel, is what is on the author’s mind. Jeremiah prophesied of those who would escape the sword when exiled to Egypt, returning again to Judah. It may be that these were the only exiles who had faith in the Lord, and the Lord returned them based on that. In Ezekiel, it speaks of those who “escape the sword” from among the nations as well. The few people of faith, living in exile, would be spared.

The author next says, “out of weakness were made strong.” Here, it should say, “from weakness.” This is not necessarily speaking of someone who was sick or debilitated and then reinvigorated (such as Hezekiah). Rather, it is probably a reference to Samson who “from weakness” was able to destroy the Philistines by collapsing the building down upon them and upon himself.

Next, he notes those who “became valiant in battle.” Numerous heroes of Israel could be on the author’s mind, and he makes this a summary statement of any or all he was thinking about. Joshua, Barak, Saul, David, and many of the men under them, are recorded as champions in the battle, displaying a valiant nature in warfare.

Finally, the verse says that they “turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Again, the number of accounts is long concerning such exploits. Saul’s son Jonathan, in faith, began a battle which led to a route of the Philistines. At other times, the armies of Ammon, Moab, and Assyria (among others) are noted as having been turned back.

Life application: Many of the prophets of old were threatened with death for speaking the word of the Lord, but the Lord often (but not always) saved them from the edge of the sword. Those whose weakness was turned to strength actually include all of those herein mentioned in this commentary, as well as all others in this Hall of Fame. On our own, despite how we may perceive ourselves, we are incapable of handling life’s pressures and stresses. God gives strength to all, but not all give Him the credit He is due. The greats in the Hall of Fame are those who became valiant. They realized that the power they possessed was granted to them, not something which came from them. Remember to praise the Lord for every accomplishment that you participate in.

Again we thank you Lord for the wonderful stories of faithful followers who are recorded in Your word. We look back on their achievements and see Your hand at work in their lives. Likewise, be with us and guide us through the flames, the swords, the weaknesses, and the battles. In return, we will be sure to turn and give You the praise that You are due! Amen.

Saturday, 30 March 2019

…who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Hebrews 11:33

The author now turns to the active acts of faith of those who had gone before, and whose deeds are mentioned in this Hall of Fame of Faith. Some of these acts are obviously stated about single individuals. The event can be specifically identified as to who he was thinking about. Other noted acts of faith can be applied to several different people as they are more general in nature. Also, these recorded acts are not constrained to those in the previous verse, showing that both their names, and these now-mentioned deeds, are general listings which came to mind, and are not directly connected to one another. He gave names, he now gives events, and both lists are just his general thoughts.

Understanding this, he begins with, “who through faith subdued kingdoms.” The Greek word translated as “subdued” is a compound word found only here in Scripture. It gives the sense of “struggling against,” and thus by implication, to “overcome.” This could be applied to a host of stories in the Old Testament. In Genesis 14, Abraham led a war party with three hundred and eighteen of his trained servants and fought against the kings mentioned there. Moses led Israel when they faced several adversaries, starting with Pharaoh, king of Egypt. The list goes on throughout the history of Israel in judges, kings, and even common people.

The author next says that some “worked righteousness.” This isn’t merely speaking of the personal righteous behavior of an individual, but of the dispensing of righteousness by someone. These people dealt in accord with God’s law and His expected standards. Working righteousness can include the destruction of God’s enemies, which is according to His will, and it can include faithfully upholding covenants made with others. The actions which are in accord with His laws, standards, and judgments are noted in many people throughout Israel’s history.

The author next says that some “obtained promises.” Hebrews 6:15 said of Abraham that “after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise.” This is the idea here. It speaks of temporal promises which people faithfully believed would be fulfilled. A marvelous example is found in the New Testament, but which fits perfectly with the thought expressed by the author here –

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. ²⁶ And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. ²⁷ So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, ²⁸ he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:

²⁹ “Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace,
According to Your word;
³⁰ For my eyes have seen Your salvation
³¹ Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples,
³² A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles,
And the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:25-32

Finally, the verse ends with the words, “stopped the mouths of lions.” This is a direct reference to the prophet Daniel as is recorded in Daniel 6. It could also be indirectly applied to David who “killed both lion and bear” (1 Samuel 17:36), or Samson who “tore the lion apart as one would have torn apart a young goat” (Judges 14:6). It could even be taken metaphorically of the defeat of an enemy in battle who is compared to a lion (see 2 Samuel 23:20). Such references reveal the faithful character of these heroes of the faith.

Life application: The Lord took these fallible, and often weak-willed, men and used them for His glory and for our edification. Their stories have echoed down through time. Each one of them has been used as an example by similarly weak-willed people who have gone on, in the strength of the Lord, to accomplish tasks which would otherwise be impossible. And so, you too can read about these people and then determine to accomplish whatever task is set before you. If the future – whether the immediate or distant – looms with difficulty, take to heart the wonderful examples noted here. Insert your name into the Hall of Fame of Faith by trusting in the grand and splendid provision of Jesus Christ. He will never leave you; He will never forsake you.

