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Hebrews Chapter Eleven

 

I. Content of the Chapter

 

The Definition and Examples of Faith

A.  The definition and interpretation of faith (v.1-6);

1.  The definition of faith (v.1);

2.  The proof of faith (v.2);

3.  The origin of faith ---- the word of God (v.3);

4.  The spiritual power of faith (v.4-5);

a.Abel ---- though it he being dead still speaks (v.4);

b.Enoch ---- and did not see death (v.5);

5.  The reward of faith (v.6);

B.  The examples of the faith of those who surpass the world though they still live on the earth (v.7-16);

1.  Noah ---- condemn the world (v.7);

2.  Abraham ---- sojourn on the earth and wait for the heavenly city (v.8-10);

3.  Sarah ---- seemingly dead still conceive seed (v.11-12);

4.  These ---- desire the better heavenly country (v.13-16);

C.  The example of faith that overcomes death (v.17-29 31);

1.  Abraham ---- receive his son even from the dead (v.17-19);

2.  Isaac Jacob Joseph ---- foresee things to come when they were dying (v.20-22);

3.  The parents of Moses ---- not fear the king’s command with boldness (v.23);

4.  Moses ----lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch the Israelites (v.24-28);

5.  The Israelites ---- they were not swallowed by the Red Sea (v.29);

6.  The harlot Rahab ---- she did not perish with those who did not believe (v.31);

D.  The examples of that faith that overcomes the enemies tribulations and persecutions (v.30 32-28);

1.  The Israelites ---- who made the wall of Jericho fall down (v.30);

2.  The judges and prophets ---- who overcame opposition (v.32-34);

3.  Those who are not worthy of the world ---- who overcame tribulations and pains (v.35-38);

E.  The end of faith (v.39-40)

1.  Did not receive the promise (v.39);

2.  They shall inherit with us something better that God has prepared for us (v.40);

 

II. Verse by Verse commentary

 

Heb. 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for the evidence of things not seen.”

YLT: “And faith is of things hoped for a confidence of matters not seen a conviction ”

Meaning of Words: faith”: assurance fidelity belief persuasion; “substance”: confidence assurance essence; “evidence”: proof reproof conviction;

Literal Meaning: “faith is the substance of things hoped for” “things hoped for”: things that have not been obtained namely things in the future; “substance”: the document (e.g. title deed for land) or collateral security ---- earnest proving the ownership and the word here is used to relate to the realization of things hoped for. The whole sentence means that faith makes one obtain though he has not obtained seemingly and faith is the assurance of the fulfillment of things hoped for.

  “The evidence of things not seen” “things not seen” refer to things that are invisible; “evidence”: the word in the original refers to the proof of raising a lawsuit; and the whole means that faith makes one see though he has not seen with the naked eye.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Before we believed the Lord we were aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promises having ho hope and without God in the world (Eph. 2:12). However we have now reborn again to a living hope (1Pet. 1:3). 

2)    Believers are those who have hope and what we hope are things we have not seen (Rom. 8:24-25). Therefore we do not look at things that are seen but at the things that are not seen (2Cor. 4:18). Therefore we shall walk by faith not by sight (2Cor. 5:7).

3)    Faith is having seen a fact in God and being able to make it manifest. All things in God are real and true which can only be proved by faith.

4)    Faith is committing things unto God and relying upon Him and that He shall bring it to pass (Ps. 37:5). True faith does not need to examine the development of things at all times for the object of faith is God Himself and He will accomplish it in due time.

5)    True faith is seeing previously which is a kind of foresight beyond time. Though it is seemingly untraceable those who have faith have already seen it afar off (see v.13).

 

Heb. 11:2 “For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.”

YLT: “for in this were the elders testified of;”

Meaning of Words: elder”: senior; “testimony”: witness charge;

Literal Meaning: “by it the elders” refer to the great men in the times of the old covenant especially the characters listed in this chapter; “by it”: by the faith mentioned in verse one;

  “Obtained a good testimony” according to the voice of the original it is the passive voice concerning God which shows that God provides the testimony about the elders. That is to say God testifies that the elders are accepted by faith.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Faith has dual effects: concerning things faith gives us sure substance (see v.1) and concerning God faith makes God accept and testify us.

2)    Believing God is honoring God. He who honors God will be honored by God and God is pleased to testify such man. Contrarily he who does not believe God will not honor God. He who cares for God little will be rejected by God.

 

Heb. 11:3 “By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.”

YLT: “by faith we understand the ages to have been prepared by a saying of God in regard to the things seen not having come out of things appearing;”

Meaning of Words: worlds”: course age; “frame”: mend make perfect restore adjust; “things which are visible”: appear shine lighten; “made of”: come into being be found;

Literal Meaning:by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God “understand”: the result of the inference of faith; “the worlds”: the totality of time and space especially the space namely the whole universe; “the word of God” refers to the ongoing word of God; “were framed” the word here is used to express the unification and diversity of the creature. The word in the original is in the present tense which shows that the teachings in the aspect of creation are continually applied.

“So that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible” it indicates that the visible things were made from the invisible things namely calling the things which be not as being (Rom. 4:17).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Faith enables us to realize the power of God’s word. God spoke and it was. He commanded and it stood fast (Ps. 33:9). Once the word of God is uttered it will be so (Gen. 1:7 9 11…).

2)    The word of God creates all as well as upholds all (see 1:3). Therefore we do not need to worry unnecessarily but just trust in and rely on the word of God and He will surely be responsible to us.

3)    The giants in faith have “seen” when others think “it is invisible”. Therefore what they have seen is advanced sight not lagged sight. The see because of faith not sight or things.

4)    Faith is the spiritual eye which enables us to see the invisible spiritual things. Faith makes us see the invisible God as well as know the way and principle of God’s works.

 

Heb. 11:4 “By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain through which he obtained witness that he was righteous God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.”

