11:27 11:27

Hebrews 11:28

11:29 11:29

Bible Versions

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.
Through faith {G4102} he kept {G4160} the passover {G3957}, and {G2532} the sprinkling {G4378} of blood {G129}, lest {G3363} he that destroyed {G3645} the firstborn {G4416} should touch {G2345} them {G846}.
By trusting, he obeyed the requirements for the Pesach, including the smearing of the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Isra’el.
By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch Israel’s own firstborn.
By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

Understanding Hebrews 11:28 (KJV)

Hebrews 11:28 extols Moses' profound faith, highlighting a pivotal moment in Israel's history: the institution of the Passover. This verse underscores that it was by faith that Moses, as God's chosen leader, meticulously followed divine instructions regarding the Passover ritual and the application of the lamb's blood. This act of obedience was crucial for the protection of the Israelite firstborn from the devastating tenth plague, where the angel of death passed through Egypt.

Context: The Hall of Faith and the Exodus

This verse is part of the renowned "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11, which chronicles the lives of Old Testament heroes who exemplified unwavering trust in God. Following accounts of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the author turns to Moses, whose life is presented as a series of faith-driven choices. Hebrews 11:28 specifically references the night of the final plague in Egypt. God commanded the Israelites to sacrifice a lamb, smear its blood on their doorposts, and eat the meal in haste (Exodus 12:7). This act of faith, in an seemingly unusual command, was their only safeguard against the "destroyer" (the angel of death) that would strike down every firstborn in Egypt who was not covered by the blood. This faith of Moses is also evident in his earlier choices, as seen in Hebrews 11:24-27.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith in Action: The verse emphasizes that Moses' faith was not passive belief but active obedience. He "kept the passover" and ensured the "sprinkling of blood" precisely as commanded by God, demonstrating that true faith leads to action. This aligns with the overall message of faith being demonstrated through works.
  • Divine Protection and Deliverance: The Passover serves as a powerful symbol of God's sovereign protection. The blood on the doorposts was a clear sign for the destroyer to "pass over" those homes, illustrating God's power to deliver His people from judgment and death. This event laid the groundwork for Israel's deliverance from Egyptian bondage.
  • The Significance of Blood: The "sprinkling of blood" is central to this narrative. In the Old Testament, blood often symbolized life and atonement. Here, it was the means by which life was preserved. This act powerfully foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose blood provides spiritual protection and eternal life for all who believe (1 Peter 1:18-19).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Through faith he kept the passover" underscores the active nature of Moses' belief. The Greek word for "kept" (pepoieken, perfect active indicative of poieō) implies that he *had done* and *continued to do* this act of faith, ensuring its fulfillment. The emphasis is on Moses' deliberate and obedient action, driven by his conviction in God's word, rather than a mere intellectual assent.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:28 offers timeless lessons for believers today. Just as Moses and the Israelites were saved by their obedient faith in applying the lamb's blood, believers today find ultimate protection and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice on the cross is our ultimate Passover, offering deliverance from the judgment of sin and the power of death. The verse encourages us to trust God's commands, even when they seem unconventional, and to act in obedience, knowing that His ways lead to life and protection. Our faith in Christ's shed blood is the basis for our spiritual security and the deliverance from the dominion of darkness.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 12:21

    ¶ Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said unto them, Draw out and take you a lamb according to your families, and kill the passover.

  • Exodus 12:30

    And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt; for [there was] not a house where [there was] not one dead.

  • Hebrews 9:19

    For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,

  • Hebrews 12:24

    And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than [that of] Abel.

  • 1 Peter 1:2

    Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

  • Exodus 12:3

    Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth [day] of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of [their] fathers, a lamb for an house:

  • Exodus 12:14

    And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
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