A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews

AAStudyStudyOf TheOf TheApostleApostle

Paul’s LetterPaul’s LetterTo The To The

HebrewsHebrews

Don’t Don’t drift drift away!away!

Don’t Don’t neglect neglect your your salvationsalvation!!

Don’t Don’t Depart!Depart!

Don’t Don’t fall fall awayaway!!

Don’t cast Don’t cast away your away your confidenceconfidence!!

Don’t Don’t hardeharden your n your heart!heart!

How can we neglect so How can we neglect so greatgreat

a salvation? ~ Hebrews a salvation? ~ Hebrews 2:3 2:3

As mentioned in our last As mentioned in our last installment, we are studying installment, we are studying The The

Hall of FaithHall of Faith——Hebrews 11—wherein —wherein ((according to according to 12:1-2) Paul pictured ) Paul pictured his Jewish-Christian readers as his Jewish-Christian readers as

runners in a race within the runners in a race within the confines of aconfines of a coliseumcoliseum;; andand withinwithin

thethe stadiumstadium seats are all the seats are all the faithful who had run the race faithful who had run the race

before them, cheering them on to before them, cheering them on to final victory.final victory.

I see all the faithful from Abel (I see all the faithful from Abel (11:4) ) to the fulfillment of the promise to the fulfillment of the promise ((11:39-40) as one team running ) as one team running

against sin, as it were, but against sin, as it were, but somewhat like a relay race; so, somewhat like a relay race; so,

since the brethren Paul was writing since the brethren Paul was writing to were on the verge of finally to were on the verge of finally

reaching the finish line,reaching the finish line, theythey were were winning for all who had gone winning for all who had gone

before them. When we look at it before them. When we look at it this way… this way…

WeWe cancan seesee allall thethe moremore howhow

tremendous-tremendous- ly important it was ly important it was that these brethren keep pushing that these brethren keep pushing on—it wasn’t just for their salvation on—it wasn’t just for their salvation as individuals that they were as individuals that they were running, but, in a sense, it was for running, but, in a sense, it was for each and every child of God before each and every child of God before them … them … andand after them! So… after them! So…

After having studied Abel through After having studied Abel through Abra-ham (Abra-ham (vv. 4-19), let’s continue ), let’s continue with Isaac through Rahab. By the with Isaac through Rahab. By the way… way…

The faith of the next three men (The faith of the next three men (vv. 20-22)—Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—)—Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—wasn’t only spoken of when they wasn’t only spoken of when they

were facing death, but while facing were facing death, but while facing death when they hadn’t received death when they hadn’t received

the things promised as well, the things promised as well, something these Hebrews obvi-something these Hebrews obvi-

ously needed to strongly consider. ously needed to strongly consider. So…So…

By faith Isaac By faith Isaac [when he was [when he was dying]dying] blessed blessed Jacob and Esau Jacob and Esau concernconcerning ing things to come.things to come.

HebrewHebrews s 11:20 11:20

By faith Isaac By faith Isaac [when he was [when he was dying]dying] blessed blessed Jacob and Esau Jacob and Esau concernconcerning ing things to come.things to come.

In reference to his In reference to his faith in the faith in the promises of God promises of God ((10:36), and in ), and in reference to his reference to his faith in things he faith in things he hadn’t seen but hadn’t seen but only hoped for only hoped for ((11:1), Isaac ), Isaac blessed his twin blessed his twin sons.sons.

In reference to his In reference to his faith in the faith in the promises of God promises of God ((10:36), and in ), and in reference to his reference to his faith in things he faith in things he hadn’t seen but hadn’t seen but only hoped for only hoped for ((11:1), Isaac ), Isaac blessed his twin blessed his twin sons.sons.

By faith Isaac By faith Isaac [when he was [when he was dying]dying] blessedblessed Jacob and Esau Jacob and Esau concernconcerning ing things to come.things to come.

This means This means to to sanc-tify sanc-tify oror set set apart for serviceapart for service;; soso thisthis verse verse means that Isaac means that Isaac sanctified each sanctified each one of his sons one of his sons for the individual for the individual parts they would parts they would fulfill within God’s fulfill within God’s promises to promises to Abraham about Abraham about his posterity.his posterity.

This means This means to to sanc-tify sanc-tify oror set set apart for serviceapart for service;; soso thisthis verse verse means that Isaac means that Isaac sanctified each sanctified each one of his sons one of his sons for the individual for the individual parts they would parts they would fulfill within God’s fulfill within God’s promises to promises to Abraham about Abraham about his posterity.his posterity.

By faithBy faith Isaac Isaac [when he was [when he was dying]dying] blessed blessed Jacob and Esau Jacob and Esau concernconcerning ing things to come.things to come.

AlthoughAlthough blindblind Isaac was initially Isaac was initially upset that he had upset that he had blessed Jacob as blessed Jacob as the leader instead the leader instead of Esau, he didn’t of Esau, he didn’t revoke it, trusting revoke it, trusting that it hap-pened that it hap-pened just as God just as God intended. So… intended. So…

AlthoughAlthough blindblind Isaac was initially Isaac was initially upset that he had upset that he had blessed Jacob as blessed Jacob as the leader instead the leader instead of Esau, he didn’t of Esau, he didn’t revoke it, trusting revoke it, trusting that it hap-pened that it hap-pened just as God just as God intended. So… intended. So…

As Isaac As Isaac blindlyblindly trusted that God’s trusted that God’s will wouldwill would bebe accomplishedaccomplished ((even if even if

he didn’t understand how or why it he didn’t understand how or why it would be executed differently than he would be executed differently than he

expectedexpected), so these brethren needed ), so these brethren needed to trust that God wasto trust that God was inin control,control,

even of those things they couldn’t even of those things they couldn’t see or understand.see or understand.

