Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"Who through faith subdued kingdoms..."
Text: Hebrews 11:33
NAMES AND FEATS
The author of Hebrews was deeply convinced of the importance of possessing a faith that pleased God. He began by producing an impressive list of names whose faith enabled them to accomplish much in their lifetime. He then went on to make a list of feats, but no names were attached this time round.
“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness,
obtained promises, stopped the mouth of lions.”
Hebrews 11:33
1. Through faith
a) This was the key point!
b) Names and feats were almost secondary.
c) It was through faith that fame and feats were achieved.
2. Subdued kingdoms
a) The Judges certainly had to employ their faith to subdue powerful kingdoms.
b) Their faith in God brought about the Lord’s deliverance for Israel time and again.
3. Worked righteousness
a) This would be a reference to individuals who fought to bring righteousness back to Israel.
b) Some of the kings sought to restore righteousness back to Judah (e.g. Hezekiah, Josiah)
4. Obtained promises
a) God gave many promises and these were to be obtained only through faith.
b) Examples of people who obtained promises would include Abraham and David.
5. Stopped the mouth of lions
This would be a clear reference to Daniel. His faith in God saw him protected from certain death from hungry lions!
The above feats powerfully reinforce the challenge of developing faith.