Albert Barnes on Hebrews 11:33
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Hebrews11:33
Who through faith subdued kingdoms. That is, those specified in the previous verses, and others like them. The meaning is, that some of them subdued kingdoms, others obtained promises, etc. Thus, Joshua subdued the nations of Canaan; Gideon this Midianites; Jephtha the Ammonites; David the Philistines, Amalekites, Jebusites, Edomites, etc.
Wrought righteousness. Carried the laws of justice into execution, particularly on guilty nations. They executed the great purposes of God in punishing the wicked, and in cutting off his foes.
Obtained promises. Or obtained promised blessings, (Bloomfield, Stuart;) that is, they obtained, as a result of their faith, promises of blessings on their posterity in future times.
Stopped the mouths of lions. As Samson, Jud 14:6; David, 1Sam 17:34, seq.; and particularly Daniel, Dan 6:7, seq. To be able to subdue and render harmless the king of the forest--the animal most dreaded in early times--was regarded as an eminent achievement.
(a) "promises" Gal 3:16 (b) "lions" Dan 6:22
Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament, Hebrews 11:33. Public domain.
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