By faith Jacob, By faith Jacob, when he was dy-when he was dy-ing, blessed ing, blessed each of the sons each of the sons of Joseph and of Joseph and wor-shipped wor-shipped [God][God], leaning , leaning on the top of his on the top of his staff.staff.



Like Isaac, Jacob Like Isaac, Jacob (renamed (renamed Israel by God), in by God), in reference to his reference to his faith in the faith in the promises of God promises of God handed down to handed down to him by his father, him by his father, and in reference and in reference to his faith in to his faith in things he also things he also didn’t get to see didn’t get to see but only hoped but only hoped for, blessed for, blessed Ephraim and Ephraim and Manasseh.Manasseh.

Like Isaac, Jacob Like Isaac, Jacob (renamed (renamed Israel by God), in by God), in reference to his reference to his faith in the faith in the promises of God promises of God handed down to handed down to him by his father, him by his father, and in reference and in reference to his faith in to his faith in things he also things he also didn’t get to see didn’t get to see but only hoped but only hoped for, blessed for, blessed Ephraim and Ephraim and Manasseh.Manasseh.


Jacob (Jacob (who was who was going blind like his going blind like his father and who, no father and who, no doubt, re-doubt, re-membering his membering his father at this pointfather at this point) ) just trusted that just trusted that he’d bless these he’d bless these boys as God boys as God desired them to desired them to be blessed, be blessed, whether he could whether he could see them or not. see them or not.

Jacob (Jacob (who was who was going blind like his going blind like his father and who, no father and who, no doubt, re-doubt, re-membering his membering his father at this pointfather at this point) ) just trusted that just trusted that he’d bless these he’d bless these boys as God boys as God desired them to desired them to be blessed, be blessed, whether he could whether he could see them or not. see them or not.


As in Isaac’s case, As in Isaac’s case, the younger was the younger was again blessed as again blessed as being greater being greater than the than the firstborn. God was firstborn. God was in control, so all in control, so all things worked out things worked out just as planned.just as planned.

As in Isaac’s case, As in Isaac’s case, the younger was the younger was again blessed as again blessed as being greater being greater than the than the firstborn. God was firstborn. God was in control, so all in control, so all things worked out things worked out just as planned.just as planned.


This phrase This phrase makes me wonder makes me wonder if Paul was if Paul was thinking about thinking about how Jacob gave how Jacob gave God praise even God praise even though he knew though he knew that he himselfthat he himself

((likelike hishis father father before himbefore him) would ) would die before the die before the pro-mises were pro-mises were realized.realized.

This phrase This phrase makes me wonder makes me wonder if Paul was if Paul was thinking about thinking about how Jacob gave how Jacob gave God praise even God praise even though he knew though he knew that he himselfthat he himself

((likelike hishis father father before himbefore him) would ) would die before the die before the pro-mises were pro-mises were realized.realized.

By faith Jacob, By faith Jacob, when he was dy-when he was dy-ing, blessed ing, blessed each of the sons each of the sons of Joseph and of Joseph and wor-shipped wor-shipped [God][God], leaning , leaning on the top of his on the top of his staffstaff..

This very likely This very likely re-fers to an re-fers to an earlier event (earlier event (Gen. 47) that ) that transpired when transpired when Jacob had Joseph Jacob had Joseph swear that he swear that he would bury him in would bury him in Canaan (the Canaan (the promised land), promised land), not in Egypt not in Egypt where he died, for where he died, for Canaan was Canaan was where Jacob’s where Jacob’s faith held that faith held that God’s promises God’s promises would be fulfilled. would be fulfilled. Besides…Besides…

This very likely This very likely re-fers to an re-fers to an earlier event (earlier event (Gen. 47) that ) that transpired when transpired when Jacob had Joseph Jacob had Joseph swear that he swear that he would bury him in would bury him in Canaan (the Canaan (the promised land), promised land), not in Egypt not in Egypt where he died, for where he died, for Canaan was Canaan was where Jacob’s where Jacob’s faith held that faith held that God’s promises God’s promises would be fulfilled. would be fulfilled. Besides…Besides…

……this this interpretation interpretation leads perfectly leads perfectly into the next into the next verse.verse.

……this this interpretation interpretation leads perfectly leads perfectly into the next into the next verse.verse.

By faith Joseph, By faith Joseph, when he was dy-when he was dy-ing,ing, mademade mention of the mention of the departure departure ((lit.lit.

exodusexodus )) of the of the children of children of Israel and gave Israel and gave instruc-tions instruc-tions concerning his concerning his bones.bones.


