Hebrews 11:8–12 “Living in Tents”

Hebrews 11:8-12

Suggested Praise Songs:

• Keith & Kristyn Getty – By Faith
• Desert Song – Hillsong
• I Will Follow – Chris Tomlin

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

• God’s Promise for Abraham | Stories of the Bible – Lesson for Kids
• The Wise Man Built His House 🏠 Sing-a-long with lyrics | Kids Worship – Song for Kids
• Father Abraham (song with motions) by Listener Kids – Song for Kids
• He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands | Maker Fun Factory Music Videos | Group Publishing – Song for Kids
• Discussion Questions for Children & Youth located in the section after Explanation, Meditation, and Prayer (at the end of this email/blog).

Explanation:

As the fourth model of faith, the author presents Abraham, the ancestor of faith, devoting the most space to him. When God called Abraham, he “did not know where he was going” (verse 8) but believed in God’s promise and set out. In Genesis 12:1, God says, “Go from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you.” Abraham did not leave his homeland knowing the destination, but because he trusted the One who called him, he left his comfort zone.

He arrived in the land of Canaan and “lived as a stranger in a foreign country” (verse 9). Although his descendants were to become the rightful heirs of that land (“the land he was later to receive as his inheritance”), he was treated as a foreigner at that time. The phrase “he lived in tents” means that he lived with the posture of being ready to move at any time in obedience to God’s call. In reality, Abraham wandered from place to place until the end of his life.

Even as a migrant and minority living a nomadic life, Abraham obeyed God to the end because he was “looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (verse 10). Earlier, the author described the eternal kingdom of God using the phrase “a tabernacle not made with human hands” (9:11), and “the city built by God” carries the same meaning. The reason for living “in tents” on this earth is because of faith and hope in that eternal city.

The author does not leave out the name of Sarah, the mother of faith (verse 11). It is unclear in the original language whether the phrase “was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise” refers to Sarah or Abraham. Both had doubted the news that they would have a child, so they were not so different in that regard. Yet, they “considered him faithful who had made the promise” and leaned on Him. As a result, from that couple came “descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore” (verse 12). Both Sarah and Abraham were, in terms of reproductive ability, “as good as dead.”

Meditation:

Through the eyes of faith, this world is like a tent to us. Among the things we currently possess and enjoy, we can own nothing forever. Even though we buy land and build homes according to the laws of our country, they are no different from tents, because one day, we will have to leave them behind. That’s why it is significant that the ancestors of faith were nomads who lived in tents. Those who believe in and hope for God’s eternal kingdom must be able to live free from attachment to the things of this world.

The Apostle Paul, too, after his eyes were opened to the eternal kingdom of God, said, “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands” (2 Corinthians 5:1). He also said of our bodies, “because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked” (verse 3). Paul speaks of a time when “our earthly tent” will be covered by “our heavenly dwelling”—that is, when “what is mortal may be swallowed up by life” (verse 4). This points to the coming of the new heaven and new earth and all believers sharing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

When Abraham arrived in the land of Canaan, he was 75 years old and passed away at the age of 175. That means he lived in Canaan for 100 years. During that time, the only land he owned was the field of Machpelah in Hebron, which he purchased as a burial site for his wife. Although Abraham and Sarah sometimes struggled to trust in God’s promises and made mistakes trying to find their own solutions, they ultimately lived in full trust of God until their final breath.

Prayer:

Lord, help us to follow the “tent mindset” of Abraham and Sarah. Awaken us from our delusion of living as if we will live forever, even though we may not reach a hundred years. Let us live as people who truly believe in and hope for Your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Like Abraham and Sarah, we are called to live by faith—trusting in God’s promises even when we don’t see everything clearly. This world is not our forever home. We live like we’re in tents because we’re journeying toward God’s eternal home. When we trust in God, we can live with hope, freedom, and purpose, knowing He is building something greater for us.

• For Preschool-Elementary
  • What does it mean to live in a tent instead of a house forever?
  • If God told you to go somewhere without telling you exactly where, would you go? Why or why not?
  • Why do you think Abraham and Sarah trusted God even when it was hard?
  • Can you think of a time you had to trust someone without knowing everything?
• For Youth
  • Abraham left his home, not knowing where God was leading him. How would you feel if God asked you to do that?
  • What might living with a “tent mindset” look like today instead of acting like this world is our forever home?
  • In what areas of your life is God asking you to trust Him more deeply, even without clear answers?