Hebrews 11:37-38 They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins… The grounds hereof are these — 1. The envy and hatred of the world against them, which will not suffer them to sit safely and securely on their own nests. The men of this world are to believers as fowlers to fowls, and hunters to beasts. So was Saul to David (1 Samuel 24:11, 14, and 1 Samuel 26:20). Hereunto does the prophet allude (Jeremiah 16:16; Micah 7:2; Lamentations 4:18). 2. Saints' high esteem of the truth of God, and of the peace and quiet of their own conscience, which they prefer before house and home, kindred and country. They had rather wander with a quiet conscience, holding the truth, than sit at ease in their own house under their own vines and fig-trees with a torturing conscience upon denying the truth. 3. God's wise providence, who opens a way for them to escape death; yet so as their faith is proved to be sound by this kind of trial, which is a great one, and in the consequence thereof may prove worse than a present death. Yea, further, God hereby keepeth the light of His truth from being put out, and causeth it to shine up and down in more places (Acts 8:1, 5). This being the condition whereunto believers may be brought, they who have settled places of abode ought to succour such wanderers (Hebrews 13:2). This, then, must needs be a strong motive to endure this trial, because it is no other than what is common to all saints.That we may the better observe this take notice of these rules — 1. Be well instructed in the nature of this world and vanity of all things under heaven; how nothing is certain and sure. Why, then, should men seek a certain abiding in so uncertain a place? 2. Get assurance of that house, city, and country which is to come. Assurance thereof will make us more content to be without house, city, and country here in this world. 3. In thy best security and most settled estate be a pilgrim in thy mind and disposition, as Abraham and other patriarchs were (ver. 13). Herewith the apostle supports Christians (1 Corinthians 10:13). (W. Gouge.) Parallel Verses KJV: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; |
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