Hebrews 11:39 Commentary

The verse Hebrews 11:39 states, "And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise." This passage serves as a conclusion to the Hall of Faith chapter, which highlights numerous Old Testament figures renowned for their faith. The commentary derived from public domain sources sheds light on the implications of this verse for believers today.

Contextual Overview

The broader context of Hebrews 11 focuses on the faith exhibited by various biblical personalities. As Matthew Henry elaborates, the author of Hebrews assembled a multitude of examples to encourage contemporary believers in their faith journey. Each character mentioned, from Abel to David, represented steadfast faith in God's promises, yet they all experienced the limitations of time and space regarding the fullness of those promises.

The Nature of the Testimony in Faith

• Witness to God's Faithfulness:

  According to Albert Barnes, "having obtained a good testimony through faith" emphasizes a divine approval bestowed upon them. Though they did not receive the promise in their lifetimes, their faithfulness highlighted their undying trust in God's ultimate plan. Their lives became testimonies to future generations, underlining the bedrock on which lasting faith stands.

• Faith Over Fulfillment:

  Adam Clarke points out that the faith of these Old Testament saints was not contingent upon the immediate fulfillment of promises. Instead, their faith was oriented toward a future hope, a critical element that propelled them toward continued trust in God. This realization invites readers to consider their motivations in faith—whether they seek immediate gratification or steadfast hope in God's overarching narrative.

Understanding "The Promise"

The phrase "did not receive the promise" has profound implications. Matthew Henry stresses that the promise referred to here encompasses the ultimate promises of God, including the Messiah and the eternal blessings associated with Him. For the Old Testament figures, their faith was not in the transient or the immediate, but in the complete fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Christ.

Albert Barnes further explains that these individuals lived and died without seeing the fulfillment of the promises they believed in, yet their faith was not in vain. This calls attention to the doctrine of faith itself—real faith often extends beyond personal experience and into the realm of the collective hope of God’s people.

Application for Today’s Believers

• Living with Expectation:

  Clarke argues that believers today can learn a vital lesson from the examples set by these heroes of faith. While they may face trials without realizing the promise's full implications in their lifetime, Christians are encouraged to live in expectation of God's promises being fulfilled, both in spiritual life and in eternity.

• The Perspective of Faith:

  The experiences of Old Testament figures teach modern believers to view their own life challenges through the lens of faith. As Matthew Henry notes, even amidst suffering and difficulty, a faithful believer maintains hope and continues to administer acts of faith, knowing that God's timing is not necessarily aligned with human expectations.

Conclusion

Hebrews 11:39 presents a profound insight into the nature of faith and expectation. The commentary drawn from respected theologians emphasizes that, while the heroes of faith did not receive the promises within their earthly lives, their legacy of trust in God’s plan and His faithful character serves as a beacon for today’s believers. The call is to maintain unwavering faith, reflecting on the assurance that God's promises will find their ultimate fulfillment—a promise that transcends generations and culminates in the grandeur of God’s eternal kingdom.