12
Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born as many as the stars of the sky in multitude--innumerable as the sand which is by the seashore.
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These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
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For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland.
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And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return.
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But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
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By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
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of whom it was said, "In Isaac your seed shall be called,"
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concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
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By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come.
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By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
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By faith Joseph, when he was dying, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel, and gave instructions concerning his bones.
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By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king's command.
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By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,
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choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
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esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
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By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.
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By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
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By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
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By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
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By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.
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And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: