In this part of the letter of exhortation the writer points to all well-known figures from the Old Testament and uses them as examples of faith. Why are they a model of faith? Because through faith they endured the problems and difficulties in their lives. So, this is a strong motivation not to give up and leave, but to run with endurance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1–3; Romans 15:4–5).
1 Or, la foi est une ferme assurance des choses qu'on espère, une démonstration de celles qu'on ne voit pas.