Made mention is is fromfrom aa termterm meaningmeaning to to rememberremember or or re-re-mindmind; so as he ; so as he was dying, Joseph was dying, Joseph not only not only remembered remembered God’s promises God’s promises and reminded and reminded Israel of them, Israel of them, but he also but he also informed them of informed them of God’s prophecy God’s prophecy con- con- cerning their cerning their deliver-deliverance ance fromfrom bondage.bondage.

Made mention is is fromfrom aa termterm meaningmeaning to to rememberremember or or re-re-mindmind; so as he ; so as he was dying, Joseph was dying, Joseph not only not only remembered remembered God’s promises God’s promises and reminded and reminded Israel of them, Israel of them, but he also but he also informed them of informed them of God’s prophecy God’s prophecy con- con- cerning their cerning their deliver-deliverance ance fromfrom bondage.bondage.

By faith Joseph, By faith Joseph, when he was dy-when he was dy-ing,ing, mademade mention of the mention of the departuredeparture ((lit.lit.

exodusexodus )) of the of the children of children of IsraelIsrael and gave and gave instruc-tions instruc-tions concerning his concerning his bones.bones.

And when they And when they left Egypt, Joseph, left Egypt, Joseph, like his father, like his father, wanted them to wanted them to take his body take his body with them so he with them so he could also be could also be buried in the pro-buried in the pro-mised land, which mised land, which they did (they did (Jsh. 24:32).).

And when they And when they left Egypt, Joseph, left Egypt, Joseph, like his father, like his father, wanted them to wanted them to take his body take his body with them so he with them so he could also be could also be buried in the pro-buried in the pro-mised land, which mised land, which they did (they did (Jsh. 24:32).).

By faith Joseph, By faith Joseph, when when hehe was dy- was dy-ing,ing, mademade mention of the mention of the departure departure ((lit.lit.

exodusexodus )) of the of the children of children of Israel and Israel and gave gave instruc-tions instruc-tions concerning his concerning his bonesbones..

Joseph, a great example of Joseph, a great example of unwavering faith(fulness) in the unwavering faith(fulness) in the

midst of terrible trials, said at the midst of terrible trials, said at the end of his life that God end of his life that God meant it all for good ( (Gen. 50:20); so Jo-seph, like ); so Jo-seph, like

all those Paul had already all those Paul had already mentioned, not only mentioned, not only livedlived in faith, , but also but also dieddied in faith ( (v. 13). Would ). Would

these Hebrews follow in his these Hebrews follow in his footsteps?footsteps?

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he was when he was born,born, was was hidden three hidden three months by his months by his parents, parents, because they because they saw he was a saw he was a beautiful child; beautiful child; and they were and they were not afraidnot afraid ofof thethe king’s king’s command.command.


By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he was when he was born,born, was was hidden three hidden three months by his months by his parents, parents, because they because they saw he was a saw he was a beautifulbeautiful child; child; and they were and they were not afraidnot afraid ofof thethe king’s king’s command.command.

This is from a This is from a term that means term that means comelycomely. Who was . Who was Moses comely to? Moses comely to? To God: Stephen, To God: Stephen, using the same using the same original term, said original term, said of Moses that he of Moses that he was well pleas-ing (comelycomely) to God ((Acts 7:20).).

This is from a This is from a term that means term that means comelycomely. Who was . Who was Moses comely to? Moses comely to? To God: Stephen, To God: Stephen, using the same using the same original term, said original term, said of Moses that he of Moses that he was well pleas-ing (comelycomely) to God ((Acts 7:20).).

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he was when he was born,born, was was hidden three hidden three months by his months by his parentsparents, , because they because they saw he was a saw he was a beautiful child; beautiful child; and they were and they were not afraidnot afraid ofof thethe king’s king’s command.command.

God evidently re-God evidently re-vealed to Amram vealed to Amram and Jochebed that and Jochebed that Moses was Moses was import-ant toimport-ant to HimHim as wellas well as to as to Israel; so, know-Israel; so, know-ing by faith that ing by faith that God was with God was with them, they (his them, they (his parents) hid parents) hid Moses.Moses.

God evidently re-God evidently re-vealed to Amram vealed to Amram and Jochebed that and Jochebed that Moses was Moses was import-ant toimport-ant to HimHim as wellas well as to as to Israel; so, know-Israel; so, know-ing by faith that ing by faith that God was with God was with them, they (his them, they (his parents) hid parents) hid Moses.Moses.

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he was when he was born,born, was was hidden three hidden three months by his months by his parents, parents, because they because they saw he was a saw he was a beautiful child; beautiful child; and and they were they were not afraidnot afraid ofof thethe king’s king’s commandcommand..

As Moses’ parents As Moses’ parents weren’t afraid of weren’t afraid of Pharaoh (God Pharaoh (God being on their being on their side), so these side), so these brethren brethren shouldn’t be shouldn’t be afraid of political afraid of political leaders like Nero leaders like Nero or the great or the great Sanhedrin of Sanhedrin of Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

As Moses’ parents As Moses’ parents weren’t afraid of weren’t afraid of Pharaoh (God Pharaoh (God being on their being on their side), so these side), so these brethren brethren shouldn’t be shouldn’t be afraid of political afraid of political leaders like Nero leaders like Nero or the great or the great Sanhedrin of Sanhedrin of Jerusalem.Jerusalem.

