Hebrews 11:35,36 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Women, naturally weak, received their dead children raised to life again Compare 1 Kings 17:22-23; 2 Kings 4:36-37; and others Particularly seven children and one pious and holy mother; were tortured In the most inhuman manner, to compel them to renounce their religion, and be guilty of idolatry. See the margin. Thus from those who acted great things the apostle rises higher, even to those who showed the power of faith by suffering; not accepting deliverance When it was offered them on sinful terms, nor even riches and preferments added to the proposal; that they might obtain a better resurrection A resurrection to a better life than that they were to lose, and a higher reward than they could have received had they not endured these afflictions; seeing the greater their sufferings, the greater would be their felicity and glory hereafter; and others In the same glorious cause; had trial of cruel mockings As Samson before Dagon, when the Philistines had put out his eyes; and doubtless hundreds of others, whose names and trials have not been recorded; and scourgings Jeremiah was beaten by Pashur, Jeremiah 20:2; and by the princes, Jeremiah 37:15: but scourging was so frequent a punishment, both alone and before a capital execution, that it is probable it was inflicted on many pious persons; moreover, of bonds and imprisonments Joseph was cast into a prison, Jeremiah was let down into a dungeon full of mire, Jeremiah 37:13; Jeremiah 37:16; Jeremiah 38:6; and Micaiah was imprisoned by Ahab, 1 Kings 22:27.