The divinely inspired Paul wrote these deeds in his Epistle to the Hebrews. These wonders are truly able and sufficient to establish faith and produce in us zeal for virtuous works.
For who is not established in faith when he hears that by the power of faith the saints conquered mighty kingdoms, judged the people with all righteousness, obtained what God had promised them. Stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped mortal danger, were healed of infirmities, became strong in battles, defeated hostile armies, and raised the dead from the dead?
Whose heart, hearing this, is not warmed by that fire of faith of which our Savior said, “I came to cast fire upon the earth, and what do I desire, if it is already kindled?” (Lk 12:49)
The Hebrews who believed in Christ suffered much from their unbelieving compatriots. These reviled them, insulted them, subjected them to public shame, put them in chains, and plundered their possessions (Heb 10:33-34).
Therefore, to comfort them in such a sorrowful condition and to sustain their faith in Christ, Saint Paul describes both the deeds and wonders that righteous men performed by faith.
He also describes the recompenses of which they were counted worthy by God. Thus, beginning with righteous Abel (Heb 11:4), he enumerates them by name.
When he came to Rahab the harlot, who was saved by her faith when she received the spies, he stopped at this history and said:
“Time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, David, Samuel, and the other prophets” (Heb 11:32).
Then, having passed over the names of other saints in silence, he says: “who through faith conquered kingdoms.” All these saints, he says, both those whom I have mentioned by name and those whom I have passed over, “by the power of faith conquered kingdoms.”
Who are these saints who conquered kingdoms? Abraham conquered the five kings who had taken his nephew Lot captive.
Moses conquered Pharaoh, Amalek, the Canaanite, Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan. Joshua conquered the king of Jericho, the king of Ai, and certain others (Gen 14:5; Ex 14:28; Ex 17:3; Num 21:3, 35).
These others are mentioned in his book (Josh 6:1; Josh 8:2). Beyond these, other pious men also overcame kingdoms by the power of faith, as may be seen in the books of Judges and Kings.
“They worked righteousness.” Such were Deborah, Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samuel. Guided by the light of divine faith, they judged the people of Israel with all justice, acquitting the innocent and punishing the guilty.
“They obtained promises.” The almighty God promised victory to Barak and Gideon. To the first He promised it through the mouth of the prophetess Deborah, and to the second through the mouth of the Angel sent to him (Judg 4:6; Judg 6:14).
This promise was fulfilled. Barak overcame the power of Jabin, and Gideon conquered the Midianites.
Through the Prophet Nathan, God promised David rest from the attacks of enemies (2 Sam 7:11). This king, having ruled all the tribes of Israel, was finally delivered from all his enemies.
After expanding the borders of his kingdom, he rested in peace.
“They stopped the mouths of lions” (Judg 14:6). Such were Samson, who tore the young lion as though it were a kid; David, who slew bears and lions attacking the sheep of his flock; and the Prophet Daniel, who stopped the mouths of lions (1 Sam 17:34-35; Dan 6:22).
THEOSIS