Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he had prepared for them a city.
‘Promises’ The faith-worthies died in faith, not yet receiving their promises. There are twenty-five unfulfilled promises: Becoming a great nation (Gen. 12:2). A great name (Gen. 12:3). Their blessers blessed. Their cursers cursed. All nations blessed through them (Gen. 12:3; 18:18). The promised land (11:8; Gen. 12:3; 13:15; 15:18; Acts 7:5). Innumerable seed (11:12; Gen. 13:16). Many nations from them (Gen. 17:6, 16). Many kings from them. Covenant with their seed (Gen. 17:7). Ishmael a great nation (Gen. 17:20). Their descendants serve God in righteousness (Gen. 18:18-19; Luke 1:70-75). Their descendants served God in Canaan (Gen. 15:13-14; Acts 7:6-7). The complete fulfilment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 18:19). Their seed possesses their enemies (Gen. 22:17-18; Luke 1:71-74). A heavenly city (11:10, 16). A heavenly country (11:14-16). The salvation of the heathen (Gal. 3:8). A spiritual seed (Rom. 4:16; 9:8). First coming of Messiah (Gal. 3:16; Luke 1:68-75). Death of Messiah and defeat of satan (11:4, 17-18; Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:13-14). Second coming of Messiah (11:5; Jude 1:14-15). Resurrection (11:10, 16, 19; Isa. 26:19; Dan. 12:2). Eternal life to come (11:10-16; Gen. 17:8; Matt. 8:11; 22:32; Luke 1:55). Eternal inheritance (11:10-16; Gal. 3:17-18, 29; Luke 1:68-75).
‘Embraced’ [Greek: aspazomai] Translated as “embrace” (11:13; Acts 20:1); “take leave of” (Acts 21:6); “greet” 14 times (Rom. 16:3-11; 1Cor. 16:20; etc.); and “salute” 37 times (Matt. 5:47; 10:12; Rom. 16:5-23; etc.).
‘Strangers’ [Greek: xenos] Translated as “stranger” (11:13; Matt. 25:35-44; 27:7; Acts 17:21; Eph. 2:12, 19; 3Jn. 1:5); “strange” (Acts 17:18; Heb. 13:9; 1Pet. 4:12); and “host” (Rom. 16:23). It refers to people who are outside their own country; foreigners.
‘Pilgrims’ [Greek: parepidemos] (sojourners; not permanent dwellers; not naturalized (1Pet. 1:1; 2:11).
To be continued…
Living the Word 