v. 32 “And what more shall I say?” – This new section begins with a rhetorical technique called praeteritio/παράλειψις, announcing the intention to pass over subsequent cases in summary, inviting the hearer to ll in the gaps and to work out for themselves how each instance applies to their life of faith. While the preacher/teacher clearly is writing about the experiences of the faithful in the history of OT Israel, and the inter-testament period, some of the events have unmistakable parallels in the life of Jesus himself, as well as the apostles in the NT era. The rst six persons are taken from the foundation of the monarchy from the judges to king David, and the rst “prophet” Samuel and those who followed him. Note the omission of the rst and apostate king Saul. v. 33-35a – The following is a list of ten things that they gained through faith in God. The judges and David conquered territories and took possession of Canaan. Samuel, David, and Solomon enacted God’s righteousness (see Psalm 72:1-4; Is 9:6-7; 11:1-5). As a result they obtained the good things promised Abraham in part: the land, nationhood, growth, and material prosperity (Gen 12:1-3; 17:4-8; 35:11-12). Then we have three exemplary deadly threats overcome through faith. The rst refers to Samson but also David (Judges 14:6; 1 Sam 17:34-37) but especially Daniel (Dan 6:23-24). Daniel’s three friends quenched the re of the furnace (Dan 3). David escaped from Goliath’s enormous sword (1 Sam 17:14-51) so also Elijah the sword of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Ki 19:1-10). The next three are divine gifts in the face of powerful enemies. The rst refers to Samson and the destruction of the temple of Dagon (Judges 16:21-30). Gideon was the lowliest member of the lowliest clan Manasseh (Judges 6:15, 34). Davide put foreign enemies to ight (1 Sam 17:48-51). The tenth is the great gift received, the resurrection of family members who died. This foreshadows the greater resurrection, pioneered by Jesus. The two women alluded to are the widow at Zarephath (1 Ki 17:17-24) and the woman at Shunem (2 Ki 4:18-37), both answers to the prayer of a prophet (see also the widow at Nain in Lk 7:11-16). v. 35b – In an unexpected turn, the people of faith bore witness to God more clearly through their su ering than their achievements. The sermon shifts from the heroic deeds by…
