What is the meaning of Hebrews 11:16? Instead, they were longing for a better country The faith heroes named earlier—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah—lived as pilgrims, refusing to settle for what this world offered. They “acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth” (Hebrews 11:13). Their longing shaped daily choices: Abraham left Ur without a map (Genesis 12:1–4); Moses forsook Egypt’s treasures (Hebrews 11:24–26). Philippians 3:20 reminds us, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” Like them, we are called to travel light, valuing eternal realities over temporary comforts (Hebrews 13:14). a heavenly one The “better country” is explicitly “a heavenly one.” Jesus points to it when He says, “In My Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Colossians 3:1–2 urges us to “set your hearts on things above.” This heavenly focus keeps hope alive through suffering, just as it did for those tortured yet refusing release “so that they might obtain a better resurrection” (Hebrews 11:35). The destination is real, literal, and glorious—“a new heaven and a new earth” where “death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:1,4). Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God God’s willingness to associate His name with these believers is striking. He told Moses, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:6). Jesus cites the same verse to prove resurrection life (Matthew 22:31–32). When we confess Christ publicly, He acknowledges us before the Father (Matthew 10:32). A faith that looks beyond the present honors God, and He, in turn, delights to identify with such people (Psalm 22:22; Hebrews 2:11–12). for He has prepared a city for them The “city” is not metaphorical but a tangible place God Himself has built. Abraham “was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:10). Revelation 21:2 portrays “the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.” In that city, righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13), nations walk in its light (Revelation 21:24), and its gates never close (Revelation 21:25). The promise of this prepared city fuels perseverance: “Let us run with endurance the race set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). summary Hebrews 11:16 reveals why believers live as strangers on earth: their hearts are fixed on a real, heavenly homeland. Because they desire what God Himself has prepared, He gladly claims them as His own and guarantees them a city whose foundations cannot be shaken. Our calling is the same—long for that better country, keep eyes on things above, and walk by faith that honors the God who prepares an eternal home for His people. |
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