Hebrews 11:8-16
“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”
Hebrews 11:8-16 Meaning
Hebrews 11:8-16 is a passage from the book of Hebrews that speaks about the faith of Abraham and others who walked in faith despite not seeing the fulfillment of God’s promises in their lifetimes. The verses highlight their unwavering belief in God’s faithfulness and their longing for a better and heavenly country.
Hebrews 11:8-16 Commentary and Explanation
Hebrews 11:8-16 is a passage that speaks profoundly to our faith journey as believers. In this section of Scripture, the author of Hebrews takes us on a journey through the life of Abraham, highlighting his unwavering faith and trust in God’s promises.
In verse 8, we are reminded of Abraham’s obedience when God called him to leave his homeland and go to a place that God would show him. This act of obedience, guided by faith, is reminiscent of Abraham’s journey as recorded in Genesis 12:1-4. This story underscores the importance of stepping out in faith, even when we do not fully understand God’s plan for our lives. It teaches us that our obedience to God’s call can lead to blessings beyond our imagination.
Moving on to verse 9, the author of Hebrews tells us that by faith, Abraham lived as a foreigner in the Promised Land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. This highlights the fact that God’s promises extend not only to us individually but also to our descendants, as seen in Genesis 17:7-8. We, too, are part of a generational legacy of faith, and our actions today can impact the future of our families.
Verse 10 emphasizes that Abraham was looking forward to a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. This echoes a powerful truth found in Hebrews 13:14, which reminds us that our true home is not in this world but in the heavenly city that God has prepared for us. Our faith should be fixed on this eternal promise, just as Abraham’s was.
The faith of Sarah, mentioned in verse 11, is also worth noting. Despite her old age and barrenness, she believed in God’s promise of a child. This parallels the story of Elizabeth in Luke 1:5-25, where God’s faithfulness to fulfill His promises is exemplified in another miraculous birth. Sarah’s faith teaches us that God’s timing and ability to fulfill His promises are beyond our understanding.
Verse 13 speaks to us about the faith of all the heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11. They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth, looking for a better homeland—a heavenly one. This confession echoes the sentiment expressed in 1 Peter 2:11, reminding us that as Christians, our citizenship is in heaven. We are called to live as foreigners in this world, with our eyes fixed on our true homeland.
Finally, in verse 16, we are told that God is not ashamed to be called our God, for He has prepared a city for us. This verse brings to mind Revelation 21:2, where we see the fulfillment of this promise—a heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from heaven. God’s faithfulness to prepare a place for us underscores the importance of our faith in Him.
Hebrews 11:8-16 serves as a powerful reminder of the faith-filled lives of those who have gone before us. Their stories encourage us to walk in obedience, trust in God’s promises, and keep our eyes fixed on our eternal home. As we journey through life, let us remember that our faith in God is the key to inheriting the promises He has prepared for us.
Also Read: Hebrews 11:1-3 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Hebrews 11:8-16
The book of Hebrews was written to a group of Jewish believers who were facing persecution and contemplating returning to Judaism. The author seeks to encourage them by exalting Jesus Christ as superior to the Old Testament prophets, angels, and Moses. The purpose is to strengthen their faith and remind them of the importance of persevering in their Christian walk.
In Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame,” the author provides a list of individuals who displayed remarkable faith in God throughout history. By highlighting the faith of these heroes, the writer encourages the readers to remain steadfast in their own faith, despite the challenges they faced.
Lessons From Hebrews 11:8-16
This passage teaches us important lessons about faith and our perspective as Christians. It shows that faith involves stepping out in obedience even when we don’t have all the details or assurances. Like Abraham, we are called to trust in God’s leading and faithfully follow Him, knowing that He has a greater plan and purpose for our lives.
Furthermore, the passage reminds us that this world is not our permanent home. As believers, we live as strangers and foreigners, understanding that our true inheritance lies in the heavenly city. This should shape our priorities and values, keeping us focused on eternal treasures rather than earthly possessions.
The examples of these faithful people in Hebrews 11 serve as a source of inspiration, encouraging us to persevere in our own faith journey. Their unwavering trust in God despite not seeing the fulfillment of promises during their lifetime is a challenge for us to remain steadfast and hopeful, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises in His perfect time.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 11:8-16 provides powerful insights into the faith of Abraham and others who sought a heavenly inheritance. It encourages us to trust in God’s leading, obeying even when we don’t have all the answers. It reminds us that this world is not our permanent home and encourages us to fix our eyes on the promises of God.
May we, like the heroes of faith mentioned in this passage, live with unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness. Let us embrace our role as strangers and foreigners in this world and eagerly await the fulfillment of God’s promises, knowing that our true inheritance lies in the heavenly city.