Faith That Conquers

Feeling out of time here, the writer leaves us wondering what he might have said about this line-up of believing people (32). The four judges, Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, were all examples of flawed men. At times they were afraid, hid from their enemies, made unwise vows and, in the case of Samson, failed in relationships, yet they are held up as heroes of a faith that conquers. David also was a man who failed yet overcame his sin by faith and repentance (Psa. 51). Samuel and the prophets include some very human moments too (see 1 Sam. 8:1–3), but their faith conquered their failings.

Verses 33 and 34 illuminate the book of Daniel, with lions being silenced and flames quenched. This first part of our passage spotlights a commonly held myth that says that all will go well for those who believe. For some—not all—there was deliverance, yet all were commended for their faith. In verse 34 we see a truth that is also used in the writings of Paul, “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Cor. 12:7–10).

After that the scene changes vividly. I remember verses 32–40 being read at a public memorial service in 1978 for nine missionaries and their children who were massacred while serving as nurses and teachers in the Vumba, Zimbabwe. “The world was not worthy of them” (38). Faith does not guarantee deliverance from trouble in this world, but it does offer great rewards both now and in eternity. Verse 40 echoes the Hebrews’ buzzword “better” and insists that what we have now in Christ is superior in every way to anything gained by faith in Old Testament times, conquering even death itself.

Pray for the persecuted church in places where it is dangerous to follow Jesus.