Hebrews 11:36-38 (KJV)

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Heb 11:32 (KJV) And what shall I more say? for the
time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of
Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Heb 11:33 (KJV) Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
Heb 11:34 (KJV) Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the
sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight
the armies of the aliens.
Heb 11:35 (KJV) Women received their dead raised to life again: and
others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a
better resurrection:
Heb 11:36 (KJV) And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,
yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:
Heb 11:37 (KJV) They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted,
were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins;
being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
Heb 11:38 (KJV) (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in
deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
Matthew Henry’s Concise
Commentary
Hebrews 11:36-38 (One entry in this verse range.)We should be pleased to
think, how great the number of believers was under the Old Testament, and how
strong their faith, though the objects of it were not then so fully made known
as now. And we should lament that now, in gospel times, when the rule of faith
is more clear and perfect, the number of believers should be so small, and
their faith so weak. It is the excellence of the grace of faith, that, while it
helps men to do great things, like Gideon, it keeps from high and great
thoughts of themselves. Faith, like Barak’s, has recourse unto God in all
dangers and difficulties, and then makes grateful returns to God for all
mercies and deliverances. By faith, the servants of God shall overcome even the
roaring lion that goeth about seeking whom he may devour. The believer’s faith
endures to the end, and, in dying, gives him victory over death and all his
deadly enemies, like Samson. The grace of God often fixes upon very undeserving
and ill-deserving persons, to do great things for them and by them. But the
grace of faith, wherever it is, will put men upon acknowledging God in all
their ways, as Jephthah. It will make men bold and courageous in a good cause.
Few ever met with greater trials, few ever showed more lively faith, than
David, and he has left a testimony as to the trials and acts of faith, in the
book of Psalms, which has been, and ever will be, of great value to the people
of God. Those are likely to grow up to be distinguished for faith, who begin
betimes, like Samuel, to exercise it. And faith will enable a man to serve God
and his generation, in whatever way he may be employed. The interests and
powers of kings and kingdoms, are often opposed to God and his people; but God
can easily subdue all that set themselves against him. It is a greater honour
and happiness to work righteousness than to work miracles. By faith we have
comfort of the promises; and by faith we are prepared to wait for the promises,
and in due time to receive them. And though we do not hope to have our dead
relatives or friends restored to life in this world, yet faith will support
under the loss of them, and direct to the hope of a better resurrection. Shall
we be most amazed at the wickedness of human nature, that it is capable of such
awful cruelties to fellow-creatures, or at the excellence of Divine grace, that
is able to bear up the faithful under such cruelties, and to carry them safely
through all? What a difference between God’s judgement of a saint, and man’s
judgment! The world is not worthy of those scorned, persecuted saints, whom
their persecutors reckon unworthy to live. They are not worthy of their
company, example, counsel, or other benefits. For they know not what a saint
is, nor the worth of a saint, nor how to use him; they hate, and drive such
away, as they do the offer of Christ and his grace.
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