YLT: “by faith a better sacrifice did Abel offer to God than Cain through which he was testified to be righteous God testifying of his gifts and through it he being dead doth yet speak.”

Meaning of Words: more excellent”: more in quantity and better in quality; “righteous”: equitable holy just; “testify”: give testimony bear witness;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain” “more excellent”: God looked upon Abel’s offering not on Cain’s offering (see Gen. 4:4-5). What Abel offered was the firstlings of his flock and of their fat which typified the Lamb of God (see John 1:29 36). He is that “better sacrifice” (see 9:23).

  “Through which he obtained witness that he was righteous” “witness that he was righteous” it refers to God’s testimony to the person of Abel and God justifies him.

  “God testifying of his gifts and through it he being dead still speaks” here it is the testimony of God to “the offerings” of Abel. The former testimony is based on this testimony. In other words the one who offers the offering is accepted because of the offering’s being accepted.

  “And through it he being dead still speaks” “it” it is feminine and singular in the original so it may refer to his faith or the sacrifice. And a number of Bible expositors believe it refers to faith for faith is the motive of Abel’s offering as well as the element of being accepted. “Still speaks”: speak all the time continually; “speak”: testify;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Sacrifice” is for the purpose of dealing with sin and restoring the fellowship with God. If is not put away there will be no smooth intercommunion between God and men.

2)    Both Abel and Cain offered sacrifices but one was accepted and the other failed. The difference lay in the motive of offering ---- whether it is of faith or oneself. Only the works by faith on account of God’s revelation shall obtain the witness of being righteous.

3)    If we are accepted by God it is not because we are better than others but that the sacrifice ---- Christ in whom we believe ---- through which we come to God makes God cannot but accept us. Christ is the only “way” to God (John 14:6). Salvation is in none other than Him (Acts 4:12).

4)    Man has works of faith “before his death” and still speaks “after death”. He not only speaks to bear witness before God but also before the later generations. Many great examples of faith in the past have stimulated and encouraged a number of believers to learn the examples of the faith of those who have fallen asleep.

 

Heb. 11:5 “By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death "and was not found because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony that he pleased God.”

YLT: “By faith Enoch was translated -- not to see death and was not found because God did translate him; for before his translation he had been testified to -- that he had pleased God well ”

Meaning of Words: was taken away”: was caught was translated was changed; “testimony”: witness proof;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death” “was taken away” he lived on the earth but now he has been translated into the heaven; “did not see death”: he had no experience of death.

  “And was not found because God had taken him” the whole sentence means that he no longer belongs to the earthly and physical world.

  “For before he was taken he had this testimony that he pleased God” “this testimony that he pleased God” it refers to his walking with God (Gen. 5:24) for the one who walks with God must be worthy (see Rev. 3:4) so that Enoch was pleased by God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Today we believers who live in the last days may also be taken away (1Thess. 4:17) without seeing death. However when the Lord comes again not all believers who live will be caught up in a minute (see Rev. 3:10). Instead those who live in victory by faith will be firstly caught up.

2)    Enoch walked with God three hundred years by faith and then was taken away by God (Gen. 5:22 24). He who has faith does not cast away his necessary responsibilities on the earth but manifests the works of faith in the normal daily life. Any doctrine of sanctification by retreating from the world is not consonant with the Holy Bible.

3)    Believers have to be sure of being pleased by God before being taken away. Anyone who is fully confident of “the rapture of the whole church together” and yet is not pleased by God in his daily life has just misunderstood the Scriptures.

 

Heb. 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.”

YLT: “and apart from faith it is impossible to please well for it behoveth him who is coming to God to believe that He is and to those seeking Him He becometh a rewarder.”

Literal Meaning: “but without faith it is impossible to please Him” it means that faith is the only condition for us to be pleased by God. Man can do nothing to please God without faith.

  “For he who comes to God must believe that He is” it means that to believe God is to believe that God is so as what He speaks ---- “I AM THAT I AM” (see Ex. 3:14).

  “And that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” “seek”: it is seeking continually throughout one’s life.

  This verse indicates that the “faith” that pleases God has double aspects: 1) believe God is and believe His existence; 2) believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    He who has no faith in God does not regard God as God just like a son who does not regard his father as father. This is a great shame and is surely not pleased by God.

2)    “To believe God is”; no matter what we need He is exactly what we need. Such faith is the secret of experiencing all the riches of God.

3)    Every one that asks receives. And he that seeks finds. And to him that knocks it shall be opened (Matt. 7:8). God is rich unto all that call upon Him (Rom. 10:12) rewarding abundantly all those who diligently seek Him.

 

Heb. 11:7 “By faith Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen moved with godly fear prepared an ark for the saving of his household by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”

YLT: “By faith Noah having been divinely warned concerning the things not yet seen having feared did prepare an ark to the salvation of his house through which he did condemn the world and of the righteousness according to faith he became heir.”

Meaning of Words: be divinely warned”: be revealed be admonished; “moved with godly fear”: be apprehensive be circumspect; “prepare”: build ordain build; “became heir”: became possessor;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Noah being divinely warned of things not yet seen” “things not yet seen”: the things that God would destroy the whole world with a flood of waters (see Gen. 6:13);

  “Moved with godly fear prepared an ark” “moved with godly fear” it is one word in the original which indicates that Noah obeyed with godly fear after he was divinely warned by God. “Prepare” includes the steps like designing and collecting materials and building etc. “Ark” typifies the redemption of Christ (see 1Pet. 3:20-21).

“For the saving of his household” “his household” refers to the eight members of the family of Noah (see Gen. 7:13).

“By which he condemned the world” “by which”: by the action of faith; “condemned the world” the building of the ark was for the purpose of escaping from the destruction of that world (Gen. 6:13-18) which revealed that all the world were corrupted (see Gen. 6:12).

