Hebrews 11:32
And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets:
Hebrews 11:32 names Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets as heroes of faith, confessing that time would fail to tell all their stories. Through faith they subdued kingdoms, did righteousness, obtained promises, escaped danger, and were made strong and valiant in battle. That same faith also endured torture, bonds, and death rather than surrender its hope, looking to a better resurrection and a heavenly country built by God. Their lives are set before believers to be followed with patience, teaching workers for God to go forward in faith, watch, work, and pray in confidence that God hears and answers. They are recorded not merely to be read and admired, but to show that the same faith can work now, for God still works with the same power through all who trust Him and become channels of His power.
The Faithful Named
The verse names Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets as heroes of faith, declaring that time would fail to tell all their stories. They are ancient people commended for faith whose fidelity to God brought their light conspicuously before the world to guide those in darkness, whose firm principles serve as examples for later followers of Christ, and whose deeds stir the soul and elevate the mind to cultivate purity of heart and nobility of thought. Through faith they subdued kingdoms, did what was right, received promises, overcame danger, and were made strong and courageous in battle, showing what faith can accomplish in deliverance and victory.
Faith also endured suffering, as some faced torture, imprisonment, and death rather than give up their hope of a better resurrection; though commended for faith, they did not receive the promised reward in their lifetime, for God has provided that they will be made perfect together with later believers. The chapter calls believers to turn their minds from visible, discouraging things to the unseen things of God and to seek a better country, the heavenly city built by God. The chapter teaches that faith in the Savior is necessary to please God and that believers need an increase of faith.
Example for Believers
The lives named — Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets — are set forth as examples of firm principles for the church, and their witness calls Christians to run their own race with patience. Their experience gives instruction to be applied personally, teaching workers for God to go forward in faith. That going forward means watching, working, and praying in trust that God hears and answers petitions, and this exercise of faith gives an invaluable experience for future work.
Their faith is recorded not only to be read about and admired, but to show that the same faith can work in believers now. God works through those who trust Him, and He will work with the same power wherever people of faith become channels of His power. Studying these heroes stirs the soul and elevates the mind, cultivating purity of heart and nobility of thought.
By fidelity to God and obedience to Christ they were marked from age to age, and their light was brought conspicuously before the world. That shining was to guide those in darkness and to lead others to glorify God. Their example is continued by people who live self-denying lives, submit their will to God, and serve from love to do good and save souls. They faced evils and difficulties and successfully resisted evil in the Lord's name, sustained and strengthened by the Lord, who held them by His hand.
God gave Samuel efficiency and power for His work and service, as He did Joseph, Daniel, Timothy, and many others, because they availed themselves of His promises, believed Him and relied upon Him, and this believing reliance was their righteousness. What He did for Samuel He in great mercy will do for all His believing people, giving them efficiency and power to move by faith, to press through the cloud of objections Satan raises, to trust God as Helper and Efficiency, and to pass safely through great darkness. God still gives men and women this same power for service, for without the help that comes only from God there is constant danger of falling into the snares Satan prepares, while the one who obeys God and is not satisfied without the divine presence with him becomes a power for good in the world.