Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, This verse begins summarizing faith's diverse accomplishments through Old Testament saints. 'Subdued kingdoms' references conquests by Joshua, David, and other leaders who defeated powerful enemies through faith in God's power. 'Wrought righteousness' (eirgasanto dikaiosynēn, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην) describes administering justice and living uprightly—Samuel, David, and prophets established God's standards in society.
'Obtained promises' (epetychon epangeliōn, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν) indicates receiving specific promised blessings—Abraham receiving Isaac, David obtaining kingdom, Israel inheriting Canaan. Yet verse 39 clarifies they didn't receive the ultimate promise (Messiah) in their lifetimes. They obtained temporal fulfillments while awaiting eternal consummation, demonstrating that faith's rewards include both present blessings and future hope.
'Stopped the mouths of lions' clearly references Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) and possibly David's and Samson's lion victories (1 Samuel 17:34-37; Judges 14:5-6). God's miraculous deliverance from deadly beasts demonstrates His sovereignty over creation and ability to protect His faithful servants. This encourages believers facing hostile, deadly opposition—the same God who shut lions' mouths can protect His people through any danger when it serves His purposes.
Historical Context
Israel's history features numerous examples of each category. Joshua subdued Canaanite kingdoms; David established Israel's greatest kingdom through faith. Judges like Samuel and kings like Josiah 'wrought righteousness' by reforming worship and justice. Abraham, Moses, Joshua, and David all 'obtained promises' of descendants, land, and kingdom. Daniel's lion's den deliverance (c. 539 BC) occurred during Babylonian captivity when remaining faithful to God required civil disobedience. These varied examples show faith's relevance across different historical circumstances—conquest, governance, persecution, exile. Each generation faces unique challenges requiring contextualized faith in the unchanging God.
Questions for Reflection
What 'kingdoms'—personal strongholds of sin or opposition—must you subdue through faith in God's power?
How are you called to 'work righteousness' in your sphere of influence through faith-empowered obedience?
What promises of God are you currently trusting Him to fulfill, and how does faith sustain you while waiting?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, This verse begins summarizing faith's diverse accomplishments through Old Testament saints. 'Subdued kingdoms' references conquests by Joshua, David, and other leaders who defeated powerful enemies through faith in God's power. 'Wrought righteousness' (eirgasanto dikaiosynēn, εἰργάσαντο δικαιοσύνην) describes administering justice and living uprightly—Samuel, David, and prophets established God's standards in society.
'Obtained promises' (epetychon epangeliōn, ἐπέτυχον ἐπαγγελιῶν) indicates receiving specific promised blessings—Abraham receiving Isaac, David obtaining kingdom, Israel inheriting Canaan. Yet verse 39 clarifies they didn't receive the ultimate promise (Messiah) in their lifetimes. They obtained temporal fulfillments while awaiting eternal consummation, demonstrating that faith's rewards include both present blessings and future hope.
'Stopped the mouths of lions' clearly references Daniel in the lions' den (Daniel 6) and possibly David's and Samson's lion victories (1 Samuel 17:34-37; Judges 14:5-6). God's miraculous deliverance from deadly beasts demonstrates His sovereignty over creation and ability to protect His faithful servants. This encourages believers facing hostile, deadly opposition—the same God who shut lions' mouths can protect His people through any danger when it serves His purposes.