“And became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith” Noah prepared the ark by faith typifying that He believed and received the redemption of Christ. Therefore he became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The faith of a single man can save the whole family of him (see Acts 16:31). If the family members of we believers have not been saved we have to pray to God continually by faith.

2)    Noah built the ark and preached righteousness (2Pet. 2:5) condemning that world with active activities. Therefore the best condemnation is to keep the will of God positively and judge with a distinct life style instead of merely exposing the sins of others.

 

Heb. 11:8 “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out not knowing where he was going.”

YLT: “By faith Abraham being called did obey to go forth to the place that he was about to receive for an inheritance and he went forth not knowing whither he doth go;”

Meaning of Words: obey”: hear; “inheritance”: possession;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out” it indicated that his “obedience” was almost simultaneous with “his being called” without any delay.

“To the place which he would receive as an inheritance” “the place…an inheritance” refers to the land of possession from one generation to another. 

“And he went out not knowing where he was going” it is seemingly in conflict with the previous words. Since he went to the place how could he not know where he was going? In fact “to the place…” it is the promise of God. The words “go out” and “he was going” refer to Abraham’s actions. When he took his action he had a vague idea of God’s promise and yet had no definite destination.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Abraham had no destination of himself but absolutely relied on God’s presence and guidance. Therefore he had to look upon God by faith at all times.

2)    The lesson of faith will never be graduated. We have to continually trust in God throughout all our life from the very first time we believe the Lord to the time we see the Lord.

3)    God is Alpha and Omega (Rev. 1:8) and He is also the letters between them. He leads us all the way. And he who believes Him will not be shamed (Rom. 9:33; 1Pet. 2:6).

 

Heb. 11:9 “By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise;”

YLT: “by faith he did sojourn in the land of the promise as a strange country in tabernacles having dwelt with Isaac and Jacob fellow-heirs of the same promise ”

Meaning of Words: dwelt”: sojourn in reside as a foreigner; “foreign”: alien strange not one’s own;

Literal Meaning: “by faith he dwelt in the land of promise” “the land of promise” refers to the land of Canaan given by God to Abraham and his seeds (see Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 17:8). “Dwelt” a temporary sojourner who still has some lawful rights;

  “As in a foreign country dwelling in tents” “dwelling in tents”: translate continually without a permanent dwelling place;

  “With Isaac and Jacob the heirs with him of the same promise” “same”: all of them dwelt in the tents not the same tent. Abraham Isaac and Jacob were heirs of the same promise.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The world is not our family. And we are sojourners in the family. Therefore we shall not devote all our energy into earthly things but set our mind on heavenly things (see Col. 3:1-2).

2)    We are all heirs of the same promise (see Eph. 3:6) but we have to lead the life of dwelling in tents respectively. We believers stand in the same promise but each has distinct experience. The attitude of everyone toward life decides how much he shall experience God’s promises.

3)    All the promises of God in Him are Yes and in Him Amen (2Cor. 1:20).

 

Heb. 11:10 “for he waited for the city which has foundations whose builder and maker is God.”

YLT: “for he was looking for the city having the foundations whose artificer and constructor God.”

Meaning of Words: wait”: expect prepare to face wait to receive; “foundation”: something put down a substruction (of a building); “builder”: founder creator craftsman; “maker”: worker;

Literal Meaning: “for he waited for the city which has foundations” “wait for”: expect with eagerness; “the city which has foundations” refers to Jerusalem in the heavens (see 12:22; Gal. 4:26) namely the holy city new Jerusalem coming down out of the heaven (Rev. 21:2).

  “Whose builder and maker is God” “builder” emphasizes designs and plans; “maker” focuses on the implementation of the designs or plans. 

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The life by faith is a life of waiting for God. If God does not act we do not act. If God moves we will move. This is faith.

2)    What God builds and makes is far beyond what man builds and makes. No matter the building of individual life or that of the church both should be worked by God.

 

Heb. 11:11 “By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child when she was past the age because she judged Him faithful who had promised.”

YLT: “By faith also Sarah herself did receive power to conceive seed and she bare after the time of life seeing she did judge Him faithful who did promise;”

Meaning of Words: the age”: the best opportunity the proper age; “conceive seed”: conception of seed;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Sarah herself…when she was past the age” “she was past the age” it meant that she was brought to the end in her natural life and could do nothing by herself.

“Also received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child … because she judged Him faithful who had promised” “Him… who had promised” God had promised Sarah to beget a son (Gen. 17:15-16; 18:12-15). It was thought in some Scriptures that “she” should be translated as “he” namely Abraham for God promised to Abraham.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    What you sow is not quickened unless it die (1Cor. 15:36). We always bear about in the body of dying of Jesus the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body (2Cor. 4:10).

2)    Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. If we have not been brought into a step that we can do nothing by ourselves we cannot truly rely on the promises of God or live by faith.

 

Heb. 11:12 “Therefore from one man and him as good as dead were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude--innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.”

YLT: “wherefore also from one were begotten -- and that of one who had become dead -- as the stars of the heaven in multitude and as sand that by the sea-shore -- the innumerable.”

Meaning of Words: as dead”: subdued deaden mortified; “multitude”: fullness a large number bundle; “innumerable”: countless without number;

Literal Meaning: “therefore from one man and him as good as dead were born” “one” it is masculine in the original which refers to Abraham who is the beginning of the new race.

“As many as the stars of the sky in multitude ---- innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore” it is quoted from the Book of Genesis (22:17).

Spiritual Meaning: “as many as the stars of the sky in multitude” “the stars of the sky” symbolize the heavenly descendants of Abraham namely the sons of faith (Gal. 3:7 29).

  “Innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore” “the sand of the seashore” symbolizes the earthly descendants of Abraham namely the sons of flesh ---- the Jews (Matt. 3:9).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “One man and him as good as dead” it is hopeless; “were born”: there is still hope. Faith makes the one who against hope believe in hope (see Rom. 4:18) for our hope lies in God not us.