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he when he became of age, became of age, refused to be refused to be called the son of called the son of Pharaoh’s Pharaoh’s daughter, daughter, choos-ing rather choos-ing rather to suf-fer to suf-fer affliction with affliction with the people of the people of God than to God than to enjoy the enjoy the passing passing pleasures of pleasures of sin…sin…

HebrewHebrews s 11:24-11:24-25 25

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he when he became of agebecame of age, , refused to be refused to be called the son of called the son of Pharaoh’s Pharaoh’s daughter, daughter, choos-ing rather choos-ing rather to suf-fer to suf-fer affliction with affliction with the people of the people of God than to God than to enjoy the enjoy the passing passing pleasures of pleasures of sin…sin…

This refers to, as This refers to, as Stephen said, Stephen said, when he was forty years old ( (Acts 7:23); i.e., when); i.e., when MosesMoses became old became old enough so that he enough so that he could fully exert could fully exert his faith, he—by his faith, he—by his own free will—his own free will—re-fused royalty re-fused royalty and riches, and riches, joining him-self to joining him-self to his native people, his native people, the poor and the poor and suffering suffering Israelites.Israelites.

This refers to, as This refers to, as Stephen said, Stephen said, when he was forty years old ( (Acts 7:23); i.e., when); i.e., when MosesMoses became old became old enough so that he enough so that he could fully exert could fully exert his faith, he—by his faith, he—by his own free will—his own free will—re-fused royalty re-fused royalty and riches, and riches, joining him-self to joining him-self to his native people, his native people, the poor and the poor and suffering suffering Israelites.Israelites.

By faith Moses, By faith Moses, when he when he became of age, became of age, refused to be refused to be called the son of called the son of Pharaoh’s Pharaoh’s daughter, daughter, choos-ing rather choos-ing rather to suf-fer to suf-fer affliction with affliction with the people of the people of God than to God than to enjoy the enjoy the passing passing pleasures of pleasures of sinsin……

Plenty of Plenty of opportuni-ty for opportuni-ty for the the pleasures of sin couldcould bebe found found in Pharaoh’s court in Pharaoh’s court and in Egypt, and in Egypt, espe-cially when espe-cially when power and wealth power and wealth were possessed. were possessed. But… But…

Plenty of Plenty of opportuni-ty for opportuni-ty for the the pleasures of sin couldcould bebe found found in Pharaoh’s court in Pharaoh’s court and in Egypt, and in Egypt, espe-cially when espe-cially when power and wealth power and wealth were possessed. were possessed. But… But…

Moses was wise enough to know Moses was wise enough to know that these pleasures were fleeting that these pleasures were fleeting

in nature, while the promises of His in nature, while the promises of His God (God (about which his mother, no doubt, about which his mother, no doubt,

informed him, informed him, Exo. 2:1-10)) were were everlasting in nature.everlasting in nature. Like-wise, Like-wise,

these Hebrew brethren, like Paul, these Hebrew brethren, like Paul, needed the attitude of Moses: needed the attitude of Moses:

Paul’s attitude said, Paul’s attitude said, I consider that the suffer-ings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with

the glory that is about to be revealed in us ( (Rom. 8:18).).

One reason I believe that Paul used One reason I believe that Paul used Moses as an example was to show Moses as an example was to show that there’s no middle ground: just that there’s no middle ground: just as Moses sided with the Hebrews as Moses sided with the Hebrews by slaying the Egyptian guard, so by slaying the Egyptian guard, so there was no middle ground for there was no middle ground for

these Hebrews; i.e., they couldn’t these Hebrews; i.e., they couldn’t return to Judaism and be neutral return to Judaism and be neutral

about Jesus at the same time. They about Jesus at the same time. They either truly believed in Him and His either truly believed in Him and His soon coming to fulfill God’s promis-soon coming to fulfill God’s promis-

es, or they didn’t. It was that es, or they didn’t. It was that simple.simple.

……esteeming the esteeming the reproach of reproach of Christ Christ greater greater riches thanriches than the the treasures in E-treasures in E-gypt;gypt; forfor hehe

looked to the looked to the reward.reward.




Many, perhaps Many, perhaps even most, of the even most, of the suffer-ings that suffer-ings that Abraham’s Abraham’s posterity or God’s posterity or God’s people endured people endured werewere due to who due to who they were. they were. I.e…. I.e….

Many, perhaps Many, perhaps even most, of the even most, of the suffer-ings that suffer-ings that Abraham’s Abraham’s posterity or God’s posterity or God’s people endured people endured werewere due to who due to who they were. they were. I.e…. I.e….

BecauseBecause theythey werewere God’sGod’s peoplepeople

through through whomwhom wouldwould comecome thethe

promisedpromised Messiah,Messiah, they likely they likely experienced more captivities andexperienced more captivities and

suchsuch likelike thanthan anyany otherother nationnation from from the time of Abraham to Israel’s the time of Abraham to Israel’s demise in AD 70.demise in AD 70.

