Hebrews 11:32-40 NKJV
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: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 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. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again.
Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 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— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
39 And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.
Hebrews 11:32-40 continues to paint a portrait of faith that spans generations, showcasing the unwavering commitment of God’s people to His promises. We find both challenge and encouragement in the examples of faith presented in these verses.
The writer of Hebrews recounts the exploits of various Old Testament heroes—Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained promises. Their stories serve as a testament to the power of faith to overcome obstacles and accomplish great things for God’s kingdom.
Yet, alongside these triumphs, the writer also acknowledges the harsh realities faced by many of God’s faithful servants. Some were mocked and scourged, imprisoned and stoned. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and tormented. They endured trials and tribulations, persecution and suffering, yet they remained steadfast in their faith.
Today, we are reminded that the Christian life is not immune to hardship or adversity. We may face trials and tribulations, persecution and suffering, as we journey through this fallen world. Yet, even in the midst of suffering, our faith remains steadfast, anchored in the unchanging promises of God.
The writer of Hebrews concludes by affirming that all these witnesses, though they did not receive the full realization of God’s promises in their lifetime, nevertheless obtained a good testimony through their faith. They looked forward to a heavenly city whose builder and maker is God, knowing that their ultimate citizenship was in heaven.
Thus, we are called to follow in the footsteps of these faithful witnesses, holding fast to the confession of our hope without wavering. Therefore, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.
Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful people by sending to them the light of your Holy Spirit. By that same Spirit give us a right judgment in all things that we may have and always rejoice in his holy comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.