2)    The grain of wheat falling into the ground dies and bears much fruit (John 12:24). If we want to bear more fruit for the Lord the best way is death ---- deny ourselves.

 

Heb. 11:13 “These all died in faith not having received the promises but having seen them afar off were assured of them embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

YLT: “In faith died all these not having received the promises but from afar having seen them and having been persuaded and having saluted and having confessed that strangers and sojourners they are upon the earth ”

Meaning of Words: afar off”: at a distance; “embrace”: salute greet; “strangers”: foreigners; “pilgrims”: temporary residents;

Literal Meaning: “these all died in faith not having received the promises” “these”: not all the sons but Abraham Isaac and Jacob; “died in faith”: their faith had never been moved till their death. “Not having received the promises”: they had not seen the fulfillment of the promises when they died.

  “But having seen them afar off were assured of them embraced them” it was just like the man who went out rejoiced and cheered when he returned seeing his hometown afar off above the horizon or like the man who waved his hand on the ship to those who embraced him near the bank. 

  “And confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” “confess”: declare one’s identity openly.

  This verse reveals three important steps of faith: 1) “see afar off” the promises of God; 2) “embrace” the promises of God; 3) “Obtain” the promises of God;

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Faith should be kept to the end. Otherwise it will be in vain (1Thess. 3:5). The faith God values is the changeless and unswerving faith (see 13:7).

2)    Faith starts from seeing what physical eyes cannot see and then responds to what is seen with diligence so that there will be true results.

 

Heb. 11:14 “For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.”

YLT: “for those saying such things make manifest that they seek a country;”

Meaning of Words: declare”: show manifest;homeland”: land of father;

Literal Meaning: “those who say such things” “such things: the confession that “they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (see v.13).

  “Declare plainly that they seek a homeland” “a homeland” refers to that city which has foundations (see v.10).

 

Heb. 11:15 “And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out they would have had opportunity to return.”

YLT: “and if indeed they had been mindful of that from which they came forth they might have had an opportunity to return ”

Meaning of Words: called to mind”: remember be mindful recollect; “return”: turn back; “opportunity”: time chance;

Literal Meaning: “truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out” “if” it is a supposition.

  “They would have had opportunity to return” they did not return through they had opportunity to return so they were not mindful of the country from which they had come out.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    “Had called to mind that country from which they had come out” it is human nature just like the Israelites who came out Egypt and still remembered the leeks and the onions and the garlic in Egypt (Num. 11:5). However he who walks by faith does not go back. Instead he forgets the things behind and stretches out to the things before and presses toward the goal (Phil. 3:13-14).

2)    In the spiritual war mind is the chief battlefield (see 2Cor. 10:5). What man is mindful forms the main inclination of the whole of him. The Bible teaches us that we shall set our mind on things above not things on earth (Col. 3:2).

 

Heb. 11:16 “But now they desire a better that is a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God for He has prepared a city for them.”

YLT: “But now they desire a better that is a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God for He has prepared a city for them.”

Meaning of Words: desire”: stretch forth to covet after reach out after (long for); “better”: stronger nobler; “ashamed”: feel shame for something;

Literal Meaning: “but now they desire a better that is a heavenly country” “desire” it means that they have set a goal that they desire to pursue; “better”: it is a comparison with the country from which they depart; “heavenly” it explains the nature of that better country ---- it is not an earthly one.

  “Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God” God is not ashamed to be their God.

  “For He has prepared a city for them” here it is the explanation of God’s not being ashamed of them. God approves their “desire” by actions to prove that their pursuit is not vague imagination.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    God is the God of all men especially of them that believe (see 1Tim. 4:10). He gives thought to our hearts and perfects our faith to the end (see 12:2).

2)    It is both God (see John 14:2) and we (see Rev. 19:7; 21:2) that “prepare” the better and heavenly city. Therefore God does the preparing works in believers.

 

Heb. 11:17 “By faith Abraham when he was tested offered up Isaac and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son ”

YLT: “By faith Abraham when he was tested offered up Isaac and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son ”

Meaning of Words: test”: endeavor scrutinize examine; “offer”: bring present unto;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Abraham when he was tested offered up Isaac” “when he was tested”: God tested Abraham;

  “And he who had received the promised” “received” welcomed and valued the command of God and regarded it as a lofty mission;

  “Offered up his only begotten son” that Abraham offered his only begotten son typified God the Father gave His only begotten son for us (see John 3:16; 1John 4:9).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The true faith is the faith that can bear the test. Faith will be much more precious after the proof (1Pet. 1:7).

2)    He who has faith will go ahead even though dead hinders before him for he believes that God is the God who quickens the dead (see Rom. 4:17). (Rev. 12:11). But if not he has not loved his life even unto death (Rev. 12:11).

3)    Only the devotion of what we love best can touch the heart of God.

 

Heb. 11:18 “of whom it was said "In Isaac your seed shall be called "”

YLT: “of whom it was said "In Isaac your seed shall be called "”

Literal Meaning: “of whom it was said the following words are quoted from the Book of Genesis (21:12).

"In Isaac your seed shall be called"” “in Isaac” it refers to all believers who have the risen life of Christ. “Your seed shall be called” it typifies that we are the sons of Christ by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26).

 

Heb. 11:19 “concluding that God was able to raise him up even from the dead from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

YLT: “concluding that God was able to raise him up even from the dead from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

Meaning of Words: conclude”: count regard;figurative sense”: token sign;

Literal Meaning: “concluding that God was able to raise him up” “concluding that God”: count or mediate on a sure foundation; “was able to raise him up” it suggests that Abraham’s offering of Isaac is out of his faith toward God: 1) God is a faithful God. Since He had said in Isaac your seed shall be called (see v.18) His words would in no wise come to nothing. 2) God is the God who quickens the dead (Rom. 4:17). Therefore though Isaac died he would be raised up again. 

