Hebrews 11:33

“Who through faith subdued kingdoms, etc..] As David did particularly; who subdued Syria, Moab, Ammon, Amalek, Edom, and the Philistines, (<100812>2 Samuel 8:12,14). War, in some cases, is lawful; and kingdoms may be subdued; and faith makes use of means to do it: these kingdoms, though subdued by faith, yet not without fighting. Believers have no reason to be afraid of kings, or kingdoms; and this should encourage the saints, in their combats with the powers of darkness. Wrought righteousness; exercised vindictive justice, in taking vengeance on the enemies of God, and his people; civil righteousness, in the discharge of their offices; and moral righteousness, in their conversation before…”

“subdued kingdoms--as David did (Sa2 8:1, &c.); so also Gideon subdued Midian (Jdg. 7:1-25). wrought righteousness--as Samuel did (Sa1 8:9; 1Sa. 12:3-23; Sa1 15:33); and David (Sa2 8:15). obtained promises--as "the prophets" (Heb 11:32) did; for through them the promises were given (compare Dan 9:21) [BENGEL]. Rather, "obtained the fulfilment of promises," which had been previously the object of their faith (Jos 21:45; Kg1 8:56). Indeed, Gideon, Barak, &c., also obtained the things which God promised. Not "the promises," which are still future (Heb 11:13, Heb 11:39). stopped the mouths of lions--Note the words, "because he believed in his God." Also Samson (Jdg 14:6), David (Sa1 17:34-37),…”

“Who through faith subdued kingdoms - That is, those specified in the previous verses, and others like them. The meaning is, that some of them subdued kingdoms, others obtained promises, etc. Thus, Joshua subdued the nations of Canaan; Gideon the Midianites; Jephtha the Ammonites; David the Philistines, Amalekites, Jebusites, Edomites, etc. Wrought righteousness - Carried the laws of justice into execution, particularly on guilty nations. They executed the great purposes of God in punishing the wicked, and in cutting off his foes. Obtained promises - Or obtained “promised blessings” (Bloomfield, Stuart); that is, they obtained as a result of their faith, promises of blessings on their…”

“David, in particular, subdued kingdoms. Samuel (not excluding the rest) wrought righteousness. The prophets, in general, obtained promises, both for themselves, and to deliver to others. Prophets also stopped the mouths of lions, as Daniel; and quenched the violence of fire, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. To these examples, whence the nature of faith clearly appears, those more ancient ones are subjoined, (by a transposition, and in an inverted order,) which receive light from these. Jephthah escaped the edge of the sword; Samson out of weakness was made strong; Barak became valiant in fight; Gideon put to flight armies of the aliens. Faith animates to the most heroic enterprises, both…”

“11:33 overthrew kingdoms: During the time of the judges and the reign of David, Israel defeated many of their enemies. David and Solomon and a few others ruled with justice (see 2 Sam 8:15; 1 Kgs 10:9). • shut the mouths of lions: See Dan 6:1-23.”

“through: Josh. 6:1-13:33; 2Sam. 5:4-25, Sa2 8:1-14; Psa 18:32-34, Psa 44:2-6, Psa 144:1, Psa 144:2, Psa 144:10 wrought: Heb 11:4-8, Heb 11:17 obtained: Heb 6:12-15, Heb 10:36; Sa2 7:11-17; Gal 3:16 stopped: Jdg 14:5, Jdg 14:6; Sa1 17:33-36; Psa 91:13; Dan 6:20-23; Ti2 4:17; Pe1 5:8 Hebrews 11:34”