Hebrews 11:29

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry [land]: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned.

By faith {G4102} they passed through {G1224} the Red {G2063} sea {G2281} as {G5613} by {G1223} dry {G3584} land: which {G3739} the Egyptians {G124} assaying {G3984} to do {G2983} were drowned {G2666}.

By trusting, they walked through the Red Sea as through dry land; when the Egyptians tried to do it, the sea swallowed them up.

By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; but when the Egyptians tried to follow, they were drowned.

By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were swallowed up.

Hebrews 11:29 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith, highlighting one of the most iconic miracles in the Old Testament: the crossing of the Red Sea. This verse encapsulates the climax of God's deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and serves as a pivotal example within the "Hall of Faith" chapter.

Context

This verse is part of Hebrews chapter 11, often called the "faith chapter," which provides a sweeping panorama of biblical heroes and their acts of faith. Following examples like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, and Moses, verse 29 focuses on the collective faith of the Israelites under Moses' leadership. The historical backdrop is the miraculous Exodus from Egypt, specifically the moment when the Israelites were trapped between the pursuing Egyptian army and the vast Red Sea. Their faith, though often wavering, ultimately led them to obey God's command through Moses, resulting in an extraordinary display of divine power.

Key Themes

  • Faith Enables the Impossible: The central message is that faith allows God's people to accomplish what is humanly impossible. The Red Sea was an insurmountable barrier, yet through faith, it became a path to freedom. This demonstrates God's ability to make a way in the wilderness.
  • Divine Deliverance and Judgment: The same event that brought salvation and freedom to the Israelites brought swift judgment and destruction upon the Egyptians. This illustrates God's dual nature as both a merciful deliverer to His people and a just judge against those who oppose His will and oppress His chosen.
  • Consequences of Presumption vs. Faith: The Egyptians "assaying to do" (attempting or daring) what the Israelites did by divine command highlights a critical difference. Their action was not based on faith or God's instruction, but on human presumption, leading to their demise. This contrasts sharply with the Israelites' obedience, however imperfect, which was rooted in trust in God's word.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "By faith" (Greek: pistei) is the recurring motif throughout Hebrews 11, emphasizing that the actions described were not mere human endeavors but responses to God's promises and commands, empowered by trust in Him. The word "assaying" (Greek: peiran) implies making an attempt or trying, often with the connotation of testing or proving. Here, it underscores the Egyptians' ill-fated attempt to replicate a divine miracle without divine authorization or faith.

Practical Application

Hebrews 11:29 encourages believers today to exercise faith even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Just as the Red Sea parted for the Israelites, God can create paths where none exist in our lives, whether in personal challenges, spiritual battles, or major life decisions. This verse reminds us that true faith is not passive; it involves stepping out in obedience, trusting that God will make a way. It also serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of opposing God's purposes or acting presumptuously without His guidance, urging us to always seek His will and direction in all our endeavors, much like the broader call to perseverance found in Hebrews 10:36.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Exodus 14:13

    And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.

  • Exodus 15:21

    And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

  • Psalms 78:13

    He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap.

  • Psalms 106:9

    He rebuked the Red sea also, and it was dried up: so he led them through the depths, as through the wilderness.

  • Psalms 106:11

    And the waters covered their enemies: there was not one of them left.

  • Isaiah 63:11

    Then he remembered the days of old, Moses, [and] his people, [saying], Where [is] he that brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of his flock? where [is] he that put his holy Spirit within him?

  • Isaiah 63:16

    Doubtless thou [art] our father, though Abraham be ignorant of us, and Israel acknowledge us not: thou, O LORD, [art] our father, our redeemer; thy name [is] from everlasting.

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