FAITH TRIUMPHS. Hebrews 11:33 The writer of the epistle to the Hebrews makes his point so clearly to the faltering Jewish believers by continuing the list of their ancestors, not only by name but also by their great works of faith, and the things they suffered. He removes the veil of doubt from their minds by showing them, through events in the lives of those people of faith, that the vital principle in the life of a Christian is to live and walk by faith. We do the same as we live and walk “by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
In groups of three, he wrote first about what the heroes of faith did. They “subdued kingdoms” in combat; “wrought righteousness” in ruling the people and opposing evil forces within; and
“obtained promises” in their dealings with God. Joshua, David, Asa, Jehoshaphat, and others won battles by faith in God. Elijah, Elisha, and other prophets, along with King Josiah, led the people in the ways of righteousness. Caleb, Gideon, and Barak claimed and received promises.
A second group of people experienced deliverance from wild animals, the power of nature, and the violence of men. David, Samson, Daniel, and Beneiah “stopped the mouths of lions.” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego “quenched the power of fire.” David and Jeremiah come to mind as those who “escaped the edge of the sword.”
The third group of the three experienced the power of faith in their personal lives. Abraham, Sarah, Gideon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Job, Noah, and Daniel “from weakness were made strong.” David, David’s mighty men, Kings Asa and Jehoshaphat, “waxed mighty in war.” Abraham, Moses, and Joshua “turned to flight the armies of the aliens” who refused God’s order of government.
At least two women received their dead sons when, by faith in God, they were raised from the dead. Other people of faith throughout Jewish history were tortured when they could have escaped, because they would not deny who God is or their faith in Him. Some of the books of the Apocrypha and the historical writings of Josephus and Herodotus give insight into some of the atrocities against the Jews in ancient times.
Faith works and suffers. It is active and energetic. It relies on God’s promises. Our Lord Jesus commends strong faith and helps those with little faith, even though He condemns it.
The variety of personalities and the ways their faith was demonstrated in this list teach us that God uses whomever He will for His own purposes when they trust Him. Times of affliction are hard to bear. We may be tempted to escape the pressures imposed on us by faith through compromise or quitting. But faith is commended when we realize that God has something better ahead for us. Obstacles, rough roads, opposition, pain, and suffering lead us to the high ground where the divine will is fulfilled through us for the glory of God and our eternal blessing. Suffering for a little while will lead to glory and blessing forever. Commendable faith like that we read of here brings us into a condition of maturity and the capacity to enjoy God and glorify Him.