SEV Biblia, Chapter 11:33
que por fe ganaron reinos, obraron justicia, alcanzaron promesas, taparon las bocas de los leones,
Clarke's Bible Commentary - Hebrew 11:33
Verse 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms] As Joshua, who subdued the seven Canaanitish nations; and David, who subdued the Moabites, Syrians, Ammonites, and Edomites. 2 Samuel 8., &c. Wrought righteousness] Did a great variety of works indicative of that faith in God without which it is impossible to do any thing that is good.
Obtained promises] This is supposed to refer to Joshua and Caleb, who, through their faith in God, obtained the promised land, while all the rest of the Israelites were excluded; to Phineas also, who, for his act of zealous faith in slaying Zimri and Cosbi, got the promise of an everlasting priesthood; and to David, who, for his faith and obedience, obtained the kingdom of Israel, and had the promise that from his seed the Messiah should spring.
Stopped the mouths of lions] Daniel, who, though cast into a den of lions for his fidelity to God, was preserved among them unhurt, and finally came to great honour.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 33. Who through faith subdued kingdoms , etc..] As David did particularly; who subdued Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and the Philistines, ( 2 Samuel 8:12,14). War, in some cases, is lawful; and kingdoms may be subdued; and faith makes use of means to do it: these kingdoms, though subdued by faith, yet not without fighting. Believers have no reason to be afraid of kings, or kingdoms; and this should encourage the saints, in their combats with the powers of darkness. Wrought righteousness ; exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God, and his people; civil righteousness, in the discharge of their offices; and moral righteousness, in their conversation before God and men; which, being imperfect, was not justifying: wherefore they stood in need of another, and better righteousness, which is perfect and durable; and, in consequence of which being known, embraced, and received, men work righteousness: it may be observed, that to do works of righteousness in faith, and by it, is something very considerable; it is reckoned here among actions of the greatest fame; and that true faith is an operative grace, it works by love, and is always attended with works of righteousness; and that righteousness is a fruit and evidence of faith; and that faith is not the believer's righteousness; and that the righteousness of faith is not that which faith works, but which it receives. Obtained promises ; the promise of the land of Canaan; particular promises of victory over their enemies; promises concerning the Messiah, and of everlasting life and happiness: their faith was not the cause of promises being made, nor of their being fulfilled; but was the grace by which these believers received them, believed them, and waited for the accomplishment of them; and, in some sense, enjoyed the things promised before hand; their faith realizing things future and invisible to them: to obtain a promise from God is a great and marvellous thing; it is an instance of rich grace; and there is never a promise, but what is great in itself, and precious to the saints: all God's promises are obtained; they are sure, and are certainly fulfilled; and it is the work and business of faith to receive, and enjoy them. Stopped the mouths of lions : a lion was slain by Samson, and another by David; but the most remarkable instance of stopping the mouths of lions, was in the den, into which Daniel was cast; and this may encourage the faith of God's people, when they are in the midst of men, comparable to lions; and may animate them not to fear the devouring lion, Satan.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 32-38 - After all our searches into the Scriptures, there is more to be learne from them. We should be pleased to think, how great the number of believers was under the Old Testament, and how strong their faith though the objects of it were not then so fully made known as now. An we should lament that now, in gospel times, when the rule of faith i more clear and perfect, the number of believers should be so small, an their faith so weak. It is the excellence of the grace of faith, that while it helps men to do great things, like Gideon, it keeps from hig and great thoughts of themselves. Faith, like Barak's, has recours unto God in all dangers and difficulties, and then makes gratefu returns to God for all mercies and deliverances. By faith, the servant of God shall overcome even the roaring lion that goeth about seeking whom he may devour. The believer's faith endures to the end, and, in dying, gives him victory over death and all his deadly enemies, lik Samson. The grace of God often fixes upon very undeserving an ill-deserving persons, to do great things for them and by them. But the grace of faith, wherever it is, will put men upon acknowledging God in all their ways, as Jephthah. It will make men bold and courageous in good cause. Few ever met with greater trials, few ever showed mor lively faith, than David, and he has left a testimony as to the trial and acts of faith, in the book of Psalms, which has been, and ever wil be, of great value to the people of God. Those are likely to grow up to be distinguished for faith, who begin betimes, like Samuel, to exercis it. And faith will enable a man to serve God and his generation, in whatever way he may be employed. The interests and powers of kings an kingdoms, are often opposed to God and his people; but God can easil subdue all that set themselves against him. It is a greater honour an happiness to work righteousness than to work miracles. By faith we have comfort of the promises; and by faith we are prepared to wait for the promises, and in due time to receive them. And though we do not hope to have our dead relatives or friends restored to life in this world, ye faith will support under the loss of them, and direct to the hope of better resurrection. Shall we be most amazed at the wickedness of huma nature, that it is capable of such awful cruelties to fellow-creatures or at the excellence of Divine grace, that is able to bear up the faithful under such cruelties, and to carry them safely through all What a difference between God's judgement of a saint, and man' judgment! The world is not worthy of those scorned, persecuted saints whom their persecutors reckon unworthy to live. They are not worthy of their company, example, counsel, or other benefits. For they know no what a saint is, nor the worth of a saint, nor how to use him; the hate, and drive such away, as they do the offer of Christ and his grace. (Heb 11:39)
Greek Textus Receptus
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