“Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.”– Hebrews 11:28 (KJV)
“It was by faith that Moses instituted the Passover and the sprinkled blood on the doorposts, so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons.”– Hebrews 11:28 (NLT)
“Faith enabled Moses to establish the Passover and sprinkle the blood so the destroyer of the firstborn could not touch them.”– Hebrews 11:28 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 11:28 Mean?
In this verse, we find the faith of Moses highlighted in a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people. The Passover was not just an event; it was an act of obedience grounded in faith. Moses, tasked with leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt, received instructions from God regarding how to protect the Israelites from the final plague that God was about to send upon Egypt. By applying the blood of a lamb to the doorposts of their homes, the Israelites demonstrated their faith and trust in God’s promise. This act of faith not only spared their lives but also marked a significant turning point in their deliverance from slavery.
The Passover serves as a reminder of God’s protection and power. We can learn about the importance of obedience to God’s commands. Moses’ action illustrates how faith requires a response, and how that response can lead us to salvation and freedom. It’s essential to remember that faith is often accompanied by action, as seen through Moses’ obedience in this situation.
Hebrews 11:28 Explanation and Commentary
Let’s reflect on the significance of the events that took place during this time. The Israelites had suffered greatly under the oppression of Pharaoh. Their cries for help reached the heavens, and God responded through Moses. The final plague was meant to break the heart of Pharaoh and compel him to let the Israelites go. However, it also presented a moment of extraordinary faith for the Israelites. By following God’s command to mark their doors with the blood of a lamb, they were essentially choosing to trust God over their fears.
Every family in Egypt was impacted by the Passover. The Israelites knew that the death angel would be passing through the land, and they had two choices: either trust in God’s promise or remain vulnerable to the consequences of disobedience. This moment highlights that faith is not passive; rather, it requires action. Trusting God means we take steps to align ourselves with His will, even when the circumstances appear daunting.
Moses role as a leader set an important example not just for the Israelites but for all of us today. We are called to lead by faith in various capacities, whether it’s in our families, schools, workplaces, or communities. Our faith and actions can inspire others to trust in the Lord too. Colossians 3:23 reminds us that whatever we do, we are to do it heartily, as unto the Lord. Therefore, we should approach our tasks with diligence and passion, leading others to follow suit, just as Moses did.
Through faith, we also not only recognize God’s sovereignty but also His covenant love towards us. We can take comfort in knowing He is our protector, our provider, and our Savior. The blood of the lamb during the Passover foreshadows the ultimate Sacrifice—Jesus Christ. Just as the blood saved the Israelites from death, so too does the blood of Christ cleanse us from sin and redeem us for eternal life.
Context of Hebrews 11:28
The context of Hebrews 11:28 is deeply woven into the narrative of the Exodus. The writer of Hebrews is showcasing examples of faith throughout biblical history. This chapter narrates the stories of heroes like Abel, Noah, Abraham, and now Moses, who all exhibited remarkable faith in God. Each example displays how faith leads to action and ultimately to God’s promises being fulfilled.
During the time of Moses, God was preparing to deliver His people from Egypt after over four hundred years of slavery. This was not just about physical freedom but also about establishing a relationship with them. The Passover became the foundation for the Israelites as they left Egypt, as it was a reminder of God’s deliverance. By recalling this event in Hebrews, the author encourages believers to recognize the continuity of faith throughout the ages and the fulfillment of God’s promises.
The significance of the Passover was also noted in Jewish tradition, symbolizing a new beginning and hope. It was a time of remembrance and teaching future generations about God’s faithfulness. This context broadens our understanding of Hebrews 11:28 as it ties in much more than just Moses’ act; it reveals God’s divine plan through generations.
As we reflect on Moses and the Passover, we see that each person’s faith can impact those around them. By practicing faith, we can influence family dynamics, friendships, and wider community relationships. The act of trusting God remains timeless and essential.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 11:28
Let’s look closely at the key components of this verse. “Through faith,” emphasizes the necessity of belief in God’s promises. Faith is not just a feeling; it is putting our trust in what God says, ultimately leading to obedience. Entry into the promised freedom for the Israelites began with a heart of faith.
The “Passover” itself is central to this narrative. It signifies deliverance, protection, and the beginning of a new identity for the Israelites as God’s chosen people. The details given in Exodus instruct the Israelites to take a lamb, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to their doorposts. This unique act of obedience serves as a testimony of their faith, that they believe God will honor His promise to spare their lives.
The “sprinkling of blood” signifies the importance of sacrifice. Blood has always carried a significant meaning throughout the Bible, as it represents life and atonement. For Christians, it points ahead to the sacrifice of Jesus, our Lamb of God. With His blood shed, we experience redemption, love, and salvation.
Finally, “lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them” provides the outcome of their obedience. Their willingness to trust and follow God’s instruction resulted in protection from death. It shows how faith can lead us to incredible outcomes when we trust God’s ways above our understanding.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 11:28
As we reflect on Hebrews 11:28, several lessons come to light that resonate with our daily lives. One of the most significant lessons is the power of obedience in our spiritual walk. When God commands us to act, we should respond faithfully, trusting that His plans are for our good. Moses listened to God’s words, which ultimately led to the salvation of the Israelites.
Another key lesson is the importance of community in our faith journey. The Israelites collectively participated in the Passover. It was not just an individual act, but one that required family and community involvement. This speaks volumes about how our faith can influence those around us. We are encouraged to support one another and help strengthen each other’s faith. Just as Moses lead the people, we can uplift our friends and family in faith as well.
The Passover also teaches us about sacrifice. In our life of faith, there are times we may need to make sacrifices for the sake of our beliefs and values. Sacrifice doesn’t only mean giving up something; it can mean stepping out in faith, helping others, or putting the needs of our community ahead of our own. The act of sharing the love of Christ with the world may ask us to present ourselves as a living sacrifice, as noted in Romans 12:1.
Furthermore, reflection on the meaning of protection is vital. God promised safety to those who obeyed Him. We too can find refuge under His wings, knowing that when we fully trust Him with our lives, we are secure. Even in the midst of storms or challenges, we should remember that our God watches over us, just as He did with the Israelite families during the Passover.
Finally, Hebrews 11:28 emphasizes hope! The Israelites had been slaves for so long; their faithfulness in that moment opened the door to a new life. For us, trusting in God’s word can lead to renewed hope and fresh starts. We hold on to hope through Jesus, who is our ultimate source of strength and salvation every day.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Hebrews 11:28 is a beautiful representation of faith and obedience. Moses’ act teaches us vital lessons on the importance of trusting God, working within a community of believers, understanding sacrifice, recognizing God’s protection, and maintaining hope through trials. By reflecting on this verse, we can enhance our relationship with God and learn to live lives of bold faith. Let us strive to apply these principles every day, remembering that our faith can affect not just us, but those around us.
If you are looking to study more about faith and the stories that inspire it, consider exploring additional scripture. For instance, 1 Samuel 20:3 provides insight into friendships shaped by trust. You can read it here: 1 Samuel 20:3. Furthermore, 1 Corinthians offers wisdom on building community in faith. Check out this verse in 1 Corinthians 14:17: 1 Corinthians 14:17. May we always strive to grow in faith and encourage one another in our walks with Christ.