13These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.

14For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland.

15If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return.

16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

17By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son,

18of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."

19He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.

20By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.

21By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.

22By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.