Heb 11:17, 31 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 17. Abraham, when he was tried ] See the history of this whole transaction explained at large in the notes on . Offered up his only-begotten ] Abraham did, in effect , offer up Isaac; he built an altar, bound his son, laid him upon the altar, had ready the incense, took the knife, and would immediately have slain him had he not been prevented by the same authority by which the sacrifice was enjoined. Isaac is here called his only-begotten , as be was the only son he had by his legitimate wife, who was heir to his property, and heir of the promises of God. The man who proved faithful in such a trial, deserved to have his faith and obedience recorded throughout the world.

‏ Hebrews 11:17

Verse 17. Abraham, when he was tried] See the history of this whole transaction explained at large in the notes on Ge 22:1-9.

Offered up his only-begotten] Abraham did, in effect, offer up Isaac; he built an altar, bound his son, laid him upon the altar, had ready the incense, took the knife, and would immediately have slain him had he not been prevented by the same authority by which the sacrifice was enjoined. Isaac is here called his only-begotten, as be was the only son he had by his legitimate wife, who was heir to his property, and heir of the promises of God. The man who proved faithful in such a trial, deserved to have his faith and obedience recorded throughout the world.

‏ Hebrews 11:31

Verse 31. The harlot Rahab perished not] See this account Jos 2:1, 9, 11, and Jos 6:23, where it is rendered exceedingly probable that the word zonah in Hebrew, and πορνη in Greek, which we translate harlot, should be rendered innkeeper or tavernkeeper, as there is no proper evidence that the person in question was such a woman as our translation represents her. As to her having been a harlot before and converted afterwards, it is a figment of an idle fancy. She was afterwards married to Salmon, a Jewish prince; see Mt 1:5. And it is extremely incredible that, had she been what we represent her, he would have sought for such an alliance.

Received the spies with peace.] μετειρηνης. The same as beshalom, giving them a kind welcome, good fare, and protection. After these words the Slavonic adds: καιετεραοδω εκβαλουσα, and sent them out another way.