V. 39.— And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise. Those whom the Apostle had mentioned, and many others, having received a good report through faith, received not the promise. The promise here is the promise of the resurrection and the enjoyment of the better country, 5:16. The hope of the resurrection was general in Israel, and the Sadducees were remarkable for denying it. The Apostle describes himself as having hope,— "And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust,” Acts 24:15; and again,—“ And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto oar fathers: unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’ s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?” 26:6-8. This is the promise which supported the minds of all in Israel who truly possessed the fear of God, and the worthies mentioned by the Apostle had not received. The Apostle says,— "These all died in faith.” This is not to be understood of all who had been mentioned; for instance, all Israel who came out of Egypt, of whom it is said,—“They are a very froward generation, children in whom there is no faith.” Deuteronomy 32:20. The fall in the wilderness of the generation which came out of Egypt is held out as a warning, 1 Corinthians 10:11-12. But many to whom the Apostle referred were partakers of precious faith, and looked for eternal life beyond the grave.