The nature of faith, and its acceptableness with God, set forth in the examples of many excellent persons of old time.
1NOW faith is 1the substance of things hoped for, 2the evidence 3of things not seen.
1 Or, a firm confidence, that is, what causes to subsist, or stand firm, and, as presently, the things stand 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 Rom. 4:18, etc. and Heb. 3:14. Gr. hypostasis, that is, substance, of this word see also 2 Cor. 9:4; 11:17.
2 Or, conviction; for, faith, respecting God’s revelation and promise, convinces and assures the heart of man more strongly of the truth of a thing, than any other argument brought forth from natural reason.
3 That is, even which are not comprehended by us by natural sense or reason; or, which are not present before our eyes. For, although the things which are seen, are indeed believed also, as Christ speaks to Thomas, John 20:29; notwithstanding this is not properly Divine faith, which is wrought in us by the Holy Spirit, which looks only at God’s promise or revelation, whether the things be now passed, present or to come, as will appear by the examples which Paul produces.
2For by it 4the elders obtained a good 5report.
4 Namely, forefathers, from whom we are descended, and whose examples we must imitate.
5 Namely, that they pleased God, as is expressed in verse 5.
3Through faith we understand thata6the worlds were 7framed 8by the word of God, sob that things which are seen were 9not made of things which do appear.
a Gen. 1:1; Psalm 33:6; John 1:10; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16.
6 Gr. the ages, as in Heb. 1:2.
7 That is, created, and brought into such order and form, as now we see it.
8 That is, by the powerful command of God. See Genesis 1; Psalm 33:6.
b Rom. 4:17; Col. 1:16.
9 Or, were made not of visible, or seen things, that is, out of nothing. For, this is proper to faith, that it believes out of God’s Word, that the world was created out of nothing; whereunto no philosopher was able to attain by natural reason.
4By faith Abel offeredc unto God 10a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, 11by which he obtained witnessd12that he was righteous, God testifying 13of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet 14speaketh.
c Gen. 4:4.
10 Some take this word more excellent for of more excellent price, because Abel made his offering of his fattest beasts and Cain but of some bad fruits. But the same word is here as suitably taken for more worthy, and more acceptable to God, which the apostle thence concludes, because God respected Abel and his offering, and not of Cain, which the apostle testifies that it was done by Abel’s faith; namely, because Abel in this offering looked unto that Seed of the woman, Which would tread upon the serpent’s head, that is, unto Christ, Who by His death would destroy the devil, Heb. 2:14.
11 Namely, faith.
d Mat. 23:35.
12 This is not stated in so many words indeed in Gen. 4:4, but the apostle concludes the same out of what is there expressed, that God respected him and his sacrifice, which title of righteousness Christ also therefore gives to Abel, Mat. 23:35.
13 Namely, by Moses, Gen. 4:4, or, by an extraordinary sign from heaven concerning his sacrifice, as was done concerning Aaron’s sacrifice, Lev. 9:24; concerning Elijah’s, 1 Kings 18:38; David’s, 1 Chron. 21:26; Solomon’s, 2 Chron. 7:1, by sending fire from heaven. This is therefore very probable, because Cain, seeing the same, was kindled with wrath and envy towards his brother.
14 Namely, not only by his good example in God’s Word, but also by his blood, which after his death cried unto God for vengeance. See Gen. 4:10; Heb. 12:24.
5By faith Enoche was 15translated that he should not 16see death; and was not found, because God had translatedf him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he 17pleased God.
e Gen. 5:24.
15 Or, taken away; namely, from earth into heaven, as is expressed concerning Elijah, 2 Kings 2:1.
16 That is, suffer or feel; as this word see is also taken, Psalm 16:10; John 8:51. From which it appears that his body put off mortality in this taking up into heaven, and was changed into an immortal and glorified body, as it is read concerning Elijah, Luke 9:30, and of all believers at the last day, 1 Cor. 15:51 and 1 Thes. 4:15.
f transfer, take up to heaven
17 The text does not really say this, Gen. 5:22, but the apostle concludes from this what is there expressed, And Enoch walked with God.
6But without faith 18it is impossible to please him: for he 19that cometh to God must believe 20that he is, and that he is 21a rewarder of them 22that diligently seek him.