Heavenly Father – I am simply overwhelmed to know that Your hand is with me in the tasks You have chosen for my life. Give me the courage and ability to never sway from bringing you the glory and honor that You are due. All hail the GLORIOUS name of Jesus who has made this possible by bringing me close to You once again. Amen.

Friday, 29 March 2019

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: Hebrews 11:32

The author has, by the completion of the previous verse, set the general tone of what faith means and how it is demonstrated. He has covered all of the period of time, from creation to that of the patriarchs, and even to the time of Joshua and the conquest of Canaan. The last person noted was Rahab the harlot. From there, he says, “And what more shall I say?” He knows that the list could go on throughout the rest of Scripture, but instead he notes that such a list would take more time than the Lord has permitted in His inspired epistle. And so he says, “For the time would fail me.”

It is an expression which confirms that there is not sufficient time to note all of those of faith by name, and to then also note the individual instances which they should be recognized for. If he had sufficient time, he would “tell of Gideon and Barak.”

Barak’s life and deeds are recorded in Judges 4 & 5. Gideon’s are recorded in Judges 6-8. From there, he notes, “and Samson and Jephthah.” The life and times of Jephthah are found in Judges 11, 12; and those of Samson are found in Judges 13-16. Next, he says, “also of David and Samuel.” The birth through the death of Samuel is recorded in 1 Samuel 1-25. The main record of the life of David is recorded from 1 Samuel 16 – 1 Kings 2. If you notice, the author mentioned each coupling of names in reverse order of their actual appearance in Scripture:

Gideon – Barak
Samson – Jephthah
David – Samuel

However, each coupling leads in the proper order to the next coupling. In each of these couplings, the most prominent name is first. Gideon is more renowned than Barak, Samson is more renowned than Jephthah, and David is more renowned than Samuel. Further, each first has more recorded about him in Scripture than the second.

Finally, the author notes, “and the prophets.” The entire list of the many prophets of Israel is summed up in those words. From here, the author will lightly touch upon the deeds of faith for which these many people are generally noted. Verses 11:32-34 record deeds of active faith, whereas verses 35-38 record deeds of passive faith.

Life application: From this verse, through verse 38, we are told of a range of people and of the various trials they faced as they demonstrated faith worthy of a true saint. As you think on their situations, remember their failings as well. Maybe you will see yourself mirrored in them and be encouraged that the Lord can use you in a great way. Gideon (Judges 6-8) was so unsure of his own abilities that he asked the Lord for a sign. When he received it, he asked for another… not the most confident soul in town.

Barak (Judges 4) was told by Israel’s judge (Deborah) that the Lord had commanded him to take an army of men and that he would defeat Israel’s enemies. In verse 8 it says “And Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go!’” Instead of believing the Lord’s directive, he questioned the command’s validity. By asking Deborah to go, he was checking both her truthfulness and the surety of the Lord’s word.

Samson (Judges 13-16) was set apart from birth to God and became Israel’s judge. However, he had a weak will towards women, was over-confident in his own abilities, and he often took revenge that wasn’t proportionate to offenses made against him.

Jephthah (Judges 11-12) was the son of a prostitute. He made a rash vow to sacrifice the first living thing that came out of his house. To his horror, it was his own daughter. However, his vow stood and he performed his vow at her expense.

David committed adultery, murder, and other grievous sins. However, with a faithful and repentant heart, he was considered Israel’s great king and sweet psalmist.

Samuel was Israel’s last judge. He failed to restrain his own children and raise them properly. This resulted in the end of Israel’s theocracy and a turn to an earthly kingship rule.

Are you seeing any of your failings in these men of faith? If so, then understand that despite them, God looked on their faithful and repentant hearts. He also looked on their deeds of faith, and He accepted them, forgiving every sin and trespass.

Lord God, it sure is good to look back on the people recorded in Scripture, and who are then noted in the book of Hebrews, and to see that they are not unlike me. But even with their failings, You have placed them in Your Hall of Fame of Faith. This gives me hope that I too may someday be remembered, not for my failings, but for my heart which is devoted to You. Thank You that You grant us a right standing with You through simple faith in the Person and work of Jesus. Amen.

Thursday, 28 March 2019

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

The author now turns to Rahab, the harlot found in Joshua 2 & 6, and who is recorded in Matthew 1:5 in the genealogy of Christ Jesus. She is then mentioned here in Hebrews, and once again in James 2:25. He begins with, “By faith the harlot Rahab.”

What he will detail is considered as an act of faith worthy of note, and which led to her being brought into the nation of Israel, joining with them according to their law, marrying a man, and from them would continue the line of Messiah – first through David, and then on down to Christ Jesus. Rahab would have been David’s great-great-grandmother, the wife of Salmon.

Here though, it specifically calls her, “the harlot.” Some scholars argue that the Hebrew word used to describe her as a harlot doesn’t necessarily mean that, and that she was probably an innkeeper. First, that is rubbish, but secondly, the Greek word here, porné, clearly identifies her (as does the Hebrew) as a prostitute. There is no mincing of the word. And yet, despite this, she “did not perish with those who did not believe.”

