John Gill Commentary Hebrews 11:34

John Gill Commentary

Hebrews 11:34

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
John Gill
John Gill

John Gill Commentary

Hebrews 11:34

1697–1771
Reformed Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, waxed mighty in war, turned to flight armies of aliens." — Hebrews 11:34 (ASV)

Quenched the violence of fire
Which may be said to be done, when a believer, or a righteous man, is delivered out of it, as Lot from Sodom, when God rained fire and brimstone on it; when, by prayer, it is stopped, as by Moses, at Taberah, (Numbers 11:1Numbers 11:2) when persons are not hurt by it, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, when cast into Nebuchadrezzar's fiery furnace; and many of the martyrs have triumphed in the flames: so believers are delivered out of the fire of afflictions, and are not consumed thereby; and quench the fiery darts of Satan, thrown at them; and are untouched by the fire of God's wrath, in every state and case; and shall not be hurt of the second death, which is a lake of fire, burning with brimstone.

Escaped the edge of the sword ;
and were not destroyed by it; as Lot, Abraham, Moses, Joshua, the Judges, David, Elijah, Elisha, and others.

Out of weakness were made strong ;
being recovered from bodily diseases, as David, Hezekiah by an increase of bodily strength, as Samson; by being filled with courage, and strength of mind; when before timorous, as Barak so believers, when they have been weak in the exercise of grace, have been made strong:

waxed valiant in fight ;
as Barak, Gideon, David so believers, in the spiritual fight of faith, have waxed valiant; being engaged in a good cause, and under a good Captain; being well provided with armour, and assured of victory, and a crown.

Turned to fight the armies of the aliens :
such as the Canaanites, the Moabites, Ammonites, Philistines, and others; who were put to flight by Joshua, the Judges, David, and others.