18 Or, it is impossible that he has pleased God, namely, unto eternal salvation. The reason is, because no man can so please God without Christ, John 14:6; Acts 4:12.
19 That is, he who steadfastly walks before God, as Moses speaks of Enoch, Gen. 5:22, 24. Or, he who serves God, and seeks to enjoy His favor.
20 Namely, not only an Essential Being, but also such as He has revealed Himself in His Word, not only according to the law, but also according to the Gospel, to which faith, whereof Paul speaks here, refers, Rom. 1:16, 17.
21 Or, giver of recompense, rewarder, that is, Performer of His promises in rewarding them who seek Him. For, this reward cannot be hoped for but by a previous promise, which faith perceives. Which here necessarily must 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 Gal. 3:18.
22 Namely, by the way revealed in the Gospel, John 17:3.
7By faith Noah,g being warned of God of things 23not seen as yet, 24moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned 25the world, and became 26heir of the righteousness which is by faith.
g Gen. 6:13.
23 That is, which were not yet present, namely, of the flood and of his preservation in the ark.
24 Namely, with a reverential and filial fear of God’s threats against the world, and of God’s promises unto him.
25 Namely, by his example, in the presence of all, as Mat. 12:41, 42.
26 That is, partaker, or, possessor, not only of his life whereof the ungodly Ham was also a partaker, but also of eternal life, which is obtained only by the righteousness of faith, Rom. 4:13, etc.
8By faith Abraham,h when he was 27called to go out 28into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
h Gen. 12:4.
27 Namely, out of Ur of the Chaldees. See Acts 7:2, etc.
28 That is, to the land of Canaan, although this was not yet made known to him at his first calling. See Gen. 12:1.
9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strangei country, dwelling 29in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him 30of the same promise:
i foreign*
29 Namely, as strangers and travelers used to do, that they might be able to take them up again, and carry them to other places; as tents are wont to be used with us for this purpose.
30 Namely, of the future possession of the land of Canaan, and consequently also of eternal life.
10For he looked for 31a city 32which hath foundations, 33whose builder and maker is God.
31 That is, heaven, or the heavenly Jerusalem, whereof the land of Canaan and afterward Jerusalem were also but shadows.
32 Namely, which are firm and immovable. The apostle contrasts this to the tabernacles which had no foundations. See Heb. 13:14; Rev. 3:12; 21:2, etc.
33 That is, Delineator, or, Designer according to art, as used to be done before men proceed to the building of cities.
11Through faith also Saraj herself received strength 34to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was 35past age,k because she judged him 36faithful who had promised.
j Gen. 17:19; 21:2.
34 Gr. for casting down, or, laying a foundation of seed, which is not understood of Abraham only, from whom Sarah received seed, but also of Sarah herself, who in this conception gave her own seed thereunto by the power of faith, as is done in all natural conceptions. See also Lev. 12:2.
35 Namely, seeing she was now ninety years old, and, moreover, barren. See Gen. 16:1; Rom. 4:19.
k Luke 1:36.
36 For, although Sarah laughed at it in the beginning, yet nevertheless she also held fast to the promise afterwards.
12Therefore sprang there even of one, 37and him as good as dead, so many asl the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea 38shore innumerable.
37 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, has received several children more by Keturah, must be ascribed to the new youth which he received by this new promise.
l Gen. 15:5; 22:17; Rom. 4:18.
38 Gr. lip.
13Thesem all died in faith, not having received 39the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed thatn they were 40strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
m John 8:53.
39 That is, the thing that was several times promised them of the possession of the land of Canaan, and the Seed in which all generations of the earth would be blessed.
n Gen. 23:4; 47:9.
40 As is expressly testified of Jacob, when he stood in front of Pharaoh, Gen. 47:9, and of others before and after him, Gen. 15:13; 28:4; Psalm 39:12.
14For they that say 41such things declare plainly that they seek 42a country.
41 Namely, that they are strangers and pilgrims upon earth.
42 Namely, that is outside of this world in heaven, as is declared in verse 16.
15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country 43from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
43 Namely, here upon earth, as was the land of Mesopotamia or Chaldea from which Abraham had left with his family.
16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not 44ashamedo to be 45called their God: for he hath prepared for them 46a city.