  “Even from the dead from which he also received him in a figurative sense” even though God finally hinders Abraham from offering Isaac (Gen. 22:10-12) and Isaac did not die then in a figurative sense Abraham had experienced in his heart that he received his son from the dead.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Only when we put us in dead can we experience the great risen power. Today many people talk about resurrection without practical experience of resurrection for they have never experienced death.

2)    “Offering” (see v.17) should be earlier than “receiving”. If we desire to experience the fullness of the risen life of Christ we shall firstly have to present us to God and walk in the way of the cross.

 

Heb. 11:20 “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”

YLT: “By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.”

Meaning of Words: concerning”: about; “bless”: say good words;

Literal Meaning:by faith Isaac” “by faith” his action was out of faith.

“Blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come” “things to come”: things will happen in the future; “blessed Jacob and Esau” it is recorded in the Book of Genesis (27:27-40).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Faith gives long sight to men and makes man confident of things to come (see v.1).

2)    Faith makes oneself blessed as well as brings blessings to others.

 

Heb. 11:21 “By faith Jacob when he was dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning on the top of his staff.”

YLT: “By faith Jacob when he was dying blessed each of the sons of Joseph and worshiped leaning on the top of his staff.”

Meaning of Words: worship”: prostrate oneself in homage do reverence to;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Jacob when he was dying” “when he was dying”: he was on the point of death.

  “Blessed each of the sons of Joseph” it is recorded in the Book of Genesis (48:15-16). He set the second son Ephraim before Manasseh (Gen. 48:20).

  “And worshipped leaning on the top of his staff” “worshipped”: he confessed that God shepherded him all his life (Gen. 48:15). “Leaning on the top of his staff”: he confessed that he was a foreigner and a sojourner on the earth (see v.9 13).

 

Heb. 11:22 “By faith Joseph when he was dying made mention of the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.”

YLT: “By faith Joseph when he was dying made mention of the departure of the children of Israel and gave instructions concerning his bones.”

Meaning of Words: made mention of”: concerning; “children”: sons descendants; “departure”: go out of; “instructions”: commandments orders;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Joseph when he was dying” the last words of Joseph were recorded in the Book of Genesis (50:25).

“Made mention of the departure of the children of Israel” according to the condition at that time as the Israelites were prosperous in Egypt the human sight could not foresee that they would be forced to go out of Egypt.

  “And gave instructions concerning his bones” “bones” symbolize the risen life (Gen. 2:21-33; Ezek. 37:1-10). And he foresaw that he would be raised up in glory.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Isaac and Jacob and Joseph foresaw the things after death when they were dying ---- all of them had the final faith. The faith of a man does not lie in his faith in the beginning but in the end. May we keep our faith until we see the Lord.

2)    Faith makes us see that we are not of the world (John 17:14-16) though we live in the world (which is typified by Egypt). The world is passing and its lust but he that does the will of God abides for eternity (1John 2:17).

 

Heb. 11:23 “By faith Moses when he was born was hidden three months by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.”

YLT: “By faith Moses when he was born was hidden three months by his parents because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.”

Meaning of Words: beautiful”: elegant; “afraid of”: fear; “the king’s command”: the king’s edict the king’s decree;

Literal Meaning: “by faith Moses when he was born was hidden three months by his parents” “beautiful” it means that he had uncommon and attractive appearance.

  “Because they saw he was a beautiful child and they were not afraid of the king’s command” it is recorded in the Book of Exodus (2:2). Faith brings about boldness. He who has faith fears nothing.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though Moses was physically beautiful in the sight of faith his parents might foresee that he would be good vessel of God so that they purposed to keep his life without caring for their own life. We parents shall also cultivate our children with such mind and resolution.

2)    If the king’s command goes against the will of God the will of God should be given the priority (see Acts. 4:19; 5:29).

 

Heb. 11:24 “By faith Moses when he became of age refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ”

YLT: “By faith Moses when he became of age refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter ”

Meaning of Words: refuse”: deny reject;

Literal Meaning: “refuse”: it was his own choice; “refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter” it indicated that he was willing to identify with his Hebrew brothers instead of remaining in the royal house (see Ex. 2:11).

 

Heb. 11:25 “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin ”

YLT: “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin ”

Meaning of Words: rather…than”: prefer to; “suffer affliction”: maltreat in company with endure persecution together; “passing”: temporary for a time for a season; “pleasures of sin”: enjoyment of sin;

Literal Meaning: “choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God” “suffer affliction”: the maltreatment of the Israelites in Egypt; Moses identified with them even though he had never personally experienced that pains (see Ex. 2:15).

  “Than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” “enjoy the passing pleasures of sin”: all the enjoyments in Egypt (namely the world) are of sin in the sight of God.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The common people (including many Christians) choose rather enjoyment than afflictions. However afflictions may often build up a man and makes him a useful vessel in the hands of God. The more one suffers the more can he get from God to give others.

2)    The temporary afflictions can bring us eternal blessings. However temporary pleasures will cast us into permanent pains.

 

Heb. 11:26 “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”

YLT: “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.”

Meaning of Words: esteem”: count conclude estimate; “reproach”: insult humiliation; “treasure”: wealth; “greater riches”: more wealth; “look to”: look away from everything else; “reward”: recompense of reward;

Literal Meaning: “esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt” “the reproach of Christ” if believers walk on the earth and follow the steps of Christ he will suffer the reproach of Christ (see 13:13). All the reproaches we suffer for the sake of Christ will be regarded as that of himself in the sight of God (see Rom. 15:3).

