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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
John Chrysostom
"And the prophets," he says, "who through faith subdued kingdoms." Thou seest that he does not here testify to their life as being illustrious; for this was not the point in question: but the enquiry thus far was about their faith. For tell me whether they did not accomplish all by faith? "By faith," he says, "they subdued kingdoms;" those with Gideon. "Wrought righteousness;" who? The same. Plainly he means here, kindness. I think it is of David that he says "they obtained promises." But of what sort were these? …
Theophylact of Ohrid
Soldiers who were with Gideon. Who? They themselves, and Samson. They repelled the enemies of their kinsmen and fellow tribesmen, showing themselves, on the one hand, compassionate toward their own people, and on the other, rising up against the enemies who wronged them. In this consists the property of "righteousness" — to render to each according to their due. As for example, David. For it says: "The Lord swore to David: of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne" (Ps. 131:11). …
Oecumenius
"through faith." All these did what they did by faith: Abraham, Moses, Joshua. "they conquered." They defeated, they destroyed whom? Abraham defeated the kings who had taken his nephew Lot captive, and the king of Gerar. Moses defeated the king of Egypt, and many others. Joshua, most of all. (Gen. 14:20; 15; Num. 25) "enforced justice." Abraham, Phinehas.
Western Saints
Thomas Aquinas
632. – Then (v. 33) he shows what the saints mentioned did: first, he shows this in general; secondly, by getting down to details (v. 33c). In regard to the first he does two things: first, he mentions the merits of their deeds; secondly, the reward (v. 33b). 633. – In regard to the first it should be noted that of all the outward acts of the moral virtues, the acts of courage and justice seem the most important, because they pertain most to the common good. …
Bonaventure
The soul is disposed to the gift of fortitude through the unconquerable shield of faith. Hence the Apostle to the Hebrews: "Who through faith conquered kingdoms; they were made strong in battle."
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