Hebrews 11:30

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Hebrews 11:4-31

The apostle, having given us a more general account of the grace of faith, now proceeds to set before us some illustrious examples of it in the Old-Testament times, and these may be divided into two classes:?1. Those whose names are mentioned, and the particular exercise and actings of whose faith are specified. 2. Those whose names are barely mentioned, and an account given in general of the exploits of their faith, which it is left to the reader to accommodate, and apply to the particular... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - Hebrews 11:30-31

11:30-31 It was by faith that the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. It was by faith that Rahab, the harlot, did not perish with the disobedient because she had welcomed the scouts in peace. The writer to the Hebrews has been citing as examples of faith the great figures of the time before Israel entered into the Promised Land. Now he takes two figures from the period of struggle when the children of Israel were winning a place for themselves within... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down ,.... Of themselves, not from any natural cause: the Jews say F14 Targum Jon. Jarchi & Kimchi in Josh. vi. 5. they sunk right down into the ground, and were swallowed up; even the whole wall fell round about, as the Septuagint version in Joshua 6:20 expresses it: or, it may be, only that which was over against the camp of Israel, as Kimchi observes; since Rahab's house was built upon the wall, and yet fell not. And this was by the faith of... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:30

The walls of Jericho fell down - This is particularly explained Joshua 6:1 , etc. God had promised that the walls of Jericho should fall down, if they compassed them about seven days. They believed, did as they were commanded, and the promise was fulfilled. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Hebrews 11:30

Verse 30 30.By faith the walls of Jericho fell, etc. As he had before taught us, that the yoke of bondage was by faith broken asunder, so now he tells us, that by the same faith the people gained the possession of the promised land. For at their first entrance the city Jericho stood in their way; it being fortified and almost impregnable, it impeded any farther progress, and they had no means to assail it. The Lord commanded all the menofwar to go round it once every day, and on the seventh... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days (see Joshua 6:1-21 ). The capture of Jericho may be selected for mention, not only because of its extraordinary character, but also as being the beginning of the campaign in Canaan, the first necessary conquest that opened the way to the rest. The history is not further pursued in detail, this being sufficient to suggest it all. Only, for a special reason, the case of Rahab has attention drawn to it. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:30

Unquestioning faith expressed and vindicated. "By faith the walls of Jericho fell down," etc. Let us endeavor to exhibit the principal features of this example of the exercise of faith. I. FAITH IN THE DIVINE WORD OF DIRECTION AND PROMISE , Directions were given by the Lord to Joshua for the taking of Jericho, with the promise that on their fulfillment the wails of that city should fall to the ground ( Joshua 6:2-5 ). This communication Joshua conveyed to the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:30-31

Believers and unbelievers at Jericho. I. BELIEVERS OUTSIDE . No illustration of faith is given from the wanderings in the wilderness. In truth, those wanderings were conspicuous for unbelief rather than faith, for apostasy rather than fidelity. At times the people mounted high in faith, and then they fell as low. Just at the time they came to Jericho there was everything in the circumstances of their outward life to inspirit them. They were escaped from the wilderness, they had... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Hebrews 11:30-38

Exploits and endurances of faith. The last two specific examples here cited are connected with the entrance of Israel into Canaan under Joshua. 1. The fall of Jericho. (Verse 30) That stronghold was not reduced as the result of a long siege. It was not successfully assaulted with engines of war. The only means employed were processions, trumpets, and shouts. But the Israelites did not doubt that the word of Jehovah would be fulfilled; and, as the Divine reward of their faith, which... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Hebrews 11:30

By faith the walls of Jericho fell down ... - Josephus, Hebrews 6:12-20. That is, it was not by any natural causes, or by any means that were in themselves adapted to secure such a result. It was not because they fell of themselves; nor because they were assailed by the hosts of the Israelites; nor was it because there was any natural tendency in the blowing of horns to cause them to fall. None of these things were true; and it was only by confidence in God that means so little adapted to such... read more

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