12:12, 13 The race will be completed successfully only if action is taken to heal spiritual injuries of the past (v. 12) and avoid pitfalls in the future (v. 13). The context of Is. 35:3, 4 (from which Hebrews has taken “lift your drooping hands . . . your weak knees”) is one of encouraging the fearful. Compare Hebrews’ calls for mutual encouragement (e.g., 3:13), including that which follows in 12:15, and the warning against losing heart (vv. 3, 5). The context of Prov. 4:25–27 (source of “make straight paths for your feet”) is a call to single-minded adherence to the path of righteousness. The metaphor of strengthening and healing injured limbs to run the race is explained in specific commands (vv. 14–17).