Hebrews 11:34

34 put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners. ¹

Hebrews 11:34 Meaning and Commentary

Hebrews 11:34

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 11:1 Numbers 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.

Hebrews 11:34 In-Context

32 Should I go on? There isn't enough time for me to speak of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets.

33 Through faith they fought whole countries and won. They did what was right and received what God had promised. They shut the mouths of lions,

34 put out fierce fires, escaped being killed by the sword. They were weak, but became strong; they were mighty in battle and defeated the armies of foreigners.

35 Through faith women received their dead relatives raised back to life. Others, refusing to accept freedom, died under torture in order to be raised to a better life.

36 Some were mocked and whipped, and others were put in chains and taken off to prison.

Cross References

• 1. 11.34Daniel 3.1-30.