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I. THE COUNTRY REFERRED TO. "A better country, that is an heavenly." Sometimes heaven is described as a city — a kingdom — a temple — an inheritance. In the text it is called a country, doubtless in allusion to the country of Canaan, which was a striking type of the heavenly rest.

1. It is a more exalted country. The most glorious part of the Creation.

2. It is a more holy country. No sin within its happy territories.

3. It is a more healthful country. No bodily, no mental, no spiritual afflictions there.

4. It is a more happy country. Sources of disquietude, grief, and pain, unfeared and unknown.

5. A more abiding country. Not to be pilgrims, but residents.

6. It is a better country, as it is the region of perfection and of consummate glory. Perfect capacities — perfect enjoyments-perfect security — perfect employments. Bliss unchanging and unchangeable.

II. BELIEVERS DESIRE THIS BETTER COUNTRY.

1. They have secured a title to it. By faith in Christ Jesus they are accepted of God, are His children, and if children, then heirs, &c.

2. They are labouring for a meetness to enjoy it.

3. They labour and pray for it.

4. They converse of it, and live in the hope of its eternal enjoyment.

Application:

1. Encourage believers to go forward, diligently, with cheerfulness, until an abundant entrance is administered unto them through the gates into the city.

2. Endeavour to persuade the thoughtless children of this vain world to become interested in matters relative to their immortal welfare, and to seek this better country.

(J. Burns,D. D.)

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KJV: And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

WEB: If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return.