Month: April 2019

Thursday, 4 April 2019

…of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth. Hebrews 11:38

This is a description of those who have been referred to in the preceding verses. He has described their plight, their character, and their ill-treatment by the world. He now tells about their status in relation to the world around them by saying, “of whom the world was not worthy.” Vincent’s Word Studies notes what the term “world” signifies in this particular context –

“By the world (κόσμος) is not meant the corrupt world, as in John and Paul (see on Hebrews 11:7), but the world considered as an economy which was unworthy of these, because ruled by sense and not by faith. Their plane of life was higher.”

These men were placed by God into the stream of time and human existence (see Acts 17:26-28), but they were out of place in relation to the world around them. They were living by faith in something which lay ahead of them, and thus, that sphere of time and placement was not worthy of them. It is as if because of their faith they were living in the kingdom of the Lord even though they were among those who had no comprehension of what that meant. All others around them were living apart from the promise of Messiah, and their lives were mere futile moments of living for self. Despite this exalted state in which they lived, the author says, “They wandered in deserts and mountains.”

This is probably a reference to the book of 2 Maccabees. It is a historical record of the life of the Jewish people. Though not inspired Scripture, it was a text which the author would have been aware of. In that book it says –

“But Judas Maccabeus with nine others or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually lest they should be partakers of the pollution;” 2 Maccabees. 5:27.

Other prophets throughout the Old Testament, such as Elijah, wandered in such a manner as well. They were men often without homes, without ordinary lives of working the land, and they lived a very skimpy existence in comparison to those around them. The author then continues with, “in dens and caves of the earth.”

The word translated as “dens” is the Greek word spélaion. It signifies a cavern, and equates to a cave or a hiding place. One can see the root of our modern word for cave explorers, or spelunkers, in it. The next word, translated as “caves,” is the Greek word opé. It signifies a hole, as if where light enters, and so it can be a cavern, a spring of water (see James 3:11), etc. One can see the root of our modern word for “opening.”

These men, at times, lived in places that seem more suited for jackals, lions, or bats. David, at times, dwelt in caves. This is seen in 1 Samuel 22:1 –

“David therefore departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. So when his brothers and all his father’s house heard it, they went down there to him.”

Despite already being promised that someday he would be king of Israel, he was also a man who could dwell in a cave in order to survive. His character was such that his hope of Messiah allowed him to live life in a way that the world around him mattered little. This is true with all of those who wholeheartedly live by faith. Present difficulties are merely a temporary stepping stone to the life which is truly life.

Life application: Go back over the past 37 verses and remind yourself of whom the author states “the world was not worthy.” They were all fallible people who lived fallible lives. They failed their spouses and their children; they deceived family members; one committed adultery and murder; one was a prostitute and another the son of a prostitute. And the list goes on. These people lived lives just like each of us. But “the world was not worthy of them.” It is their faith in something greater that set them above the other peoples and systems of government in which they lived. Many of them, while the rest of the world was living in spacious homes or palaces, wandered without any true comfort at all. They were pilgrims, simply living life for the future; not worried about that which is temporary. One wonderful story of the Rechabites comes to mind. This family, detailed in Jeremiah 35, was given a directive by one of their forefathers –

“But they said, ‘We will drink no wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, you nor your sons, forever. ⁷ You shall not build a house, sow seed, plant a vineyard, nor have any of these; but all your days you shall dwell in tents, that you may live many days in the land where you are sojourners.’ ⁸ Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our wives, our sons, or our daughters, ⁹ nor to build ourselves houses to dwell in; nor do we have vineyard, field, or seed. ¹⁰ But we have dwelt in tents, and have obeyed and done according to all that Jonadab our father commanded us.’” Jeremiah 35:6-10

They steadfastly followed the directive of their father and God used them as an example of faithfulness. This is in contrast to the people of Israel who continuously failed to follow the directives of their God. Indeed, so pleased was God with the example of the Rechabites that He made this promise to them –

“…therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.’” Jeremiah 35:19

Lord, thank You for the gift of our faith that You have given us. We know it is what is truly pleasing to You. Never let us slip or falter in it, but rather increase it so that we may always walk in a manner that will bring You glory and demonstrate to others our joy in serving You. Amen.

Wednesday, 3 April 2019

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. Hebrews 11:37

The author continues with the sad list of the ill-treatment of the people of faith recorded in Scripture and in the traditions of the Jewish people. He begins this verse with, “They were stoned.”

