This week’s epistle reading continues to the conclusion of what has been called the Hebrew’s “great faith” chapter. Beginning with a definition of faith in 11:1-3, the Hebrews’ author then proceeds to cite a long list of examples of great faithfulness, from Abraham on throughout Israel’s long history. Among those singled out and their faithfulness raised up, there are both the expected and unexpected. Abraham, Noah, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses are obvious choices. But as this litany of the faithful continues in this week’s text, some surprising individuals are selected as examples.

It’s like the old saw about the first question of heaven: “Where’s so-and-so, and what are YOU doing here?”

The first to be praised for their faith in v.29 is no less than all the Hebrews who, as they fled from P…