Hebrews 11

1. The better to move the Hebrews to steadfastness in the faith, he describes faith to them, with its properties and operation. 4. And to that end produceth the examples of the faith of the ancient fathers of the old Testament, and first of all Abel. 5. And of Enoch. 7. and of Noah. 8. Afterward of Abraham. 11. And of Sarah. 13. Who with their seed received indeed the promises of the land of Canaan, but the fulfilling of them they obtained not upon earth, but in heaven, 17. Further he rehearseth the example of the faith of Abraham, in offering of his son Isaac. 20. And of Isaac in blessing of his son Jacob. 21. And of Jacob in blessing of the sons of Joseph. 22. And of Joseph on his death-bed . 23. Afterward of the parents of Moses. 24. And of Moses himself, in despising of his honour and ease in Pharaohs Court. 17. And in departing out of Egypt, keeping of the Passover, and going through the Red Sea. 30. Afterward of Joshua and of Rachah, in the taking of Jericho. 32. And withal of the Judges and Kings, who performed great things by faith. 35. Afterward of certain women, who endured great difficulties thereby. 39. Concludes that all these died in faith, although they obtained not the thing promised without us.

1. Now faith is a firm ground [Or a firm confidence, i.e. that causeth to subsist, or stand firm, and as it were present, the things which are promised by God in Christ, and which therefore are expected by hope which is not done only by an assent to God’s promises in our understanding, but also by a trusting to the same in our will. See Romans 4:18, etc. and above chapter 3. 14. Gr. Hypostasis, i.e. subsistence, of which word, see also 2 Cor. 9. 4. and 11. 17.] of things which are hoped, (and) an argument [or conviction: For faith respecting Gods revelation and promise, convinceth and assureth the heart of man more strongly of the truth of a thing, than any other argument brought forth from natural reason] of things which are not seen. [That is, even which are not comprehended by us, by natural sense or reason; Or which are not present before our deed believed also, as Christ speaketh to Thomas, John 20:29. notwithstanding this is not properly divine faith, which is wrought in us by the Holy Ghost, which looks only at God’s promise or revelation, whether the things be now past, present or to come: as will appear by the examples which Paul produceth.]

2. For by the same the Ancients [Namely, Forefathers, from whom we are descended, and whose examples we must imitate] obtained testimony. [Namely, that they pleased God, as is expressed, ver. 5.]

3. By faith we understand that the world [Gr. The ages, as chapter 1. ver. 2.] was prepared [That is, created, and brought into such order and form, as now we see it] by the word of God, [That is, by the powerful command of God. See Gen. 1. Psalms 33:6.] so that the things which we see, were not made of things which are seen. [or, were made not visible, or seen things, i.e. out of nothing: whereunto no Philosopher by natural reason was able to attain.]

4. By faith Abel offered to God a greater sacrifice then Cain, [some take this word greater for of greater price, because Abel made his offering of his fattest beasts, and Cain but of some flight fruits. But the same word is here as fitly taken for more worthy, and more acceptable to God, which the Apostle testifieth that it was done by the faith of Abel: namely, because Abel in this offering looked to that seed of the woman, which should tread upon the Serpents head, i.e. unto Christ, who by his death should destroy the Devil, Hebrews 2:14.] by which [namely, faith] he obtained witness that he was righteous. [this is not in so many words indeed, Genesis 4:4. but the Apostle concludes the same out of that which is there expressed, that God respected him and his sacrifice, which title of righteousness Christ also therefore gives to Abel, Matthew 23:35.] seeing God gave testimony of his gifts, [namely, by Moses, Genesis 4:4. or by an extraordinary sign from heaven concerning his sacrifice, as was done concerning Aaron’s sacrifice, Leviticus 9:24. concerning Elias’s, 1 Kin. 18. 38. Davids, 1 Chronicles 21:26. Solomons, 2 Chron. 7. 1. by sending of fire from heaven: which is therefore probable, because Cain seeing the same, was kindled with wrath and envy towards his brother] and by the same (faith) he speaketh still, [namely, not only by his good example in Gods word, but also by his blood, which after his death cried unto God for vengeance. See Genesis 4:10. Hebrews 12:24.] since he is dead.