  “For he looked to the reward” “look to”: pay attention to something just like an artist who pays close attention to the object he is working. The word in the original is in past perfect tense which emphasizes that it was a continuous action in the past.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though the giants of faith in the Old Testament did not know Christ what they had done in faith had relations with Christ in the sight of God. By faith men in the Old Testament looked upon Christ who had not come to the world. And by faith believers in the New Testament look upon Christ who has ascended into the heavens.

2)    Where there is a “loss” there is also a “reward”. Though one loses the temporary and corruptible treasures but he shall receive the eternal glorious reward. The loss can even bring about profit and no exchange is more profitable than such one.

 

Heb. 11:27 “By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

YLT: “By faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.”

Meaning of Words: forsook”: leave behind; “wrath”: anger; “endured”: kept on steadfast;

Literal Meaning: “by faith he forsook Egypt not fearing the wrath of the king” “forsook Egypt”: Moses left Egypt twice: the first left for Midian and the second led the Israelites out of Egypt. “Nor fearing the wrath of the king” it seemingly referred to the second departure for the first time he left was for the purpose of escaping from the slaying of Pharaoh (Ex. 2:15). However there was also someone who thought that the first departure was not because of the fearing of the king’s wrath but was driven by the whole circumstance and the first leaving was supposed to be before “the Passover and the sprinkling of blood” (see v.28). Therefore it is proper to explain it as the leaving of the first time.

  “For he endured as seeing Him who is invisible” “endured”: Moses spent two forty years in the wilderness after his twice departure from Egypt (see Acts 7:30 36). “Him who is invisible”: God. Moses met God when he saw the vision of the flame of fire out of the midst of a thorn-bush in Horeb (see Ex. 3:1-6). At that time he put a veil on his face because of fearing not to see God. It conforms to the words “as seeing Him who is invisible” here.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The experiences of Moses can typify the spiritual way of Christians: a) Moses forsook Egypt by faith. Faith makes us forsake sins and the world and lead a sanctified life. b) Moses did not fear the wrath of the king. We also do not fear the anger of Satan and the world. c) Moses endured. We shall also endure until we see the Lord. d) Moses endured as seeing Him who is invisible. Faith opens our spiritual eyes so that we can see the guidance of God everywhere. 

2)    Seeing God is the secret for Christians to lead the whole of his life. Once we have seen God in spirit we will not be weary or faint in our minds and run the race that is set before us (see 12:1-3).

 

Heb. 11:28 “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”

YLT: “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”

Meaning of Words: kept”: observed appointed; “sprinkling”: shedding forth;

Literal Meaning: “by faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood” “kept” it was celebrating the establishment of the divine system. “The Passover and the sprinkling of blood” it is recorded in the Book of Exodus (12:1-14).

  “Lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them” at that night when the destroyer smote the firstborn of Egyptians he would passover the door and not smite the house as he saw the blood on the lintel and on the two door-posts (see Ex. 12:21-24).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Christians not only need the blood of the lamb when they were saved but also have to draw the effect of the precious blood all their life (see 1John 1:7-9).

2)    Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. Therefore let us celebrate the feast not with old leaven nor with leaven of malice and wickedness but with unleavened of sincerity and truth (1Cor. 5:7-8).

 

Heb. 11:29 “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned.”

YLT: “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned.”

Meaning of Words: drowned”: swallow up devour;

Literal Meaning: “by faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land” it is recorded in the Book of Exodus (14:21-22).

  “Whereas the Egyptians attempting to do so were drowned” it is recorded in the Book of Exodus (14:23-28).

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Though the enemy is fierce faith enables us to pass through the crisis in peace for the object that faith looks upon is the almighty God.

2)    The experience of Christians’ baptism is just like passing through the Red Sea. The world and the enemies are ended here and buried under the water. Therefore we are saved by the water unto Christ (1Cor. 10:1-2).

 

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

YLT: “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”

Meaning of Words: encircle”: surround come round about;

Literal Meaning: it is recorded in the Book of Joshua (6:1-20). “The walls of Jericho” typify the power of the enemies. “Were encircled for seven days” it symbolizes the full faith; “fall down”: the collapse of the power of the enemy.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    In the spiritual battle it is not by might nor by power but by the Spirit of God (Zech. 4:6). Faith is reliance upon the Spirit of Jehovah of all hosts. Therefore things had been done according to the word of God (Jos. 6:2-5).

2)    “Sever” is a number in the Scriptures symbolizing perfection. When the works of our faith have been perfect and satisfied God He will work and no enemy can stand before Him.

 

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

YLT: “By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe when she had received the spies with peace.”

Meaning of Words: receive”: accept welcome; “perish”: be destroyed;

Literal Meaning: “by faith the harlot Rahab …. when she had received the spies with peace” “peace” refers to her friendly attitude without any hostility.

  “Did not perish with those who did not believe” “those who did not believe” those who were against the people of God; “perish”: there is no chance to escape at all and destruction comes at once.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Faith is not decided by one’s natural birth. Once a man has faith he will be listed in the names of the giants of faith. Therefore the harlot Rahab had part in the genealogy of Jesus Christ and became the ancestor of the Lord Jesus (Matt. 1:5).

2)    Rahab was a gentile and yet she had also obtained good testimony in faith. Her story encouraged gentile believers that God does not accept persons but pays attentions to whether you have faith or not.

 

Heb. 11:32 “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:”

YLT: “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:”

Meaning of Words: fail”: not succeed;

Literal Meaning:and what more shall I say? Here it means that there were innumerable giants in faith in the ancient times.

Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah” they were judges and their things were recorded in the Book of Judges.

“Also of David and Samuel” “David” is the famous king among the Israelites. “Samuel” was the renowned prophet. Their things were recorded in the First and Second Books of Samuel.

For the time would fail me to tell ofand the prophets”the prophets” are recorded in the books of history and the books of prophets. “The time would fail me” it suggests that space lacks for a detailed description of it.