This is a poor choice of translation. It should read, “those who were disobedient.” The people were disobedient to the natural knowledge of God, and they were set for destruction even before Israel’s entry into Canaan. Their time had come, but Rahab knew this and believed in the power of God and the surety of what was to come upon Jericho. She believed “when she had received the spies with peace.”

The coming of the spies to Rahab’s house was certainly done with intent. How does one spy out a city without raising too much alarm? Ask for the local prostitute! By going into her home, nothing unusual would ever be suspected. In her reception of the spies, and in the details of the surrounding narrative, which was carefully recorded in Scripture, a fallen women is raised to the high position of a woman of faith, and a prostitute was entered into the genealogy of the coming Messiah.

As a point of theology concerning the issue of justification, the accounts of Abraham offering up Isaac, and this account of Rahab receiving the spies, are both used in James 2 to support an idea which has been highly misunderstood in the church. James 2:24 says, “You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.” However, Paul says in Romans 3 –

“Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸ Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”

How are these two reconciled? The answer is found in this passage of Hebrews 11. The exact same examples used by James are those which are addressed now in Hebrews, offering up Isaac, and receiving the spies. James calls them “works,” but the author of Hebrews says of both of them, “By faith…” Therefore, they are “works of faith.” In other words, faith is the basis for their works. They are not deeds of law, but they are works which spring out of faith. In the end, it is the faith which justifies. If works are included in the act of faith, they are still works of faith; and it is the faith behind the works which receives the reward, not the deed itself because the deeds are merely an expression of the faith.

The example of Franklin and Bill, which was detailed in the commentary on Hebrews 11:4, shows this. This will be more specifically explained when we arrive at James 2:24 in due time (the Lord permitting). Until then, it needs to be remembered that all deeds of faith find their reward in the faith, not the deed itself.

Life application: Thinking on the account of Rahab, it is hoped that you will realize that it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your life, or how badly you’ve messed things up, Jesus will accept you if you will simply have faith. Then someday you too will be mentioned in heaven’s great Hall of Fame of Faith.

Lord, the story of Rahab shows that even a prostitute can be cleansed of her life and brought into your flock! This encourages us that our lives can also be used for Your glory despite the things we may have done wrong. Give us the ability to look forward in faith, and to leave behind all the wrongdoings of our past lives. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wednesday, 27 March 2019

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

The author now turns from Moses to the times of the man who replaced him as leader of Israel, Joshua. Of the recorded life of Joshua, nothing is specifically said concerning his faith, despite the faith he and Caleb displayed in the book of Numbers. Rather, the accounts recorded during his leadership of Israel deal with the siege of Jericho – the collapsing of its walls and the faith of a harlot who lived within those walls. In this verse, the words begin with, “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down.”

The author takes the account at face value and accepts Scripture exactly as it is written. The city had walls, and those walls were unable to protect the city. They came down not by the power of the besieging army, but it was rather by faith in the word of the Lord. He told them what would occur, and Israel simply obeyed His word, believed what He said, and what He said is what came to pass. The walls “fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”

The entire account is found in Joshua 6. During those seven days, Israel marched around the city, doing as the Lord instructed. There would have been taunts and jeers at the army as they did so. But not a word was spoken by them in reply. For six days, they marched around the city one time each day, doing as instructed as they marched. On the seventh day, they marched around the city seven times. At the sound of the trumpets, the people gave a great shout and the walls fell down.

The entire event required faith that the Lord would perform as He promised, and their faith was rewarded. John Chrysostom says of this event, “The soundings of trumpets, though one were to sound for ten thousand years, cannot throw down walls, but faith can do all things.” It is a lesson for us to remember, and it is an account that asks us to be faithful to the word of the Lord. He has spoken; He will perform.

Life application: Archaeologically, this is one of the stories of the Bible that non-believers have spent a great deal of time trying to disprove. Unlike many other accounts, this one can be verified by simply going to the site and looking over the ruins. The evidence has been substantiated by believers and supposedly disproved by non-believers. Each determination was based on the scientist’s findings of how they perceive what occurred in the Bible and how that relates to their larger worldview. In the end, the Bible account is the only eye-witness testimony for the destruction of Jericho. All of history past can only be known by what was written about it and/or diligently piecing together the evidence based on the preserved remains. Here is what the Bible says about this particular incident –

“So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.” Joshua 6:20

Regardless of the fight among archaeologists, the account in the Bible stands as recorded evidence. If it were untrue, one would think that the surrounding nations could have just as easily recorded their side of the story. No such record exists. In fact, no part of the Bible has ever been disproved. Remember, not every Bible story has as yet been proved true, but that which has been studied has always vindicated the biblical account. Just as the Israelites had faith to march around the walls in obedience, God asks you to have faith that what is recorded in His word is true as well. What the Bible records forms a sure foundation for our faith; a faith that can never stumble if it rests ultimately in the Person of Jesus.

Lord, it sure is wonderful to read the stories recorded in Your word and to see how they fit into redemptive history. Each account serves a particular purpose in helping us to understand You and how we are to interact with You. Thank You for the story of real events about real people who, like us, are part of Your wonderful unfolding story. Amen!