5. But faith Enoch was taken away [Gr. Translated, Namely, from earth into heaven, as is expressed concerning Elias, 2 Kin. 2. 1.] that he should not see death, [that is, suffer or feel: as this word see is also taken, Psal. 16. 10. John 8:51. From whence it appears that his body put off immortality in this taking up into heaven, and was into an immortal and glorified body, as may be read concerning Elias, Luke 9:30. and of all believers at the last day, 1 Cor. 15, 51. and Thes. 4. 15.] and he was not found, because that God had taken him away: for before his taking away he had testimony that he pleased God. [This indeed the Text saith not, Genesis 5:22. but the Apostle concludes this from that which is there exprest, that he continually walked before God.]

6. For without faith it is impossible to please (God) [Or it is impossible that he pleased God, namely, to eternal salvation. The reason is, because no man can so please God without Christ, John 14:6. Acts 12:4.] for he that cometh to God [that is, he that steadfastly walketh before God, as Moses speaketh of Enoch, Genesis 5:22, 24. Or he that serveth God, and seeketh to enjoy his favour] must believe that he is, [namely, not only an essential being, but also such a one as he hath revealed himself in his word, not accordingly to the Law, but according to the Gospel, which the faith whereof Paul here speaketh properly respecteth, Rom. 1. ver. 16. 17.] and is a rewarded [or reward-giver, recompenser, i.e. performer of his promises in rewarding of them which seek him. For this reward cannot be hoped for but by a promise going before, which faith looketh at. Which here must necessarily be, not a promise of the Law, but of the Gospel, forasmuch as no man can be partaker of the promise of the eternal inheritance by the Law. See Galatians 3:18.] of them that seek him. [namely, by the way revealed in the Gospel, John 17:3.]

7. By faith Noah, being admonished by a divine oracle of the things which were not as seen, [That is, which were not yet present. Namely of the flood, and of his preservation of the Ark (and) being afraid [namely, with a reverential and filial fear of God’s threatening against the world, and of God’s promises unto him] prepared the Ark for the preservation of his household: by which (Ark) he condemned the world [namely, by his example, in the presence of all, as Matth. 12. 41, 42.] and became an heir of the righteousness which is according to faith: [that is, partaker or possessor, not only of his life whereof the ungodly Cham was also partaker, but also of eternal life, which is obtained only by the righteousness of faith, Romans 4:13. etc.]

8. By faith Abraham being called [Namely, out of Ur in Chaldea. See Acts 7:2. & c.] was obedient, to go forth unto the place [that is, to the land of Canaan, although this was not yet made known to him at his first calling. See Genesis 12:1.] which he should receive for inheritance: and he went forth not knowing he should come.

9. By faith he was an inhabitant in the land of promise as in a strange land and dwells in tabernacle [namely as strangers and travelers used to do that they might be able to make them up again and carry them to other places as with us tents are wont to be used for this purpose] with Isaac and Jacob who were co-heirs of the same promise [namely of the future possession of the land of Canaan and consequently also of eternal life .]

10. For the expected city [that is heaven or the heavenly Jerusalem whereby the land of Canaan afterwards Jerusalem also were but shadows]which hath foundations [namely which are firm and unmovable and the apostle opposeth this to the tabernacle which had no foundation see hereafter chapter 13.14 Revelations 3.12 and 21.2 &c] whose artificer [that is delineator or order according to art as used to be done before men proceed to build of cities] and builder is God.