44 That is, esteems it not beneath His dignity.
o Exod. 3:6; Mat. 22:32; Acts 7:32.
45 Namely, even after their death, as He is everywhere called the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. See Exod. 3:6. From which Christ Himself concludes that therefore these were not only children of God while they lived on earth, but that their bodies would also rise again, seeing God is not a God of the dead but of the living, Mat. 22:31, 32.
46 Namely, which had foundations in heaven, wherein God Himself revealed His glory, and would receive them as true citizens, Philip. 3:20.
17Byp faith Abraham, 47when he was tried, 48offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up 49his only begotten son,
p Gen. 22:10.
47 That is, was tempted, or was requested by God to give a firm evidence of his obedience; Genesis 22.
48 That is, was ready to offer him, or was being busy in offering him.
49 Isaac was called as such, because he was born only of the free woman, and Ishmael, of the bondwoman, was no true heir.
1850Of whom it was said, That inq Isaac shall thy seed be called:
50 Or, of whom, as this Greek word pros may also be taken, Heb. 1:7, 8.
q Gen. 21:12; Rom. 9:7; Gal. 3:29.
1951Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in 52a figure.
51 That is, concluding or considering by himself through faith, which stood fast on God’s promises.
52 This the apostle adds, because he was already to account him dead, whom God commanded to be slain; out of which state, as a state of death, he afterwards received him again, when God hindered him from this.
20Byr faith Isaac blessed 53Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
r Gen. 27:28, 29.
53 That is, in his blessing so divided the land of Canaan and adjacent parts, and so subjected Esau’s posterity to Jacob’s posterity, as if he had already had the full possession thereof.
21Bys faith Jacob, when he was a 54dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; andt55worshipped, leaning 56upon the top of his staff.
s Gen. 48:15.
54 That is, being near unto death, on his deathbed.
t Gen. 47:31.
55 Namely, not his staff, as some mistakenly think, but on his staff the God of his fathers, and the Angel, that is, the Son of God, Who had stood by him even until that time, and delivered him from many troubles, as may be seen, Gen. 48:3, 15.
56 The Hebrew text in Gen. 47:31, says upon the head or head-end of the bed. But the Greek translators have read for mittah, that is, bed, matteh, that is, rod or staff, which the apostle here has followed, seeing both may be true. For, by comparing Gen. 47:31 with Gen. 48:2, it appears that Jacob, when he blessed the sons of Joseph and afterwards also his own sons, sat on his bed, and by reason of his weakness rested upon his staff, seeing his legs hung from the bed, which after the blessing he drew in again, Gen. 49:33.
22Byu faith Joseph, when he died, made 57mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment 58concerning his bones.
u Gen. 50:24.
57 That is, testified that God would fulfill His promise of the deliverance of the children of Israel out of Egypt. See Gen. 50:24, etc.
58 That is, of taking his bones with them into the land of Canaan, not out of any superstition, or to have his bones worshipped there, which was never done, but hereby to testify the communion which he had with his brethren in the promise of God, and his hope of the fulfillment of the same, even after his death, and to confirm their posterity therein.
23Byv faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his 59parents, because they saw he was a properw child; and 60they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
v Exod. 2:2; Acts 7:20.
59 Gr. fathers, that is, parents, namely, Amram and Jochebed, Exod. 6:20, 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 God’s promises. Josephus, the historian, testifies in Antiq. lib. 2, cap. 5, that it was made known to the father of Moses by a divine revelation that this son would deliver them out of Egypt.
w handsome, beautiful
60 Namely, not so that they would have killed the child according to the king’s commandment, although there was some weakness in their faith when nevertheless afterward they laid it as an abandoned baby by the river, yet with hope that someone would find it and bring it up, as came to pass. Faith than, although it be joined with weakness, is here also accounted for a true faith.
24By faith Moses, when he was come 61to years, refused to be called 62the son of Pharaoh's daughter;
61 Namely, being now forty years old, as Stephen testifies in Acts 7:23.
62 For, she had adopted him for a son. Exod. 2:10; Acts 7:21.
25Choosingx rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than 63to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;
x Psalm 84:10.
