“By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.” – Hebrews 11:28
Hebrews 11:28 Meaning
This verse tells us about a significant moment in the history of God’s people, the Israelites, during their time in Egypt. It doesn’t just mention a historical event but emphasizes the faith of Moses and the obedience of the Israelites. Keeping the Passover involved performing specific rituals instituted by God. Moses, chosen to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, instructed the people to take a lamb, sacrifice it, and apply its blood to their doorposts. This act was more than a mere tradition; it was a critical move fueled by faith. The sprinkling of blood protected them from the last plague that God sent to persuade Pharaoh to let His people go. The destroyer referred to in this verse symbolizes God’s divine judgment on Egypt, particularly against the firstborn, who would be struck down without the blood covering their doors.
Thus, this verse highlights the importance of faith and obedience to God’s instructions. It indicates that through faith, the Israelites not only trusted God’s promise but also acted upon it, securing their deliverance. This faith was action-based and led to their salvation during a time of crisis. Hence, it becomes evident that faith accompanies action, showcasing that true belief demands tangible expression in our lives.
Hebrews 11:28 Commentary and Explanation
Looking closely at the verse, we see that it forms part of a broader narrative in Hebrews 11, where various biblical figures are mentioned for their exemplary faith. The mention of Moses reminds us of his unique role and relationship with God. Moses’ perspective changed dramatically throughout his life, transitioning from a prince in Egypt to a shepherd and finally a leader of the Israelites. This transformation highlights how faith can guide and redefine our purpose.
The Passover event is pivotal; it marks the beginning of Israel’s deliverance from slavery in Egypt. When we reflect on this event, we realize that the Israelites faced immense challenges, yet their faith in God was unwavering. The act of applying the lamb’s blood symbolizes their trust in God’s promise, which teaches us the significance of obedience. We too, as believers today, are called to express our faith through obedient actions.
Faith without action can lead to a stagnant spiritual life. It is reminiscent of James 2:17, which states that faith without works is dead. Thus, just like Moses and the Israelites, we need active faith displayed through our choices, behaviors, and disciplines. This principle echoes throughout the Bible, encouraging us to take steps in faith, even when circumstances seem bleak.
Moreover, the Passover wasn’t just about escaping from danger; it was also about the establishment of a new identity and covenant with God. When the Israelites were spared, they were brought into a new era as God’s chosen people, called to worship Him and live according to His laws. This call to holiness and separation from the Egyptian culture can be parallel to our call as Christians to live in a way that reflects our faith and relationship with Jesus.
Even in our present-day experiences, we find ourselves in situations where faith is necessary—whether in our relationships, our work environments, or personal struggles. In each instance, we are called to apply our faith actively, trusting in God’s provision and guidance. The Passover symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose shed blood saves us from spiritual death, just as the lamb’s blood saved the Israelites. This profound connection between Moses’ actions and Jesus’ sacrifice reaffirms God’s unwavering commitment to deliver and redeem us.
Historical and Literary Context of Hebrews 11:28
This portion of Hebrews is written as a letter, encouraging a group of Jewish Christians facing persecution and struggles in their newfound faith. By recounting the stories of faith from the Old Testament, the author aims to inspire and fortify the readers’ trust in God’s promises. The faith exemplified by figures like Moses offers a historical framework that solidifies their beliefs.
The Passover occurred during a period of great suffering and oppression for the Israelites. This context makes the command to sacrifice a lamb, sprinkle its blood, and prepare for departure more profound. It illustrates God’s ability to deliver His people from even the direst situations. The Hebrews would have recognized the gravity of the situation, as this was a matter of life and death for them. Understanding where they came from enhances our appreciation of faith displayed during that time.
The literature in this passage also emphasizes faith as both personal and communal. Every individual in the household had a role in applying the blood—reminding us that our faith is not just personal but can impact others around us. As Christians, we are part of a larger family of believers. Our acts of faith can encourage others to trust in God.
This historical insight into the Passover deepens our comprehension of the meaning behind the verse. It isn’t merely a recounting of events but a testament to God’s promise of deliverance, underscoring His faithfulness through generations. In the same way that Moses acted in faith, we are called to remember God’s past faithfulness and act with confidence for the future.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 11:28
1. Faith
The word faith is critical here. It is the assurance that what we hope for will happen; it gives us confidence about things we cannot see. Faith was the driving force behind Moses’ decision to keep the Passover.
2. The Passover
The Passover represents an act of worship, and it is steeped in meaning surrounding deliverance and salvation. It sets a stage for how we see God as a protector and liberator.
3. The Sprinkling of Blood
The action of sprinkling blood signifies obedience to God’s command. It illustrates the protection and sanctification that come from following God’s directives. It is an outward expression of an inward faith.