11. By faith Sarah herself received power to give seed [Gr for casting or laying a foundation of seed which is not understood of Abraham only from whom Sarah received seed but also of Sarah herself who is in conception of the power of faith gave her own seed thereunto that as is done in all natural conception see also Levit. 12.2] and beyond the time of her age [namely seeing she was now ninety years old and besides that barren see Gen.161.1 Romans 4:19] she brought forth for as much as she esteemed him faithfully who had promised it [for although Sarah laughed at it in the beginning yet nevertheless afterwards she held fast to the promise.]

12. Therefore also from one and that one dead [namely not only in respect of Sarah ,but also of himself as Paul declares Rom.4.19 that Abraham therefore after the death of Sarah got divers children more by Ketura must be ascribed to the new youth which he received by this new promise]were born so many in multitudes as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the sea shores [Gr lip] which is innumerable.

13. These all died in faith not having obtained the promises [that is the thing that was divers time promised them of the propriety of the land of Canaan and the seed wherein all generations of the earth should be blessed] but saw the same afar off and believed and embraced them and confessed that they were guests and strangers upon earth [as is exprestly testified by Jacob when he stood before Pharaoh Genesis 47:9 & of others before and after him Genesis 15:13 and 28.4 Psalms 39:13]

14. For they that say such things [namely that they are strangers and guests upon earth]show clearly that they seek a country [namely that is out of this world in heaven as is declared in verse 16.]

15. And if they had been mindful of that country from which they had gone forth [namely hereupon earth as was the land of Mesopotamia and Chaldea from whence Abraham and his family was gone forth they might have time to return.

16. But now are they disastrous of a better that is of the heavenly therefore God is now ashamed of them [that is disdaineth not]to be called their God [namely even after their death as he is everywhere called their God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob see Exodus 3:6 from whence Christ himself concludes that therefore these were not children of God only while they lived upon earth but that their bodies should also rise again seeing God is not a God of the dead but of a living Matthew 22:31,32] for he had prepared them a city [namely which had foundation in heaven wherein God himself revealed his glory and should receive them as true citizens Philippians 3:20]

17. By faith Abraham when he was tempted [that is was tried or was required by God to give a firm evidence of his obedience Genesis 22.] offered Isaac [that is was ready to offer him and was busied in offering him] and he that hath received the promises offered his only begotten [so Isaac was called because he only was born of free women and Ishmael of the bond women was no true heir.]

18. Unto whom [or of whom as the Greek word pros may also be so taken chapter 1 verse 7,8] it was said in Isaac shall the seed he called thee reasoning [that is concluding or considering with himself by faith which stood fast on Gods promises]that God was able to raise him even from the dead.

19. From whence also by similitude got him again [this the apostle adds because he was already to be account him dead whom God commanded to be slain out which state as a state of death he afterwards received him again when God hindered him from this.]

20. By faith Isaac blessed his sons Jacob and Esau concerning things to come [that is in his blessing so divided the land of Canaan and parts adjacent and so subjected to Esau posterity as if they had already had the full possession therefore .]

21. By faith Jacob dying [that is being near unto death on his death bed] blessed each one of sons of Joseph and worshipped [namely of his staff as is some perversely think but on his staff the god of his fathers and the angels that is the son of God who had stood by him until that time and delivered him from many troubles as may be seen Genesis 48:3,15] leaning on the top of his staff [the Hebrew text Genesis 47:31 saith on the head or head-end of the bed but the Greek translators for Mittah that is bed red Mitteh that is rod or staff which the translators the apostle here follows seeing both may be true for by comparing Genesis 48.31 with Genesis 48:2 it appears that Jacob when he blessed the sons of Joseph and afterwards also his son and sat on his bed and by reason of his weakness rested upon a staff seeing his legs hung from the bed which after the blessing he plucked in again Genesis 49:3]

