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Heroes of faith are presented throughout the well-known passage of Hebrews 11. In verses 1–32, many heroes are referenced by name. Some figures receive lengthier treatments than others. Heroes from the early days of creation are remembered (Abel, Enoch, and Noah). Covenantal patriarchs are put on display (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob). Many more deliverers throughout Israel’s triumphant advance are considered (Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah). We are directed to women who trusted in the Lord (Sarah and Rahab). We are even pointed to a faithful king in David and the accompanying faithful priest/prophet in Samuel. But cannot many more heroes be named? Should we receive Hebrews 11 as a complete list of elite heroes or as some specifically named examples? In the conclusion to Hebrews 11, we are given an answer to this question. The author points to a host of unnamed heroes by reflecting on their actions in verses 33–38. Active military triumphs and miraculous deeds are mentioned in verses 33–35. Then suffering and martyrdom are described in verses 36–38. Notice what else is included in this section of heroic actions: “and the prophets” (v. 32).
The prophets certainly displayed these heroic actions in verses 33–38, from the miracles performed to the suffering received. By faith the prophet Daniel was able to have the mouths of lions stopped and the power of fire quenched. Furthermore, many prophets (some historical accounts claim six) were even martyred for their faith. And in the months ahead, we will specifically look at two heroic prophets who both endured suffering and performed miracles by faith: Elijah and Elisha. Hebrews 11 is a good starting point for an examination of these specific prophets, as we are reminded why these two men are to be seen as heroes. It is not because of the miracles they performed or the suffering they endured, though these are important. No, they are heroes because they believed. Along with every other hero listed by name, Elijah and Elisha were sinners whose heroism depended on the object of their faith. These two servants of the Lord trusted in the power of the Lord to conquer their enemies, raise the dead, bear them up in their mockery, and sustain them in the deserts and mountains.
Furthermore, these two heroes of faith also point us to the very object of faith. The Lord would use these two servants to prefigure the salvation that was to come. The prophets Elijah and Elisha show us our Savior in a number of ways. Both these prophets brought the dead to life. Both these prophets served as deliverers to those who were not Israelites (Luke 4:25–27). Even in the relationship between Elijah and Elisha we can see shadows of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. Having this starting point from Hebrews 11, we will turn in the months ahead from 1 Kings 16 to 2 Kings 13 to learn from these heroes of faith.