4. The Destroyer
The destroyer symbolizes the judgment sent forth by God. It serves as a reminder that judgment is real, but so is God’s promise of protection for those who trust in Him.
5. Touching the Firstborn
The reference to not allowing the destroyer to touch the firstborn reflects the mercy of God for those who obey Him. It shows how God cares for His people and responds to their faith.
Theological Significance of Hebrews 11:28
This verse holds deep theological implications emphasizing the connection between faith, obedience, and salvation. The Passover foreshadows Christ’s sacrifice, where His blood protects us from eternal death. The act of keeping the Passover serves as a prototype for Christian faith—demonstrating that real faith necessitates actions of obedience.
The blood of the lamb saving the Israelites signifies how Jesus, the Lamb of God, saves us from sin and death. In our journey of faith, we embrace Christ’s sacrifice, believing it provides us with a way to escape judgment. Hebrews reiterates that through faith, we enter a relationship with God, which brings security and hope.
The event surrounding the Passover teaches us about God’s character. He is merciful, faithful, and just. Even as He delivers punishment to Egypt, He provides protection through obedience for those who trust in Him. This commentary forms a basis for understanding God’s relationship with humanity throughout history—the unchanging promise of salvation for those who believe in Him.
Understanding the blood’s significance elevates our appreciation for grace and the depth of God’s love. We can see how God’s plan meticulously unfolded throughout history, and we can relate to the trials faced by the Israelites as we deal with our life’s obstacles.
In conclusion, Hebrews 11:28 stands as a powerful reminder for us to embrace our faith actively. It encourages us to remember not just what God has done but also the promises He continues to hold for our lives. Our faith is what connects us to God, guiding us through challenges just as it did for the Israelites.
Hebrews 11:28 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse emphasizes the requirement of self-denial and action in following Christ, mirroring the obedience displayed during the Passover.
1 Corinthians 5:7
“Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” – 1 Corinthians 5:7
This direct correlation highlights Jesus as our ultimate Passover lamb, bridging the Old Testament practices with New Testament fulfillment in Christ.
Romans 3:25
“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” – Romans 3:25
This verse underlines the significance of Christ’s blood for our redemption, mirroring the protective function of the lamb’s blood during the Passover.
Practical Application of Hebrews 11:28
1. Faith Needs Action
We must remember that faith calls for action. Just as Moses acted on God’s command, we should actively engage in our faith through prayer, service, and obeying God’s word.
2. Obedience Over Fear
Our journey may lead us into frightening places, but God’s promises empower us. We must let faith overrule our fears, moving forward with courage and assurance in God’s plan.
3. Continuous Remembrance
Establish ways to remember God’s past faithfulness, just as Passover was a constant reminder for the Israelites. This could be through journaling or sharing testimony with others.
4. Share Our Faith
The story of Passover is not just for ourselves but a reminder to share God’s deliverance with others. This could be through ministry or simply sharing our personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness to encourage those around us.
5. Foster Community
Consider ways to build fellowship, honoring the community aspect seen in the Passover preparation. Encouraging one another in faith can help us stay on track and support each other through trials.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Hebrews 11:28
This verse prompts meaningful reflection on God’s faithfulness and our response to His calls. We find ourselves in various life stages and circumstances, sometimes feeling anxious or uncertain. Yet, the reassurance from stories like Moses’ reminds us that God is ever-present and guides us, even in the most challenging times.
As we reflect on the significance of the Passover, let it remind us of Christ’s sacrifice and how we are called to respond with gratitude and obedience. This week, let us revisit our faith practices, actively engaging in prayer and sharing God’s love with those around us. What small actions can reflect our faith? What areas can we grow in obedience? Let us ask and be ready to listen to His voice.
God’s promises are reliable, and just like He protected the Israelites, He covers us with His grace. In faith, let us continue nurturing our relationship with Him, understanding that our obedience pleases Him and strengthens our faith journey.
Final Thoughts
The essence of Hebrews 11:28 resonates deeply with our lives today. It’s a powerful proclamation of God’s deliverance and a call to live out our faith actively. Let us take courage from Moses’ example and apply our faith with intentionality—choosing to obey and trusting in God’s promises.
This passage encourages us to keep our focus on the saving work of Christ, celebrating His love and reflecting it through our actions. As we navigate through life, let these reminders revive our spirit, inspiring us to live out our faith with confidence, knowing we are part of God’s greater story of redemption.
As we explore further into God’s word, consider looking into other passages that may deepen your understanding, like Psalms 116:1-7 or Deuteronomy 10. Each verse has its own richness that can truly enhance our spiritual journey.