22. By faith Joseph dying made mention of he going out of the children of Israel [that is testified that God would fulfill his promise of delivering the children of Israel out of Egypt see Genesis 50:24 &c] and gave command concerning his bones [that is of taking of bones with hem into the land of Canaan not out of superstitions or to have his bones worshipped there which was never done but hereby to testify the communion which he had with the brethren in the promise of God and his hope of fulfilling of the same even after his death and to confirm their posterity therein]

23. By faith Moses when he was hidden for three months of his parents[Gr father that is parents namely Am ram and Jochebed Exodus 6:19 who by the fairness of the child were moved to expect some special thing from him which the apostle here ascribes to their faith in Gods Josephus the historian testfies Antiq lib. 2 chapter 5 tat is was made known to the father of Moses by a divine revelation that is son should deliver them out of Egypt]for as much as they saw that the son was fair and they feared not the kings commandment [namely so that they would not kill the child according to the kings commandment although there was weakness in their faith when nevertheless after they laid it as a foundling by the river yet with hope that some one would find it and bring it up as came to pass faith then although it will be joined with weakness is here accounted for a true faith .]

24. By faith when Moses being now become great [namely being now forty years old as Stephen testifies Acts 7:23] refused to be called a son of Pharaohs daughter [for he had adopted him for a son Exodus 2:10 Acts 7:21]

25. Choosing rather to be ill-entreated with the people of God then for a time to have the enjoyment of a sin [that is the delights and accommodations of Pharaohs court which he cold not enjoy without sinning against God .]

26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ that is which he must suffer for the expectation of Christ and after the example of Christ see the like 2 Corinthians 1:5 Colossians for Moses also saw Christ day & rejoiced therein as is said of Abraham John 8:56 ] to be greater riches then treasure in Egypt for he respected the recompense of the rewards [namely which should be eternal and unperishing in heaven 1Peter 1 verse 4,5,6 to which believers also may have respect as to a reward not which God oweth them or which they do merit but which god their father promiseth of grace that he will give unto them as unto his children see Matthew 5 verse 10.11,12,13.]

27. By faith he forsook Egypt [namely with the whole people of Israel not withstanding the Kings threatening see Exodus 10:29.] not fearing the wrath of the king for he kept himself fast [namely to Gods commandments without turning from it by fear or he was courageous steadfast] as seeing [namely by faith] the invisible [namely Gods see Psalms 56.21 and 118.6 Romans 8:31.]

28. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of the blood [Gr powering on namely on the threshold and posts of the doors of Israelites Exodus 12:21 &c] thus the destroyer of the first born should not touch them [that is not harm or hurt them.]

29. By faith they went through the red sea [namely Moses, Aaron and other Israelites for although some among them had no true faith as the apostles testifieth before chapter 3.18 yet they were also many true believers with him see chapter 3.16 to whom here respect is properly ad] as through the dry land which the Egyptians also trying [whereof the Egyptians having made proof] were drowned .

30. By faith [namely of Joshua and other upright Israelites as in the former verse] the walls of Jericho fell when they have been compassed about [namely by the army of the Israelites with sounds of trumpets Joshua 6:20] for seven days.

31. By faith Rehab the harlot [the Hebrew word Zonah signifieth the hostess and the spies went into the house to lodge Joshua2.1 but seeing the apostle here as also James in his epistle chapter 2.25 calleth her an harlot it seems that he made profession of both as was usual among the gentile there being also mention made by her husband Joshua 2:18 but afterwards being converted unto god she became an example of faith and uprightness and among the Israelites married with Solomon the father of Boaz one of the forefathers of David and consequently of Christ also see Matthew 1:5] perished not with the disobedient [that is the other abstinent and the impenitent men within Jericho] when she had received the spies with peace [that is courteously and being helpful t them in all things]

32. and what shall I yet say more / for the time will fail me should I relate of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Japheth and David and Samuel and the prophets [namely which were among the people of Israel among David and Samuel .]