Was it because the other nations Was it because the other nations knew they were God’s favored knew they were God’s favored people and were jealous? I think people and were jealous? I think not. I believe… not. I believe…

God Himself was behind their God Himself was behind their negative (as well as their positive) negative (as well as their positive) situations for one grand purpose—situations for one grand purpose—to successfully bring His promises to successfully bring His promises to fruition through Jesus. In other to fruition through Jesus. In other words…words…

Not only did God arrange things so Not only did God arrange things so that the secular world would be in that the secular world would be in existence in a certain form when existence in a certain form when Christ came (Christ came (Dan. 2:21)), , butbut HeHe alsoalso arrangedarranged thingsthings soso that thethat the religiousreligious worldworld of the Jews would be of the Jews would be inin existenceexistence inin aa certain form when certain form when ChristChrist came ( came (cf. cf. 11:3); everything ); everything had to be ar-ranged and timed had to be ar-ranged and timed perfectly (perfectly (Eph. 1:10).).

……esteeming esteeming the the reproach of reproach of ChristChrist greater greater riches thanriches than the the treasures in E-treasures in E-gypt;gypt; forfor hehe


This was This was obviously used obviously used here in refer-ence here in refer-ence to any perse-to any perse-cution that cution that anyone suffered anyone suffered who was who was connected with connected with the promise of the promise of God; i.e., God; i.e., the suffering of the people of God ( (v. 25) = ) = the reproach of (or due to the coming) Christ..

This was This was obviously used obviously used here in refer-ence here in refer-ence to any perse-to any perse-cution that cution that anyone suffered anyone suffered who was who was connected with connected with the promise of the promise of God; i.e., God; i.e., the suffering of the people of God ( (v. 25) = ) = the reproach of (or due to the coming) Christ..

Unlike many of these Hebrews, Unlike many of these Hebrews, Moses considered that his Moses considered that his

maltreatment for God would only maltreatment for God would only result in greater riches than all the result in greater riches than all the

treasures of Egypt. Paul once treasures of Egypt. Paul once wrote, wrote, Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not

look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not

seen. For the things which are seen [such as our afflictions] are

temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal ( (2 Cor. 4:17-

18).).

In In Hebrews 13:13, Paul, probably , Paul, probably with Moses in mind again, said, with Moses in mind again, said, Let

us go forth … bearing Christ’s reproach; i.e., Paul was saying, ; i.e., Paul was saying, If If our ancestorsour ancestors could do it for Christ could do it for Christ

so long before He even arrived, so long before He even arrived, surely we can do it now so soon surely we can do it now so soon

after His first coming and so near after His first coming and so near His next comingHis next coming ( (cf. cf. 9:28 & & 10:37).).

Milligan made a very interesting Milligan made a very interesting point when he wrote, point when he wrote, It may be It may be

truly said that all reproach suffered truly said that all reproach suffered for righteous-ness’ sake since the for righteous-ness’ sake since the world began has been suffered for world began has been suffered for Christ’s sakeChrist’s sake. The reason I find this . The reason I find this intriguing is because it makes me intriguing is because it makes me

wonder if Jesus thought to Himself, wonder if Jesus thought to Himself, How can I NOT do whatever it takes How can I NOT do whatever it takes to save those who wish to be saved to save those who wish to be saved

after all the suffering men have after all the suffering men have endured through the centuries in endured through the centuries in

order to bring Me here for this very order to bring Me here for this very purpose?purpose?


looked to the looked to the rewardreward..

This literally This literally means that means that he he looked away fromlooked away from the the pleasures of sin and and the trea-sures of Egypt and intently and intently towardtoward the the greater riches or or the reward to be to be had by bearing up had by bearing up under under Christ’s reproach..

This literally This literally means that means that he he looked away fromlooked away from the the pleasures of sin and and the trea-sures of Egypt and intently and intently towardtoward the the greater riches or or the reward to be to be had by bearing up had by bearing up under under Christ’s reproach..

This reward is an obvious reference This reward is an obvious reference to theto the eternaleternal oneone ((not thenot the temporaltemporal oneone in the Canaan-inheritancein the Canaan-inheritance)) that that waswas finallyfinally about to be realized (about to be realized (cf. cf. Rev. 22:12); i.e., Moses exchanged ); i.e., Moses exchanged an earthly possession for a an earthly possession for a heavenly one. Speaking of heavenly one. Speaking of the reward……

It’s very likely that Paul was It’s very likely that Paul was thinking about how these Hebrews thinking about how these Hebrews were suffer-ing the loss of material were suffer-ing the loss of material things because of Christianity (things because of Christianity (cf. cf.

10:34 & & Rev. 13:16-17), so they needed ), so they needed just this sort of en-couragement just this sort of en-couragement from the life of Moses.from the life of Moses.

ByBy faithfaith hehe

forsook Egypt, forsook Egypt, not fearing the not fearing the wrath of the wrath of the king king (cf. (cf. v. 23b)); ; for he endured for he endured as seeing Him as seeing Him who is invisible.who is invisible.



forsook Egyptforsook Egypt, , not fearing the not fearing the wrath of the wrath of the king king (cf. (cf. v. 23b)); ; for he endured for he endured as seeing Him as seeing Him who is invisible.who is invisible.

There’s a lot of There’s a lot of de-batede-bate asas toto whichwhich for-saking for-saking of Egypt Paul was of Egypt Paul was talking about, talking about, whether it was whether it was when Moses left when Moses left the first time at the first time at the age of 40 the age of 40 after killing the after killing the Egyptian task-Egyptian task-master or when master or when he left the last he left the last time at the age of time at the age of 80 with the80 with the IsraelitesIsraelites inin tow.tow.

