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NOVEMBER 17
in multitude—innumerable as the sand which
is by the seashore.
13 These all died in faith, not having received
11:13–16 strangers and pilgrims. See the promises, but having seen them afar off
Genesis 23:4. Their faith was patient and were assured of them, embraced them and
endured great hardships because they confessed that they were strangers and pil-
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believed God had something better.They had grims on the earth. For those who say such
no desire to go back to Ur, but did long for things declare plainly that they seek a home-
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heaven (Job 19:25,26; Ps. 27:4). land. And truly if they had called to mind that
country from which they had come out, they
would have had opportunity to return. But
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child when she was past the age, because she now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly
judged Him faithful who had promised. country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be
12 Therefore from one man, and him as good as called their God, for He has prepared a city for
dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky them.
DAY 16:Why are so many Old Testament people listed in chapter 11?
The eleventh chapter of Hebrews offers a moving account of faithful Old Testament saints
who remain models of faith.The chapter has received such titles as “The Saint’s Hall of Fame,”“The
Honor Roll of Old Testament Saints,” and “Heroes of the Faith.”Their lives attest to the value of liv-
ing by faith. They compose the “cloud of witnesses” (12:1) who give powerful testimony to the
Hebrews that they should come to faith in Christ.
This passage begins with an emphatic statement about the nature of faith. Faith involves the
most solid possible conviction—the God-given present assurance of a future reality. True faith is
not based on empirical evidence but on divine assurance and is a gift of God (Eph. 2:8).
The names, accomplishments, and sufferings described in this chapter illustrate the range of
faithfulness in the lives of saints.Some experienced great success in this world; whereas others suf-
fered great affliction.The point is that they all courageously and uncompromisingly followed God,
regardless of the earthly outcome. They placed their trust in Him and in His promises (see 6:12;
2Tim. 3:12).

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land of Israel, indeed, therefore, I will stretch
November 17 out My hand against you, and give you as
plunder to the nations; I will cut you off from
the peoples, and I will cause you to perish
from the countries; I will destroy you, and you
Ezekiel 25:1–26:21
shall know that I am the LORD.”
The word of the LORD came to me, say- 8 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because Moab
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25 ing, “Son of man, set your face against and Seir say, ‘Look! The house of Judah is like
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the Ammonites, and prophesy against them. all the nations,’ therefore, behold, I will clear
Say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the the territory of Moab of cities, of the cities on
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Lord GOD! Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because its frontier, the glory of the country, Beth
you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kirjathaim. To the
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was profaned, and against the land of Israel men of the East I will give it as a possession,
when it was desolate, and against the house of together with the Ammonites, that the
Judah when they went into captivity, indeed, Ammonites may not be remembered among the
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therefore, I will deliver you as a possession to the nations. And I will execute judgments upon
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men of the East, and they shall set their encamp- Moab, and they shall know that I am the LORD.”
ments among you and make their dwellings 12 ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Because of
among you; they shall eat your fruit, and they what Edom did against the house of Judah by
shall drink your milk. And I will make Rabbah a taking vengeance, and has greatly offended
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stable for camels and Ammon a resting place for by avenging itself on them,” therefore thus
flocks. Then you shall know that I am the LORD.” says the Lord GOD: “I will also stretch out My
‘For thus says the Lord GOD: “Because you hand against Edom, cut off man and beast
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clapped your hands, stamped your feet, and re- from it, and make it desolate from Teman;
joiced in heart with all your disdain for the Dedan shall fall by the sword. I will lay My
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