Hebrews Chapter 11 Analysis

As one reaches chapter 11 in Hebrews, one will notice how the author is discussing the idea of faith, and how it impacts the way believers understand and view the world around them. “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:3). This statement changes my perspective on this passage, originally I read it as only a reminder to those who are struggling with their own faith, and this was to remind them God himself created the universe they dwell in. However, Thompson’s commentary pointed out the fact that this call for the people to remain faithful brings back the discussion of faith found in Hebrews 3:1-4:11. (Thompson, p. 228). In order

to stress the idea of those who have stayed faithful to God in the past, the author of Hebrews lists off several people who “by faith,” has God worked through them. Then, Thompson points out how this list of heroes misses some people that most would have thought they would be there, such as Aaron and Joshua. (Thompson, p. 228). This is definitely something that may lead the audience to wonder why they are not listed. Thankfully, Thompson points out Pamela Eisenbaum saw the list only includes heroes of faith who were known of before the Israelites came to the Promised Land. (Eisebaum 1997b, 142). This changed my perspective due to the fact that these people acted by faith, and then as the list continues later on in the chapter to list those who through the faith God delivered them. Making it clear God has worked through his people in different ways all the way from the Old Testament to the New Testament.
One question this material raised for me was Abel was mentioned, yes him being placed in the list was not expected. The significance of how his story relates to encouraging the Hebrew people to continue to have faith. However, I do see the importance of how even though Abel was a victim, his sacrifice as favorable in God’s eyes and through that he overcame his death. Which shows how even through suffering God will still redeem his people if they stay with the faith.