There’s a lot of There’s a lot of de-batede-bate asas toto whichwhich for-saking for-saking of Egypt Paul was of Egypt Paul was talking about, talking about, whether it was whether it was when Moses left when Moses left the first time at the first time at the age of 40 the age of 40 after killing the after killing the Egyptian task-Egyptian task-master or when master or when he left the last he left the last time at the age of time at the age of 80 with the80 with the IsraelitesIsraelites inin tow.tow.


forsook Egypt, forsook Egypt, not fearing the not fearing the wrath of wrath of the the kingking (cf. (cf. v. 23b)); ; for he endured for he endured as seeing Him as seeing Him who is invisible.who is invisible.

As in As in verse 23, , this has reference this has reference to the Pharaoh; to the Pharaoh; as far as which as far as which Pharaoh Paul hadPharaoh Paul had inin mindmind depends depends on which on which forsaking of Egypt forsaking of Egypt he had in mind.he had in mind.

As in As in verse 23, , this has reference this has reference to the Pharaoh; to the Pharaoh; as far as which as far as which Pharaoh Paul hadPharaoh Paul had inin mindmind depends depends on which on which forsaking of Egypt forsaking of Egypt he had in mind.he had in mind.


forsook Egypt, forsook Egypt, not fearing the not fearing the wrath of the wrath of the king king (cf. (cf. v. 23b)); ; for he endured for he endured as seeing as seeing Him Him who is invisiblewho is invisible..

This is clearly an This is clearly an al-lusion to God al-lusion to God as op-posed to as op-posed to the many the many visible visible idols of Egyptidols of Egypt, , besides the fact besides the fact that Paul that Paul emphasized faith emphasized faith in the invisible in the invisible various times al-various times al-ready since ready since 11:1. . So… So…

This is clearly an This is clearly an al-lusion to God al-lusion to God as op-posed to as op-posed to the many the many visible visible idols of Egyptidols of Egypt, , besides the fact besides the fact that Paul that Paul emphasized faith emphasized faith in the invisible in the invisible various times al-various times al-ready since ready since 11:1. . So… So…


forsook Egypt, forsook Egypt, not fearing the not fearing the wrath of the wrath of the king king (cf. (cf. v. 23b)); ; for he endured for he endured as seeing Him as seeing Him who is invisible.who is invisible.

Paul’s point to Paul’s point to these brethren these brethren was that was that faithfaith, , not not fearfear, is what , is what should prevail. should prevail. Whether they Whether they were afraid or not were afraid or not was much less was much less important than important than whether they whether they obeyed or not. obeyed or not. TheseThese believersbelievers needed to learn needed to learn to see or to focus to see or to focus on seeing what on seeing what unun-believers -believers couldn’t see.couldn’t see.

Paul’s point to Paul’s point to these brethren these brethren was that was that faithfaith, , not not fearfear, is what , is what should prevail. should prevail. Whether they Whether they were afraid or not were afraid or not was much less was much less important than important than whether they whether they obeyed or not. obeyed or not. TheseThese believersbelievers needed to learn needed to learn to see or to focus to see or to focus on seeing what on seeing what unun-believers -believers couldn’t see.couldn’t see.

After all, that’s After all, that’s been Paul’s point been Paul’s point all along —faith isall along —faith is seeing what can’t seeing what can’t be seenbe seen..

After all, that’s After all, that’s been Paul’s point been Paul’s point all along —faith isall along —faith is seeing what can’t seeing what can’t be seenbe seen..

By faith he kept By faith he kept the Passover the Passover and the and the sprinkling of sprinkling of blood, lest he blood, lest he who destroyed who destroyed the firstborn the firstborn should touch should touch them.them.


By faith he By faith he keptkept the Passover the Passover and the and the sprinkling of sprinkling of blood, lest he blood, lest he who destroyed who destroyed the firstborn the firstborn should touch should touch them.them.

This is from a This is from a term that actually term that actually means means to maketo make, , therefore therefore meaning that meaning that Moses Moses institutedinstituted the Pass-over the Pass-over with its attend-with its attend-ing blood-ing blood-sprinkling ritual sprinkling ritual on Israel.on Israel.

So… So…

This is from a This is from a term that actually term that actually means means to maketo make, , therefore therefore meaning that meaning that Moses Moses institutedinstituted the Pass-over the Pass-over with its attend-with its attend-ing blood-ing blood-sprinkling ritual sprinkling ritual on Israel.on Israel.

So… So…

Although no one had ever heard of Although no one had ever heard of such a thing before, and although such a thing before, and although none of the previous nine plagues none of the previous nine plagues

had worked, Moses still had faith in had worked, Moses still had faith in God, a faith that provoked him to God, a faith that provoked him to

establish and observe theestablish and observe the PassoverPassover

withwith thethe sprinklingsprinkling ofof blood in order blood in order to keep the death angel from killing to keep the death angel from killing

any of the firstborn of Israel. And any of the firstborn of Israel. And guess what? Ifguess what? If anyany IsraelitesIsraelites werewere

slain, there isn’t a word about it. slain, there isn’t a word about it. Hmmm…Hmmm…

Since this letter concerns the Since this letter concerns the things these Jerusalem Christians things these Jerusalem Christians

were facing that led up to the were facing that led up to the destruction of AD 70, and since destruction of AD 70, and since

history claims that no Chris-tians history claims that no Chris-tians were killed in Jerusalem’s demise, were killed in Jerusalem’s demise, it makes me wonder if Paul was it makes me wonder if Paul was

again indicating that if they would again indicating that if they would just have faith and obey like their just have faith and obey like their ancestors, they too would escape ancestors, they too would escape

the wrath of Godthe wrath of God((cf. cf. Rev. 3:12, , 14:1, & , & 22:4).).

