The paragons of faith listed by the Hebrew writer up to this point: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah all lived before God’s scheme of redemption had it’s beginning with the child of promise, Isaac. Though the fulfillment of God’s promises were yet future, we are told they “embraced them.” They recognized this life is not what it is all about. What matters is what God has promised about eternity!
This is what all who have faith in God are motivated by. As them, we desire a homeland. Abraham could have chosen to return to his father’s country. Instead he spent a lifetime in tents, knowing that his ultimate reward would come after his death. The land of Canaan, promised to Abraham’s descendants, was only a figure of the ultimate land that was the destination eagerly awaited by all who look to God for their hope. Hebrews states it as “a better, that is, a heavenly country.”
Their response was pleasing to God, bringing them a reward. Like Job, God was proud of their faith. Stated negatively, “God is not ashamed to be called their God.” Their response brought His praise, and a reward. Heaven was prepared for them (cf. 16).