33. Who through faith overcame kingdoms [namely as Joshua one and thirty kings and David overcame all that lay around about the land of Canaan]practiced righteousness [namely not in leading a righteous life but also in exercising of oblique justice as many godly judges and kings did] obtained the promises [that is fulfilling of the promises that were made unto them as there was the possessing of the land of Canaan and of some special benefits as to Sarah Anna and c and also in general forgiveness of sins adoption to children and inheritance of eternal life see before verse 16 Acts 15:11] stepped the mouths of Lions [namely as Sampson Judges 14:6 David 1Samuel 17.34 and Daniel 6:22.]

34. Quenched the powers of fire [namely as Daniels companion see Daniel 3:25] escaped the edge of the sword namely as David the sword of Saul 1Samuel 20 Elias the sword of Ahab 1 Kings 19 Elizeus the sword of Syrian 2Kings 6.] out of the weakness got abilities [namely as Job, Job 42 David Psalms 6 Hezekiah Isaish 38] became strong in war [namely as many judges and kings]put to flight armies of strangers [namely as Jonathan 1Samuel 14]

35. Women [as the widow of Serepta by Elias 1 Kings 17 and Shumamitish woman 2Kings 4by Elizeus [got their dead again from resurrection[that is after they were raised up from the dead by the prophets]and others were wracked [namely as the head of the drum to be afterwards beaten with the starves and tortured to death as the Greek word imports and the apostle here hath respect to the example of Eleazar and such like torturing under the Tyrant Antiochus whereof may be read 2Miccha 6.18 &c] not accepting the offer deliverance [namely which was offered by he servant of the Antiochus if he would but do contrary to the law of God as they desired]that they might obtain a better resurrection [namely hereafter at the last day Daniel 12:2]

36. And others underwent the trials of mocking [namely as Micah 1 kings 22 Amos Jeremy &c] and scourges and also hands and imprisonment .

37. Were stoned [as Zacharias the sons of Jojada 2ccorinthians 24] sawed in peace [as the ancient Jewish Histories testify of Isaiah under Tyranny of Manasse from whence it appears the apostle relate histories not only out of divine histories but also out of their histories known by Hebrew as is also noted on the 35 verse] tempted [namely by grievous threatennings and tortures]put to death by the sword [Gr by the death of the sword as many in the time of Manasse 2Kings 21.16 and under Tyrants]walked [Gr went about namely wandering here and there]in sheep skins and in goats skins [as is testified of Elias 2Kings 1.8 and was the habit of the prophets in general as may be seen Zach 13.4]being forsaken ill treated and forsaken:

38. Of whom the world was not worthy [worldly men accounted such believers of the off-scouring of the world but on the contrary the apostle testifies that the worldly was not worthy of them and that therefore God sustained them as out of the society of the world as David long wandered in the wilderness 1Samuel chapter 22 .23 ,24 and Elias under Ahab 1 Kings 19 and those hundred prophets which were hidden in caves 1 Kings 18 as also many others whereof histories make mention] they wandered in wilderness and on mountains and in cave and in holes of the earth.

39. And these all [namely of whom mention is made in this chapter] having had testimony by faith obtained not the promise [hat is the thing promised namely Christ manifested in the flesh with the fulfilling of the shadow of the testament and state of church and promised under him throughout the whole world see Luke 10:23 ,24]

40. Seeing God had provided some what better concerning us [namely that all should be accomplished in our time] that they [or so tat they without us] without us should not be made perfect [some understand this of their salvation in heaven but this is contrary to what which is noted on the example of Enoch verse5 and contrary to that which is spoken of their hope heretofore verse 16 and contrary to the promise of Christ Matthew 5:12 and other places of scripture also contrary to the time in which Paul wrote this when as Christ was now long ago ascended into heaven and therefore the forefathers also even according to their opinion were brought into heaven therefore this is understood of Christ coming in heaven in the flesh and the perfecting of the state of the church under the new testament the new should not have been necessary and they should have had their perfection from another cause then we without us therefore may fitly be taken for by another cause then we.]