The Verse
King James Version (KJV): Through faith he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
New International Version (NIV): By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.
English Standard Version (ESV): By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
Introduction
In Hebrews 11, often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame”, we find a remarkable account of faith demonstrated by the heroes of the Old Testament. Our focus today is on verse 28, a single line that encapsulates a pivotal moment in the history of God’s people – Moses keeping the Passover. The verse acknowledges the faith Moses displayed by keeping the Passover, a symbol of salvation and deliverance for the Israelites.
This verse underscores the profound power of faith as something more than mere belief, but as an active, living force that must be acted on. It highlights a very tangible action – the keeping of the Passover – as an act of faith that saved the lives of the firstborn in Israel.
Historical Context
The Book of Hebrews is generally believed to have been written by an unknown author sometime before the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in AD 70, which was a significant event for both the Jewish and Christian communities. This verse is part of a larger discourse about faith, where the author uses the heroes of the Old Testament to inspire Jewish Christians facing persecution. In this context, Moses leading the Passover becomes a potent symbol of faith in action.
Key Word Analysis
Faith: Often translated from the Greek word ‘pistis’, faith is an assurance or conviction about things unseen.
Kept the Passover: From the Hebrew ‘Pesach’, the Passover was a feast that memorialized the night when the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt.
Sprinkling of blood: This refers to the act of applying lamb’s blood to the doorposts of the Hebrew homes as a sign for God to ‘pass over’ their houses during the final plague in Egypt.
Spiritual Insight
This verse highlights God’s deliverance and protection that comes through faith. Just as the Israelites were saved by faith in the act of the Passover, so we are saved by faith in Christ’s sacrifice – our ultimate Passover Lamb.
Life Application
Hebrews 11:28 calls on us to live actively in faith, trusting God’s promises, and obeying His commands even when we cannot see the outcome. The lesson is not just about believing in God, but about living in obedient faith, fully trusting in His divine protection and deliverance.
What Jesus Might Say About This Verse
“Beloved, just as Moses trusted in My Father’s word and was saved, so too must you trust in Me. Like the Passover lamb’s blood protected the Israelites, My blood was shed for you. Live in faithful obedience, and you will find freedom from the bondage of sin.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, give us the faith of Moses, who believed and acted even when he could not see the outcome. Help us to trust in Your salvation and deliverance, just as the Israelites did during the Passover. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Who is the “he” in Hebrews 11:28?
Ans: The “he” in this verse refers to Moses.
Ques: What does the Passover represent?
Ans: The Passover represents the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and is symbolic of God’s salvation.
Ques: How does this verse relate to faith?
Ans: This verse shows faith as an active trust in God, demonstrated through obedience to His commands.
Ques: How is Jesus connected to the Passover?
Ans: Jesus is often referred to as our ‘Passover Lamb’, symbolizing His sacrifice on the cross for our sins.
Related Verses
Exodus 12:13: The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are, and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt. (Moses literally applies the Passover practice.)
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. (Paul connects Christ to the Passover lamb.)
Hebrews 11:1: Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (A definition of faith that embodies the spirit of this verse.)
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