V.1-3 God has told us how the world was made “by the Word of God.” That means that God created things by His saying “Let there be” as in Genesis 1. And this we believe by faith. If we believe God’s Word, we understand creation. But if God’s Word is doubted, there is nothing but confusion and speculation. Faith gives substance to that which we hope for. Many people today don’t believe God created the world. Read Jeremiah 10:1010But the Lord is the true God, he is the living God, and an everlasting king: at his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation. (Jeremiah 10:10) and see what the people will do when God’s anger is let loose on this earth. The word “faith” appears only twice in the Old Testament (Deut. 32:2020And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. (Deuteronomy 32:20); Hab. 2:44Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)).
V.4 Abel believed that he was a sinner, he was a son of guilty Adam and Eve. Therefore, he offered a sacrifice in which blood was shed. God accepted that sacrifice; not Cain’s in which there was no blood. We can say this verse tells us of “worship,” verse 5 of a “walk” of faith and verse 7 a “warning.”
V.5 God took Enoch to heaven without dying — a picture of what will happen to every believer when the Lord comes for us. “He pleased God.” A wonderful example for us!
V.7 In the names that follow — Noah, Sarah and Abraham and others — only their faith is spoken of. There is no mention of their failures. The time is coming when the Lord will review the life of all those who are believers. All the stains of sin will be gone only that which was done for the Lord, in obedience to His Word, will be rewarded then.
V.21 All Jacob’s busy efforts during his life are left out. As an old man, he had learned that he had no strength of his own, and he learned, and worshipped.