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.

‘Country’ [Greek: patris] fatherland; native city (11:14; Matt. 13:54, 57; Mark 6:1, 4; Luke 4:23-24; John 4:44).

‘Mindful’ [Greek: mnemoneuo] to remember; to call to mind. Translated “be mindful of” (11:15); “make mention” (11:22); and “remember” 19 times (Matt. 16:9; John 15:20; Rev. 2:5; 3:3; etc.). They were not compelled to be strangers and pilgrims or to leave their native country for a heavenly city and country. They had the gospel (Gal. 3:8) and knew that their right to the promises came by utter renunciation of this world and its ways, and consecration to obey the One who made the promises.

‘Opportunity to have returned.’ They could have returned at any time to the place God called them out of, but they were true to Him and their faith in spiritual and eternal things (11:8-16).

‘Desire’ [Greek: oregomai] desire. Ten facts about Christians (11:13-16): They have not received all that was promised. They see clearly promised blessings. They are persuaded that the promises are true. They embrace all the promises. They confess that they are strangers on earth. They confess that they are only pilgrims on earth. They declare that they seek heaven. They are not mindful of earthly things. They are not willing to go back to the world. They desire a heavenly country.

‘Heavenly’ [Greek: epouranois] is that which pertains to heaven. Translated “heaven” (Php. 2:10); “heavenly” (Matt. 18:35; John 3:12; 1Cor. 15:48-49; Eph. 1:3, 20; 2:6; 3:10; 2Tim. 4:18; Heb. 3:1; 6:4; 8:5; 9:23; 11:16; 12:22); “high places” (Eph. 6:12); and “celestial” (1Cor. 15:40).

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…