Raised to life again. — Literally, by a resurrection. (See 1 Kings 17:22-23; 2 Kings 4:35-37.) At this point the character of the record is changed; hitherto we have heard of the victories of faith in action, now it is of the triumph of faith over suffering that the writer speaks. Those who “escaped the edge of the sword” (Hebrews 11:34) and those who “were slain with the sword” alike exemplified the power of faith.
Others were tortured. — See the account of the aged Eleazar (2Ma. 6:30), martyred because he would not pollute himself with swine’s flesh and the “flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king.” The following chapter records the martyrdom of seven brethren, who for their adherence to their law were put to death with cruel tortures. (See especially Hebrews 11:9; Hebrews 11:14; Hebrews 11:23; Hebrews 11:29; Hebrews 11:36.)
Not accepting deliverance. — Literally, not accepting the redemption, i.e., the deliverance offered, which must be purchased at the price of their constancy.
A better resurrection. — Better than that return to the present life which is spoken of in the first words of the verse.