For here have we no continuing city
Neither for religious worship, the city of Jerusalem being
quickly to be destroyed, nor for civil life to dwell in; and so
may have a peculiar regard to the Hebrews, whose temple and city
would, in a short time, become desolate; though it was the
general case of the saints, in those times, to be obliged to flee
from one city to another, having no certain dwelling place: and
it may respect the common instability of this world, and of the
state of the saints in it: this world, and all things in it, are
unstable and transitory, the riches, honours, pleasures, and
profits of it, and the persons in it, and even the world itself;
the fashion of it passes away: the saints have no settlement and
abiding here; they are not of it, though in it; and though they
are in it, it is but for a time; and, when they have done the
will of God, they are taken out of it; another place is prepared
for them: they are but sojourners, and strangers, and pilgrims;
and this they are sensible of, and own, and acknowledge: and it
is their mercy, that they are not to continue here; since, while
in it, they are exposed to a great many sorrows and afflictions,
both of soul and body; are often disturbed with Satan's
temptations; and are liable to the snares, insults, and
reproaches of the world; and, seeing they have no continuance
here, they will be the sooner at home: and they have that to
support them, under the instability of worldly things, which
others have not; they are interested in an unchangeable God, and
in his love; and in an unchangeable Saviour; and in an
unchangeable covenant; and have a right to eternal glory and
happiness, a city which has foundations, as follows:
but we seek one to come;
heaven; which is compared to a city; is future, yet to come;
though certain, being built and prepared by God; and is
continuing, will abide, being well founded: hence the saints seek
for it; (See Gill on Hebrews
11:10).