Stoning was a type of capital punishment specifically designated within the law of Moses. It would be a painful, crunchy way to die, but it was also a sign of the complete rejection of an individual. This is because there was no direct contact between the executioners and the condemned. Instead, the symbolism was that the person was unclean and cast off from a distance, just as a stone is cast away. Unfortunately, it happened to righteous people of faith by those who were unrighteous. In an interesting, but contrasting parallel between the Old and New Testaments, the last martyr of the Old Testament was Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada. He was stoned in 2 Chronicles 24. Upon his death, it said –

“Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness which Jehoiada his father had done to him, but killed his son; and as he died, he said, ‘The Lord look on it, and repay!’” 2 Chronicles 24:22

In the New Testament, the first martyr also died by stoning, and upon his death it says –

“Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not charge them with this sin.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Acts 7:60

The author next says that “they were sawn in two.” This is referring to the Jewish tradition that the prophet Isaiah was sawn in two by the wicked king Manasseh.

The verse next says that they “were tempted.” This doesn’t seem like a great horror, and therefore scholars wonder why it is listed among the other cruelties, but what it probably is referring to is the practice of giving a person who is condemned to die a chance to recant of the reason for the punishment, tempting him to side with his persecutors and to give up on his faith. When facing a terrible type of death, one would face a real challenge in such a temptation.

Next is listed that they “were slain with the sword.” One prominent example is that of the priests of the Lord who were slain for having assisted David when he was escaping from Saul. There it says –

“And the king said to Doeg, ‘You turn and kill the priests!’ So Doeg the Edomite turned and struck the priests, and killed on that day eighty-five men who wore a linen ephod.” 2 Samuel 22:18

The author then finishes the verse with a general statement about the condition of many others and the types of lives they lived, as well as the treatment they received, by saying, “They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented.”

The idea of “sheepskins and goatskins” is that of a rough garment, something a prophet would be noted for, such as in Zechariah 13:4. Being destitute signifies no real earthly possessions, no home, and no regular income. They were wholly dependent on the Lord, such as when Elijah was fed by the Lord by sending ravens to bring him his food in 1 Kings 17. Being afflicted would include the challenges which externally came against them – heat, cold, lack of shelter, attacks, and so on. Being tormented would be the external harm they received from others who directly persecuted them.

Life application: Again we see the world’s treatment of God’s people. This is what those of faith suffered in olden times, and this is what true people of faith continue to suffer in history today. Not all of them, of course, but such things happen to God’s people in countries around the world, and such persecutions are coming upon His people even in supposedly “Christian” nations today. There is a great movement away from the solid foundation which is found in Jesus Christ. Like the people of faith from times past, those who speak out God’s word today are also likely to be persecuted, but despite the costs, the rewards are worth it.

Heavenly Father, despite the troubles and persecutions we can expect because of our unwavering faith, let us stand firm in our convictions. Our faith will surely outlast these temporary and weak bodies. Thank You for the promise of new ones. While the world of corruption and death will consume our tormentors, the faithful in Christ will rise to walk in glory. Hallelujah and Amen!

Tuesday, 2 April 2019

Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. Hebrews 11:36

The author continues on with his list of afflictions of the faithful of ages past, now noting that, “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings.” The prophets of old, in particular, received mockings from the people. A well-known example of this is found in 2 Kings 2 –

“Then he went up from there to Bethel; and as he was going up the road, some youths came from the city and mocked him, and said to him, ‘Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!’” 2 Kings 2:23

At this, and other times, the prophets endured mockings. In this instance, it didn’t go so well for those who mocked him. The story goes on to say that two female bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths.

In Jeremiah 37, it is recorded that the prophet Jeremiah was struck and then put in prison. Although it is speculation, it is likely that this was a scourging, or a whipping. The law allowed such punishment for violators of it, and it is reasonable to conclude that this is what Jeremiah received, whether he deserved it or not –

“So Irijah seized Jeremiah and brought him to the princes. ¹⁵ Therefore the princes were angry with Jeremiah, and they struck him and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe. For they had made that the prison.” Jeremiah 37:14, 15

These are just two examples of such treatment recorded in Scripture to show that the author remembered and understood the afflictions that the people of God had endured because of their faith. He continues on with, “and of chains and imprisonment.”

From Joseph, the son of Jacob, to Jeremiah the prophet and others, faithful followers of the Lord were imprisoned for their faith. This is recorded of the seer Hanani in 2 Chronicles 16:7-10 –

“And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa king of Judah, and said to him: ‘Because you have relied on the king of Syria, and have not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped from your hand. ⁸ Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet, because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. ⁹ For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.’ ¹⁰ Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put him in prison, for he was enraged at him because of this. And Asa oppressed some of the people at that time.”

