“What sort of "country" was this? Was it that which they had left? By no means. For what hindered them if they wished, from returning again, and becoming citizens? But they sought that which is in Heaven. Thus they desired their departure hence, and so they pleased God; for "God was not ashamed to be called their God."”
John Chrysostom, 5th c. — Homily on Hebrews 24
Original
15And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.
Modern
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In context
13These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
14For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
— Hebrews 11:15 —
16But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.
17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,