By faith they By faith they passed through passed through the Red Sea as the Red Sea as by dry land, by dry land, whereas the whereas the Egyptians, Egyptians, attempting to attempting to do so, were do so, were drowned.drowned.


As with As with verses 11 & & 23, I believe , I believe this verse refers this verse refers to the unwavering to the unwavering faith of Moses, faith of Moses, not the so-called not the so-called “faith” of the “faith” of the IsraelitesIsraelites ((cf.cf. Exo. 14: 11-14). ). However…However…

As with As with verses 11 & & 23, I believe , I believe this verse refers this verse refers to the unwavering to the unwavering faith of Moses, faith of Moses, not the so-called not the so-called “faith” of the “faith” of the IsraelitesIsraelites ((cf.cf. Exo. 14: 11-14). ). However…However…


If Paul did mean the faith of If Paul did mean the faith of thosethose He-brews as they seemed to face a He-brews as they seemed to face a no-way-out situation, surely no-way-out situation, surely thesethese Hebrews—by faith—could do the Hebrews—by faith—could do the same while facing their seemingly same while facing their seemingly similar situation. So…similar situation. So…

Either Paul was referring to Moses’ Either Paul was referring to Moses’ faith, or the Israelites’ faith, or the faith, or the Israelites’ faith, or the faith of the Israelites led by Moses faith of the Israelites led by Moses and his faith, which seems to be and his faith, which seems to be the idea in the next verse the idea in the next verse concerning the Israelites and concerning the Israelites and Joshua, Moses’ successor. Joshua, Moses’ successor.

ByBy faithfaith thethe

IsraelitesIsraelites passed passed thru the Red Sea, thru the Red Sea, but I’m sure it but I’m sure it waswas onlyonly duedue toto

their their fearfear of of Pharaoh that the Pharaoh that the EgyptiansEgyptians tried to tried to make it through make it through as well. as well. (Here’s (Here’s where we can see where we can see the differ-ence in the differ-ence in result between result between those who act out of those who act out of faith and those who faith and those who act merely out of act merely out of fear.)fear.)

ByBy faithfaith thethe

IsraelitesIsraelites passed passed thru the Red Sea, thru the Red Sea, but I’m sure it but I’m sure it waswas onlyonly duedue toto

their their fearfear of of Pharaoh that the Pharaoh that the EgyptiansEgyptians tried to tried to make it through make it through as well. as well. (Here’s (Here’s where we can see where we can see the differ-ence in the differ-ence in result between result between those who act out of those who act out of faith and those who faith and those who act merely out of act merely out of fear.)fear.)


Paul’s readers were to learn from Paul’s readers were to learn from Moses that true faith means Moses that true faith means

obeying God no matter how bad obeying God no matter how bad things seem to be and no matter things seem to be and no matter

what the perceived conse-quences what the perceived conse-quences might be!might be!

By faith the By faith the walls of Jericho walls of Jericho fell down after fell down after they were they were encircled for encircled for seven days.seven days.


By faith the By faith the walls of Jericho walls of Jericho fell down after fell down after they were they were encircled for encircled for seven days.seven days.

Jericho was the Jericho was the first city taken by first city taken by Israel once she Israel once she finally arrived in finally arrived in the pro-mised the pro-mised land; and it was a land; and it was a well-fortified city. well-fortified city. But, by faith, But, by faith, those fortification those fortification walls simply fell walls simply fell down (down (Jsh. 6:20).).

Jericho was the Jericho was the first city taken by first city taken by Israel once she Israel once she finally arrived in finally arrived in the pro-mised the pro-mised land; and it was a land; and it was a well-fortified city. well-fortified city. But, by faith, But, by faith, those fortification those fortification walls simply fell walls simply fell down (down (Jsh. 6:20).).

This is another case that indicates This is another case that indicates God’s waysGod’s ways are not man’s ways;are not man’s ways;

i.e.,i.e., apparent-ly as another test for apparent-ly as another test for His own people as well as a His own people as well as a

statement to all the inhabi-tants of statement to all the inhabi-tants of Canaan, God asked His people to do Canaan, God asked His people to do

what seemed ridiculous: march what seemed ridiculous: march around the city seven days, then around the city seven days, then

blow horns and shout on the blow horns and shout on the seventh day to bring the walls seventh day to bring the walls

down. Can you picture a general down. Can you picture a general having his troops do this today? having his troops do this today?

Certainly not. So… Certainly not. So…

To do this (To do this (perhaps with the citizens of perhaps with the citizens of Jeri-cho rolling around on their walls Jeri-cho rolling around on their walls

laughing at themlaughing at them)) took lots of faith,took lots of faith, and,and, in this case, not a recorded in this case, not a recorded word of disbelief was ut-tered by word of disbelief was ut-tered by the Israelties; by having faith in the Israelties; by having faith in

and obeying God, they emerged as and obeying God, they emerged as victors! Would God have brought victors! Would God have brought

those walls down had Israel those walls down had Israel notnot had had faith and obeyed? I doubt it.faith and obeyed? I doubt it.