 

Heb. 11:33 “who through faith subdued kingdoms worked righteousness obtained promises stopped the mouths of lions ”

YLT: “who through faith subdued kingdoms worked righteousness obtained promises stopped the mouths of lions ”

Meaning of Words: subdue”: overcome struggle against; “work”: work out toil; “righteousness”: equity justification; “obtain”: receive; “stop”: block up;

Literal Meaning: “who through faith subdued kingdoms” “who”: the characters who are above-mentioned (see v.32). However this verse seems to talk about King David. “Subdued kingdoms”: overcame kingdoms; and King David subdued many countries round him (2Sam. 8:1-14).

  “Worked righteousness obtained promises stopped the mouths of lions” king David worked out righteousness (2Sam. 8:15) and obtained the promise of God that He would establish his kingdom (2Sam. 7:4-16). When he was young he smote the loin with bare hands and saved the lambs out of its mouth (1Sam. 17:35). “Stopped the mouths of lions” it might refer to the experience of Daniel (Dan. 6:22).

 

Heb. 11:34 “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.”

YLT: “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.”

Meaning of Words: quenched”: put out stop;violence”: power might; “escaped”: flee away vanish; “the armies”: the camps;

Literal Meaning: “quenched the violence of fire just like Daniel and his three friends were not touched in the burning fiery furnace (Dan. 3:16-17).

“Escaped the edge of the sword “escape”: flee away; for example Elisha was delivered from the encirclement of the armies of the king of Syria (2King 6:8-19).

“Out of weakness were made strong for instance Samson was renewed in strength and slew the dead at his death more than that which he slew in his life (Judges 16:22-30).

“Became valiant in battle for example Gideon with three hundred men only smote the whole armies of the two kings of Midian (Judges 8:4-12).

“Turned to flight the armies of the aliens” just like the angel of Jehovah smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand (2King 19:35).

 

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

YLT: “Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured not accepting deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection.”

Meaning of Words: tortured”: beaten to death;deliverance”: redemption;

Literal Meaning:women received their dead raised to life again” both Elijah and Elisha had ever raised the sons to life again (1King 17:17-24; 2King 4:32-37).

Others were tortured not accepting deliverance “were tortured”: it meant that one was whipped or beaten with a club or beaten while his whole body was bound unto a rotating wheel until he died. This was a kind of punishment in the period of Maccabees.

“That they might obtain a better resurrection” “a better resurrection” refers to “the excellent resurrection” (Phil. 3:11 the original). When Christ comes again all those who have fallen asleep will rise again (1Thess. 4:16). However only those who overcome will have part in the better resurrection and reign with Christ in the kingdom (Rev. 20:4).

 

Heb. 11:36 “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings yes and of chains and imprisonment.”

YLT: “Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings yes and of chains and imprisonment.”

Meaning of Words: mocking”: desrision;

Literal Meaning: “still others had trial of mockings and scourgings” “mockings” refer to the shabby imitation for the purpose of laughing at someone and making him mentally painful. “Scourgings” make men physically painfully. “Trial of” it refers to all the affliction of enduring mockings and scourgings and chains and imprisonment etc.

  “Yes and of chains and imprisonment” “chains”: it means that one’s hands and feet are bound chains. “Imprisonment” be imprisoned;

 

Heb. 11:37 “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--”

YLT: “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--”

Meaning of Words: wander about”: came all around stroll; “be destitute”: be in need; “afflict”: suffer tribulation trouble;

Literal Meaning: “they were stoned they were sawn in two” “were stoned” be stoned with stones by the people which is the commonest punishment in Israel. “Were sawn” it was said that the prophet Isaiah was sawn. According to the records of the Jewish documents when he was tortured he neither cried out nor wept but spoke in the Spirit until he was sawn in two. 

  “Were tempted were slain with the sword” “were tempted”: were persecuted and tortured; “were slain with the sword”: it was the commonest punishment.

  “They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins” someone explained that the prophets were covered with sheepskins and goatskins. And someone thought it was a cruel punishment to persecute Christians in the Roman Empire. The sheepskins that were just taken off were bound on prisoners’ hands and feet and then let the skins shrink under the burning sun. And prisoners could only run in the wilderness all the time to decrease the physical pain and finally suffered from cramps and died because of the decomposing bodies.

  “Being destitute afflicted tormented” “being destitute”: be deprived of properties and daily necessities; “afflicted”: be persecuted and oppressed; “tormented”: be maltreated and even not be treated as a human being;

 

Heb. 11:38 “of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains in dens and caves of the earth.”

YLT: “of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains in dens and caves of the earth.”

Meaning of Words: wander”: go astray be out of the way; “worthy”: due reward suitable deserving;

Literal Meaning: “of whom the world was not worthy” they were regarded unworthy of living in the cultivated society. Actually it is the cultivated society that is not suitable for them to live.

  “They wandered in deserts and mountains and in dens and caved of the earth” “wander”: just like the lost lamb that are hunted by the wolves.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    Apparently all those who suffer for the Lord in faithfulness are unworthy of the world. Actually it is the world unworthy of them and they are above the profit of the world.

2)    Every trial of tribulation delivers us further from the world and makes us nearer to God and more worthy of God’s reward.

 

Heb. 11:39 “And all these having obtained a good testimony through faith did not receive the promise ”

YLT: “And all these having obtained a good testimony through faith did not receive the promise ”

Meaning of Words: testimony”: evidence proof;

Literal Meaning: “And all these having obtained a good testimony through faith God testifies that they are approved by faith (see v.2).

“Did not receive the promise” they had not seen the fulfillment when they died (see v.13).

