Hebrews 11

The writer doesn’t mention God. But many scholars say that the context in the verses that follow strongly suggests that it’s God doing the approving, not other people.

“Enoch lived in a close relationship with God” (Genesis 5:22).

The math in Genesis suggests Sarah was 90 and Abraham was 99 when a messenger from God told them that within a year, they would have a son. Sarah laughed. God got the last laugh because the couple named their boy Isaac, which is Hebrew for “he laughs.” It may not matter who the “he” stands for. By the time the baby was delivered, everyone was probably laughing.

Jews in Old Testament times spoke of Jerusalem as a heavenly city. “. . . beautiful Jerusalem. The fairest of Israel’s cities lies in the dust, thrown down from the heights of heaven” (Lamentations 2:1, New Living Translation). But the writer of Hebrews seems to point past Jerusalem on earth and toward the New Jerusalem of heaven.

Ishmael, Abraham’s oldest son, might dispute that characterization. But Isaac was the only son through whom God promised to produce a nation of descendants: the Jewish nation.

And put the pieces back together. The sacrifice God ordered was a burnt offering. In an offering like that, the worshiper would “skin the animal and cut it into pieces . . . [then] burn the entire sacrifice on the altar” (Leviticus 1:6, 9, New Living Translation).

Jacob: “Become the head of this family—the leader of your brothers, who do whatever you tell them” (Genesis 27:29). Esau: “Keep your sword handy because you’re going to have to fight for what you get” (Genesis 27:40).

Jews stayed in Egypt 430 years (Exodus 12:40).

Joseph said he wanted them to take his body with them. “Joseph made his brothers swear an oath. ‘God will one day lead you out of here. When he takes you home, I want you to carry my bones with you’” (Genesis 50:25).

Egypt’s king said he wanted to control the immigrant population by killing newborn Jewish boys (Exodus 1:16).

They sprinkled blood of a sacrificed lamb on the front doorposts of their houses (Exodus 12:7).

The writer may be referring to prophets and others in the Old Testament stories. Among the prophets imprisoned: Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20; 37), Hanani (2 Chronicles 16), Micaiah (1 Kings 22).

A collection of revered Jewish writings from ancient times, the Talmud, reports a legend about King Manasseh ordering the prophet Isaiah killed with a saw. One version of the story has Isaiah hiding inside a tree. The king ordered the tree cut down, with the prophet still inside.

The writer, more literally, simply says the people are being “made perfect.” Many scholars say this is the writer’s coded way of talking about access to God. The writer uses versions of the word “perfect” many times in this letter. When he does, some scholars add that he usually seems to be talking about sins and guilt washed away, leaving us holy or sanctified. One Greek word the writer sometimes uses for this is hagiazo. It also meant “devoted to God.” Worship utensils such as lampstands were considered holy because they were reserved for sacred use, devoted to God. People, too, were considered holy when they devoted themselves to God.