Definition: Verse 4: "For the LORD's people are a nation, and not many; they have neither birth nor death; for as I said before, you shall be just like a man, and your works shall be good to all that seek you." In Hebrews 11, this verse states the Israelites were an "agentive" people because they had no inheritance or soul. They did not exist physically in the sense of having bodies or souls. Instead, their life was lived by faith, relying on God's promises and leading lives marked by obedience to His commands and the realization of spiritual freedom from sin. Verse 5: "But these were chosen according to the foreknowledge of God before the creation of the world." This verse discusses how Israel's leaders chose them, choosing a people whose relationship with God had been established through their faith in Jesus Christ. They were chosen because they believed in Him and His promises, which had been proven true through past actions and experiences. This selection was based on divine foresight, showing that God saw their potential to be saved and living by faith. Verse 6: "But these also are a nation, not many; for as I said before, you shall be just like a man, and your works shall be good to all that seek thee." In the Old Testament, this verse refers to the people Israel who were chosen according to God's foreknowledge, having been "chosen" by His grace. They are described as being "just like men" because of their faith in Him and His promises. The word 'agentive' was a reference to their role being just like man, meaning they were capable of living morally upright lives through obedience to God's will. Verse 7: "For the LORD'S people are a nation, not many; for as I said before, you shall be just like a man, and your works shall be good to all that seek thee." This verse illustrates that although Israel was an agentive people, they were also significant because their lives had been influenced by God's will and His commandments. Their actions and lives reflected the same moral guidance and obedience that God had provided through His promises. The focus is on the moral righteousness of the individuals within this group. Verse 8: "But you shall be just like a man, and your works shall be good to all that seek thee." In Hebrews 11, the Israelites' lives were considered righteous because they lived obediently to God's commands. Their actions reflected their faith in Him and His promises, which had been proven true through past acts of obedience and faithfulness. This righteous life was marked by righteousness and ethical conduct as exemplified by the character and actions of their leaders. The word 'agentive' is a metaphorical term used here that refers to people who have not yet been made holy in God's sight or whose lives are considered spiritually sound, but who still do wrong deeds and sin. This idea was based on divine foresight and His guidance for Israel and the character of their leaders.

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