 

Heb. 11:40 “God having provided something better for us that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

YLT: “God having provided something better for us that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

Meaning of Words: provide”: supply; “better”: more strong more powerful more honorable; “made…perfect”: fulfill reach the goal ;

Literal Meaning: “God having provided something better for us” “us”: believers in the New Testament; “something better” refers to the redemption of Christ. All the sacrifices in the Old Testament for remission are shadows. Christ only offered His body to become the eternal redemption. That is the good thing to come (see 10:1 4 12) namely the better thing.

  “That they should not be made perfect apart from us” “they”: the elect of God who had faith in the Old Testament; “not apart from us”: they shall obtain the promises of God with us together (see v.39). And the promises of God are fulfilled in Christ so they will also obtain the salvation in Christ.

Enlightenment in the Word:

1)    The giants by faith in the Old Testament had only obtained the promises. And we believers in the New Testament have received the fulfillment of God’s promises. They only hoped for the promises and we just inherit the promises. If the hope of promises have made them live out the wonderful testimony of faith shall we who have tasted the promised more manifest the testimony of faith?

2)    The beautiful testimonies of the saints in the Old Testament encourage us to learn to live by faith. When we believers in the New Testament are perfected what the saints in the Old Testament shall also be made perfect ---- both supplement each other and will be made perfect.

 

III. Outlines of the Spiritual Lessons

 

The Way of Faith

A.  The definition of faith ---- property and proof (v.1-3);

1. The confidence of faith (v.1);

2. The commendation of faith (v.2);

3. The comprehension of faith (v.3);

B.  The demand of faith ---- the access to God and the assurance of pleasing God (v.6);

C.  The declaration of faith ---- seek a homeland (v.14) ---- receive and embrace and confess the promise of God;

D.  The demonstration of faith ---- by faith (v.28 33-34);

E.  The devotion of faith ---- not accept deliverance (v.35-38);

 

Three Steps of Faith

A.  Know by faith (v.3);

B.  Offer the sacrifice by faith ---- offer thanks and praise (v.4);

C.  Be taken away ---- God accepted (v.5);

 

The Gallery of God and its Different Parts

A.  The first part: in the times before the flood of waters ---- Abel Enoch and Noah (v.4-7) ---- they did things that others were unwilling to do;

B.  The second part: in the times of the patriarchs ---- Abraham Sarah Isaac Jacob and Joseph (v.8-22) ---- they desired things that others were uninterested in;

C.  The first part: in the times of going out of Egypt ---- the parents of Moses Moses and the Israelites led by Moses (v.23-29) ---- they chose things that others refused to choose;

D.  The first part: in the times in the land of promise ---- the people of Israel Rahab the judges and the prophets (v.30-39) ---- they endured things that others could not bear;

E.  The first part: in the modern times ---- it is for us (v.40) ---- a minority run the race that others are unwilling to run;

 

The Manifestation of Faith

A.  The worship of faith ---- the better sacrifice (v.4);

B.  The witness of faith ---- Enoch pleased God (v.5);

C.  The work of faith ---- Noah prepared the ark (v.7);

D.  The walk of faith ---- Abraham obeyed and went out (v.8);

E.  The waiting of faith ---- he waited for the city which has foundations (v.10);

F.  The willingness of faith ---- Sarah received strength (v.11-12);

G.  The welcome of faith ---- they confesses and desired the better homeland (v.13-16);

 

The Heroes of Faith

A.  Abel ---- the sacrifice of faith (v.4);

B.  Noah ---- the simplicity of faith (v.7);

C.  Abraham ---- the sojourn of faith (v.8-10);

D.  Isaac ---- the sanguinity of faith (v.20);

E.  Moses ---- the suffering of faith (v.24-27);

F.  Rahab ---- the salvation of faith (v.31);

G.  Others ---- the supremacy of faith (v.32 etc.);

 

The Living Photographs of Faith

A.  Abel --- the faith of justification (v.4);

B.  Enoch ---- the faith of sanctification (v.5);

C.  Noah ---- the faith of testimony (v.7);

D.  Abraham ---- the faith of building (v.8);

E.  Isaac ---- the growing faith (v.20);

F.   Jacob ---- the foreseeing faith (v.21);

G.  Joseph ---- the faith of waiting for home (v.22);

H.  Moses’ parents ---- the faith of a mother (v.23);

I.     Moses ---- the faith of a son (v.24);

J.   The Israelites who followed Moses ---- the corporate faith (v.29);

H.  Rahab ---- the faith of reception (v.31);

K.  Others ---- the faith of gain (v.33-34);

L.   The martyrs ---- the faith of endurance (v.35);

M.  The martyrs ---- the faith of assurance (v.39);

 

The Choices of Moses

A.  Moses said “No” to them:

1. The vain glory in the world ---- refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter (v.24);

2. The pleasures of sin ---- refuse to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin (v.25);

3. The riches of Egypt ---- not cherish them (v.26);

B.  Moses said “Yes” to them:

1. The reward in the heavens ---- look to the reward (v.26);

2. Suffer affliction with the people of God ---- choose rather to suffer affliction than to enjoy the passing pleasures (v.25);

3. The reproach for the sake of Christ ---- it is great riches than the treasures in Egypt (v.26);

 

The Characteristics of the Choices of Moses

A.  By faith ---- it is a choice of faith (v.24 27);

B.  Look to the reward ---- it is a foreseeing choice (v.26);

C.  Forsake the riches of Egypt ---- it is a choice of farewell (v.24-26);

D.  Not fear the wrath of the king ---- it is a fearless choice (v.27);

E.  Endure ---- it is a final choice (v.27);

 

Moses ---- A Man with Purpose and Power

A.  Refuse the wealth (v.24);

B.  Choose the afflictions (v.25);

C.  Esteem the reproach (v.26);

D.  Respect the reward (v.27);

E.  Endure the wrath of the king (v.28);

F.  Overcome the hindrances (v.29);

 

── Caleb HuangChristian Digest Bible Commentary Series

   Translated by Mary Zhou