Verse 1
The substance of, &c.; strong confidence in respect to, &c.

Verse 2
The elders; the persons living in former times; those enumerated in the sequel.

Verse 3
We understand; that is, we believe.

Verse 4
Of his gifts; of the nature and acceptableness of his offerings. (Genesis 4:4.)

Verse 5
By faith; in consequence of his faith. (Genesis 5:24.)

Verse 7
Noah; Genesis 7:1-9.

Verse 8
Abraham; Genesis 12:1-4.

Verse 9
The land of promise; the land which had been promised him,--In tabernacles; in tents; that is, leading a wandering life in it, without having any permanent possession.

Verse 12
As good as dead; on account of his advanced age.

Verse 13
Not having received the promises; not having realized the fulfilment of them.--Embraced them; confided in them.

Verse 14
A country; another country; that is, a heavenly country, as explained in Hebrews 11:16.

Verse 17
Hebrews 11:17; Genesis 22:1-10.

Verse 19
From whence also, &c.; that is, he did in fact receive him as from the dead. Whether the apostle here refers to the circumstances of his birth, as referred to in Hebrews 11:12, or to the extraordinary interposition by which he was rescued from the sacrificial pile, is not certain.

Verse 20
Hebrews 11:20; Genesis 27:27-40.

Verse 21
Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 47:31. The word translated bed in our version of Genesis, is rendered by a word signifying staff in the Septuagint. See Hebrews 10:5, and note.

Verse 22
Hebrews 11:22; Genesis 50:24-26; Joshua 24:32.

Verse 23
Hebrews 11:23; Exodus 2:2.--The king's commandment; Exodus 1:16,Exodus 1:22.

Verse 24
To be called the son, &c. to be attached to the court and the royal family.

Verse 25
The people of God; the Israelites.

Verse 26
The reproach of Christ; reproach like that which Christ endured; that is, contumely and suffering incurred for the benefit of others.

Verse 29
Hebrews 11:29; Exodus 14:13-31:

Verse 30
By faith; that is, the faith exercised by Joshua and his followers. (Joshua 6:12-20.)

Verse 31
Hebrews 11:31; Joshua 6:22-25.

Verse 32
Gedeon; Judges 6:1-35:--Barak; Judges 4:6-31:--Samson; Judges 13:24-31:--Jephthae; Judges 11:1-7:

Verse 34
The aliens; the idolatrous tribes of Canaan.

Verse 35
Women received, &c.; perhaps referring to the account commencing 2 Kings 4:8-37.--A better resurrection; a better salvation than deliverance from earthly sufferings.

Verse 39
Received not the promise; they did not realize the promised coming of the Messiah.

Verse 40
Some better thing; the gospel dispensation.--Without us; without our dispensation.--Be made perfect; have their desires and hopes fulfilled.