By faith the By faith the harlot Rahab did harlot Rahab did not perish with not perish with those who did those who did not be-lieve not be-lieve when she had when she had received the received the spies with spies with peace.peace.


By faith the By faith the harlot Rahab did harlot Rahab did not perish with not perish with those who did those who did not be-lieve not be-lieve when she had when she had received the received the spies with spies with peace.peace.

Rahab is clearly Rahab is clearly stated to have stated to have been a harlot, not been a harlot, not just an inn-keeper just an inn-keeper as some claim; as some claim; but though a but though a harlot harlot andand a a Gentile, she (Gentile, she (as as Tamar, Ruth, and Tamar, Ruth, and BathshebaBathsheba) be-) be-came an ancestor came an ancestor of the Christ (of the Christ (Mat. 1:5). ). Why? Why?

Rahab is clearly Rahab is clearly stated to have stated to have been a harlot, not been a harlot, not just an inn-keeper just an inn-keeper as some claim; as some claim; but though a but though a harlot harlot andand a a Gentile, she (Gentile, she (as as Tamar, Ruth, and Tamar, Ruth, and BathshebaBathsheba) be-) be-came an ancestor came an ancestor of the Christ (of the Christ (Mat. 1:5). ). Why? Why?

Because of her righteous treatment Because of her righteous treatment to-ward two of God’s people. And to-ward two of God’s people. And why did she take this risk?why did she take this risk?

Because she believed the reports Because she believed the reports con-cerning what Yahweh had done con-cerning what Yahweh had done for His people Israel. for His people Israel. See… See…

She knew about their deliverance She knew about their deliverance from Egypt and their crossing of from Egypt and their crossing of

the Red Sea (the Red Sea (Jsh. 2:8-14), so she said ), so she said that Yahweh, not some Jerichoan that Yahweh, not some Jerichoan idol, is idol, is God in Hea-ven above and on Earth beneath. And she (as all . And she (as all

the other Jerichoans) knew that the the other Jerichoans) knew that the Lord had purposed to give Isra-el Lord had purposed to give Isra-el

her people’s land, so she (her people’s land, so she (unlike the unlike the other citizens except her familyother citizens except her family) ) yielded to Yahweh’s will by yielded to Yahweh’s will by

willingly welcoming and hiding two willingly welcoming and hiding two of God’s people with peace—pure of God’s people with peace—pure

motives. In fact… motives. In fact…

By faith the By faith the harlot Rahab did harlot Rahab did not perish with not perish with those who did those who did not be-lievenot be-lieve when she had when she had received the received the spies with spies with peace.peace.

This isn’t from the This isn’t from the normal phrase for normal phrase for unbelief or lack of unbelief or lack of faith; it’s from a faith; it’s from a phrase which phrase which refers to refers to disbelief disbelief mani-festing itself mani-festing itself in dis-obediencein dis-obedience. . I.e…. I.e….

This isn’t from the This isn’t from the normal phrase for normal phrase for unbelief or lack of unbelief or lack of faith; it’s from a faith; it’s from a phrase which phrase which refers to refers to disbelief disbelief mani-festing itself mani-festing itself in dis-obediencein dis-obedience. . I.e…. I.e….

By faith the By faith the harlot Rahab did harlot Rahab did not perish with not perish with those who did those who did not be-lievenot be-lieve when she had when she had received the received the spies with spies with peace.peace.

It speaks of the It speaks of the fail-ure on the fail-ure on the part of the part of the citizens of Jeri-citizens of Jeri-cho to believe cho to believe that God had that God had given the land to given the land to the Isra-elites, the Isra-elites, manifesting itself manifesting itself in their refusal to in their refusal to surrender. Inci-surrender. Inci-dentally, Rahab’s dentally, Rahab’s name reflects her name reflects her people, for it people, for it means means insolenceinsolence, , violenceviolence, and , and pridepride. So… . So…

It speaks of the It speaks of the fail-ure on the fail-ure on the part of the part of the citizens of Jeri-citizens of Jeri-cho to believe cho to believe that God had that God had given the land to given the land to the Isra-elites, the Isra-elites, manifesting itself manifesting itself in their refusal to in their refusal to surrender. Inci-surrender. Inci-dentally, Rahab’s dentally, Rahab’s name reflects her name reflects her people, for it people, for it means means insolenceinsolence, , violenceviolence, and , and pridepride. So… . So…

If these Hebrews couldn’t have as If these Hebrews couldn’t have as much faith as a Gentile harlot, then much faith as a Gentile harlot, then

shame on them! Besides, if God shame on them! Besides, if God rewarded this Gentile harlot for her rewarded this Gentile harlot for her

faith, surely He’d reward these faith, surely He’d reward these Hebrews for theirs.Hebrews for theirs.

A Study Of The Apostle Paul’s Letter To The Hebrews

Documents

faith jacob

blessed jacob

soby faith isaac

blind isaac

promises of god

blessed ephraim

child of god

sons of joseph