Hebrews 11:9-10 - Exposition

By faith he sojourned in (rather, went to sojourn in ) the land of promise, as in a strange country (literally, as one belonging to others ; i.e. not his own; "As in an alien land" (Wickliffe); cf. Genesis 23:4 , "I am a stranger and sojourner with you"), dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations (literally, the foundations ) whose Builder and Maker is God. Of course, here, "with Isaac and Jacob" means "as did also Isaac and Jacob." The three successive patriarchs are presented in Scripture as representing the period of nomadic life in the land of promise, not yet possessed; alike supported by faith in the Divine word; and hence they are ever grouped together (of. Genesis 28:13 ; Genesis 32:9 ; Genesis 48:15 ; Genesis 1:1-31 . 24; Exodus 3:6 ; Deuteronomy 9:5 ; 1 Kings 18:36 , etc; also Matthew 22:32 ; Luke 13:28 ). The meaning of their history to us, and the object of their common hope, are further set forth in Genesis 23:13-17 , and will be under them considered. In the mean time an instance of Abraham's faith, peculiar to himself, is adduced.