63 That is, the delights and accommodations of Pharaoh’s court, which he could not enjoy without sinning against God.
26Esteeming the reproach 64of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect 65unto the recompence of the reward.
64 That is, which he must suffer for the expectation of Christ, and after the example of Christ. See likewise, 2 Cor. 1:5; Col. 1:24. For, Moses also saw Christ’s day, and rejoiced therein, as is said of Abraham in John 8:56.
65 Namely, which would be eternal and imperishable in heaven, 1 Peter 1:4, 5, 6, to which believers may also have respect, as to a reward, not which God owes them, or which they do merit, but which God, their Father, promises that He will give unto them of grace, as unto His children. See Mat. 5:10, 11, 12.
27By faith he forsook 66Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he 67endured, as 68seeing him 69who is invisible.
66 Namely, with all the people of Israel, notwithstanding the king’s threats. See Exod. 10:29.
67 Namely, to God’s commandment, without turning from it by any fear. Or, he was courageous, steadfast.
68 Namely, by faith.
69 Namely, God. See Psalm 56:11; 118:6; Rom. 8:31.
28Throughy faith he kept the passover, and 70the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should 71touch them.
y Exod. 12:21.
70 Gr. pouring on. Namely, on the lintels and posts of the doors of the Israelites. Exod. 12:21, etc.
71 That is, not harm or hurt them.
29Byz faith they 72passed through the Red sea as by dry land: 73which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.
z Exod. 14:22.
72 Namely, Moses, Aaron and the other Israelites. For, although some among them had no true faith, as the apostle testified earlier in Heb. 3:18, yet there were also many true believers with him. See Heb. 3:16, to whom is here properly referred.
73 Or, whereof the Egyptians having made proof.
30Byaa74faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were 75compassed about seven days.
aa Joshua 6:20.
74 Namely, of Joshua and the other upright Israelites, as in the previous verse.
75 Namely, by the army of the Israelites with the sound of trumpets. Joshua 6:20.
31Byab faith 76the harlot Rahab perished not with them 77that believed not, whenac she had received the spies 78with peace.
ab Joshua 6:23; James 2:25.
76 The Hebrew word zonah signifies also an hostess, and the spies went into her house to lodge, Joshua 2:1. But, seeing the apostle here, as also James in his epistle, James 2:25, calls her a harlot, it seems that she made profession of both; as was usual among the Gentiles, while also no mention is made of her husband, Joshua 2:18. But afterward being converted unto God, she became an example of faith and uprightness, and amongst the Israelites married with Salmon, the father of Boaz, one of the forefathers of David, and consequently of Christ also. See Mat. 1:5.
77 That is, the other obstinate and impenitent people within Jericho.
ac Joshua 2:1.
78 That is, courteously, and being helpful to them in all things.
32And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell ofad Gedeon, andaeof Barak, and ofafSamson, and ofagJephthae; ofahDavid also, andai Samuel, and of 79the prophets:
ad Judges 6:11.
ae Judges 4:6.
af Judges 13:24.
ag Judges 11:1; 12:7.
ah 1 Sam. 17:45.
ai 1 Sam. 12:20.
79 Namely, who were in the people of Israel after Samuel and David.
33Who through faith subdued 80kingdoms, wrought 81righteousness, obtained 82promises, stopped 83the mouthsaj of lions,
80 Namely, as Joshua has conquered 31 kings, and David all the surrounding areas in the land of Canaan.
81 Namely, not only in leading a righteous life, but also in the exercising of public justice, as did many godly judges and kings.
82 That is, the fulfillment of the promises which were made unto them, as there was the possession of the land of Canaan, and of some special benefits, as to Sarah, Hannah, etc., and also in general the forgiveness of sins, adoption unto children, and the inheritance of eternal life. See verse 16; Acts 15:11.
83 Namely, as Samson, Judges 14:6; David, 1 Sam. 17:34, and Daniel, Dan. 6:22.
aj Judges 14:6; 1 Sam. 17:34; Dan. 6:23.
3484Quenched the violenceak of fire, escaped 85theal edge of the sword, 86outam of weakness were made strong, 87waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight 88the armies of the aliens.