For simply speaking the word of the Lord in open rebuke of the king’s disobedience, the king had Hanani placed in prison. The same is occurring in the world today. Christians who speak out against wickedness and immorality – speaking only the truth of the situation without threat or harmful intent – are being imprisoned for their words.

Life application: Here, the painful list of what the faithful of Scripture endured continues. Some people think that accepting Christ means blessings, abundance, provision, health, and wealth, but – like these Old Testament saints – the faithful in Christendom have been martyred by the millions. Many times, this persecution has come from within the church, such as during the Spanish Inquisition and against those of the Reformation. The whole point of listing the abuses and trials that these people endured is to enlighten the path of the Christian to what we can also expect.

For simply speaking the word of the Lord to a nation who didn’t want to hear it, Jeremiah was imprisoned in a muddy cistern and left to starve to death when the city’s bread was used up. Thankfully he was rescued. Around the world today, faithful pastors and evangelists are being handcuffed and led to prison for preaching from the Bible. This is right at the doors of America also. Determine now to side with God and His word regardless of what you face.

Lord God, none of us would look forward to jeers, flogging, chains, or imprisonment with glee, but we ask that if such a time should come, You would sustain us and give us the courage to face it resolutely. All of this we pray in the name of, and for the sake of, Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Monday, 1 April 2019

Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Hebrews 11:35

Whereas the author noted active deeds of faith in the previous verses, he now notes passive acts through verse 38. Here he says, “Women received their dead raised to life again.” The Greek literally reads, “by a resurrection,” and it should be translated that way. This is because it is the same word used in the next sentence of this same verse.

The two examples which are certainly on the author’s mind are found in 1 Kings 17:17-24 & 2 King 4:8-37. Each account looks, in type, to the work of Christ. They are true accounts which are recorded from Israel’s history, and which reflect the hope of the resurrection as provided in the coming Messiah.

The author next says, “Others were tortured.” The word used here is unique in Scripture, tumpanizó. It signifies to beat a drum (one can think of a tympani-drum), and thus it means that these people were beaten to death, probably with clubs. However, it could be referring to generally cruel torture of various kinds. It is noted in the apocryphal book of 2 Maccabees 6 that a man named Eleazar was martyred because he refused to defile himself with swine’s flesh. It could also be referring to others in the Old Testament who were physically abused in various ways for their lives of faith. They accepted this punishment while “not accepting deliverance.”

The implication in those words is that they could have taken whatever action was demanded of them, but which was contrary to what is morally right, and have been saved from their torture. Instead, though, they refused to budge, knowing “that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

This doesn’t mean that when they are resurrected they will have a better resurrection than those around them who will also be resurrected. Rather, it is a contrasting statement in relation to the women mentioned in this verse who received their sons back. The resurrection there was a temporary raising to life which would eventually result in their final death. However, these people who were tortured were willing to go through that torture because they knew it wasn’t the end for them. Rather, it was a necessary step on the road to the final resurrection of the righteous. It was, and it remains, the great hope for all who have trusted in Messiah. It is certain that this has always been the hope of the faithful people of God because Daniel wrote about it many centuries before the coming of Messiah –

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
Some to everlasting life,
Some to shame and everlasting contempt.
³ Those who are wise shall shine
Like the brightness of the firmament,
And those who turn many to righteousness
Like the stars forever and ever.” Daniel 12:2, 3

Life application: As noted above, twice in the Old Testament, young boys were raised to life. Once was during the time of Elijah (1 Kings 17) and once during the time of Elisha (2 Kings 4). Read the following two verses which occurred during these accounts. Then read what Jesus said in the raising of Lazarus. See if you can determine a difference –

“And he stretched himself out on the child three times, and cried out to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord my God, I pray, let this child’s soul come back to him.’” 1 Kings 17:21

“He went in therefore, shut the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord.” 2 King 4:33

“Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come forth!’” John 11:43

The difference is that Jesus, while thanking the Father, raised Lazarus under His own authority. Elijah and Elisha both prayed to the Lord, who is Jesus, for His authority to restore. Now think on the significance of this. By faith these prophets looked forward, not seeing what we see. How much more confident should we be after having the fullness of God in Christ!

In Christ is the hope of the resurrection, and so understand that there was and is a reward for being faithful during persecution, torture, and martyrdom. Should you ever face such a difficult ordeal, in and through your ordeal you also can expect a glorious resurrection and the crown of life from the hand of the Lord.

Lord God, we look to the completed work of the Messiah, knowing that what Jesus has accomplished has paved the way for our own resurrection. Help us to live by faith, never fearing, never fretting, and never regretting! Instead, fill us with Your constant and unfailing peace, and allow us to faithfully testify to Your splendor all of our days. Amen.