Hebrews 11:8-10

Like Abraham we should look forward to our inheritance in the coming world and should live as strangers and pilgrims in this world (1 Peter 1:1). [Note: See Daniel J. Estes, "Looking for Abraham’s City," Bibliotheca Sacra 147:588 (October-December 1990):399-413, for evidence of Abraham’s pilgrim character in Genesis.] Abraham demonstrated faith in three phases: when God called him to leave Mesopotamia (Hebrews 11:8), when he reached the Promised Land but still had to live in it as a foreigner (Hebrews 11:9-10), and when God called him to sacrifice Isaac (Hebrews 11:17-19).

"Abraham’s faith accepted God’s promises and acted on them even though there was nothing to indicate that they would be fulfilled." [Note: Morris, p. 117.]

As Abraham later received some of the land he formerly lived in as a stranger, so we will, too. The city Abraham looked for was a city God would provide for him. A city with foundations offered a permanent, established home in contrast to the transient existence of a tent–encampment.

"To cultured men in the first century, the city was the highest form of civilized existence." [Note: Ibid., p. 118.]

We look for such a habitation as well, namely, the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:1; Revelation 21:9-27).

This writer referred to Abraham 10 times; his example is especially helpful for those tempted to abandon faith in God. Only two other books mention him more: Luke (15 times) and John (11 times).