84 Namely, as Daniel’s companions, Dan. 3:25.
ak Dan. 3:25.
85 Gr. the mouths of the sword. Namely, as David the sword of Saul, 1 Samuel 20; Elijah the sword of Ahab, 1 Kings 19; Elisha the sword of the Syrians, 2 Kings 6.
al 1 Sam. 20:1; 1 Kings 19:3; 2 Kings 6:16.
86 Namely, as Job, Job 42; David, Psalm 6; Hezekiah, Isaiah 38.
am Job 42:10; Psalm 6:8; Isa. 38:21.
87 Namely, as many judges and kings.
88 Namely, as Jonathan, 1 Samuel 14.
3589Womenan received their dead 90raised to life again: andao others were 91tortured, not accepting 92deliverance; that they might obtain 93a better resurrection:
89 As the widow of Zarephath through Elijah, 1 Kings 17, and the Shunammite woman, 2 Kings 4 through Elisha.
an 1 Kings 17:23; 2 Kings 4:36.
90 That is, after that they were raised up from the dead by the prophets.
ao Acts 22:25.
91 Namely, as the skin on a drum, to be afterwards beaten with staves and tortured to death, as the Greek word suggests. The apostle here also refers to the example of Eleazar and such like tortures, under tyrant Antiochus, whereof may be read in 2 Maccabees 6:18, etc.
92 Namely, which was offered by the servants of Antiochus, if he would but do contrary to the law of God, as they tempted.
93 Namely, hereafter at the last day, Dan. 12:2.
36And others had trial of cruel 94mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bondsap and imprisonment:
94 Namely, as Micah, 1 Kings 22, Amos, Jeremiah, etc.
ap Jer. 20:2.
37Theyaq were 95stoned, they were 96sawn asunder, 97were tempted, 98were slain with the sword: they 99wandered about inar100sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
aq 1 Kings 21:13.
95 As Zachariah, the son of Jehoiada, 2 Chronicles 24.
96 As the ancient Jewish histories testify of Isaiah under the tyranny of Manasseh. From which appears that the apostle relates histories not only out of the divine writings, but also out of other histories known to the Hebrews, as is also noted at on verse 35.
97 Namely, by grievous threats and tortures.
98 Gr. by the death of the sword, as many in the time of Manasseh, 2 Kings 21:16, and under other tyrants.
99 Gr. went about. Namely, wandering here and there.
ar 2 Kings 1:8; Mat. 3:4.
100 As is testified of Elijah, 2 Kings 1:8, and as was the garment of the prophets in general, as may be seen, Zech. 13:4.
38(Of whom the world was 101not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
101 Worldly men accounted such believers for the offscourings of the world, but the apostle testifies on the contrary that the world was not worthy of them, and that therefore God sustained them as outside of the society of the world; as David wandered long in the wilderness, 1 Samuel 22; 23; 24; Elijah under Ahab, 1 Kings 19, and those one hundred prophets which were hidden in caves, 1 Kings 18, as also many others whereof histories make mention.
39And 102these all, having obtained a good report through faith, 103received not the promise:
102 Namely, of whom mention is made in this chapter.
103 That is, the things promised, namely, Christ manifested in the flesh, with the fulfillment of all the shadows of the Old Testament, and the state of the church promised under Him throughout the entire world. See Luke 10:23, 24.
40God having provided 104some better thing for us, 105that they 106without us should not be made perfect.
104 Namely, that all this would be accomplished in our time.
105 Or, so that they without us, etc.
106 Some understand this of their salvation in heaven; but this would be contrary to what is noted on the example of Enoch, verse 5, and contrary to what is spoken of their hope, verse 16, and contrary to the promise of Christ, Mat. 5:12, and other places of Scripture, also contrary to the time in which Paul wrote this, when long ago Christ was ascended into heaven, and therefore also the forefathers, even according to their opinion, were brought into heaven. Therefore this is understood of Christ coming in the flesh, and of the perfecting of the state of the church under the New Testament, as was shown before. For, had perfection been in the Old Testament, the New would not have been necessary, and they would have had their perfection from another cause than we. Without us therefore may suitably taken for: by another cause than we.