What does Hebrews 11:23 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 11:23 describes an act of faith carried out by the parents of Moses upon his birth. It tells us that Moses's parents hid him for three months after his birth because they recognized something special in him, described as him being a "proper child".

The phrase "proper child" implies that there was something uniquely significant or beautiful about Moses.

Despite the Egyptian king's edict to kill all newborn Hebrew boys to control the population of the Israelites, Moses's parents acted in defiance, showing they were not afraid of the king's commandment.

Their faith in God's protection and possibly his future plans for their son motivated their actions.

Historical Context

This event takes place during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt.

The Pharaoh at the time was fearful of the growing number of Israelites and ordered all newborn Hebrew boys to be thrown into the Nile River.

Moses's parents, Amram and Jochebed, were Levites and lived within this oppressive environment.

By hiding Moses, they risked severe punishment but acted in faith against the royal decree.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse in Hebrews is often seen as an example of faith in action.

It illustrates the belief in God's sovereignty and His protection over His people.

This action by Moses's parents could be understood as participating in God's larger plan for the salvation of the Israelites, which Moses would later spearhead.

It also reflects the New Testament theme of faith being evidence of things not seen, aligning with the overarching message of Hebrews 11, also known as the "Faith Chapter".

Practical Applications

The verse encourages believers to act on their faith, even in the face of fearful circumstances.

It can be taken as an inspirational message to trust in God's providence and to stand firm against unjust laws or societal pressures that contradict one's moral values and beliefs.

This serves as a reminder that personal conviction, underpinned by faith, can make a significant difference in challenging situations.

Cross-References

• Exodus 2:1-2 - "And there went a man of the house of Levi, and took to wife a daughter of Levi.

And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months."

• Acts 7:20 - "In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:"
• Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

Language Study

The key phrase here is "a proper child" (in Greek: ἀστεῖον τῷ Θεῷ), which not only means physically beautiful but also implies that the child was favored or esteemed by God.

The term "proper" translates to something along the lines of "fitting" or "appropriate", contributing to the sense that Moses was meant for a special purpose.

Additionally, the word "faith" (in Greek: πίστις, "pistis") refers to a confident belief or trust in God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The act of hiding a child to save them from a dire fate can be compared to several other cultural or religious narratives.

For instance, in the myth of Sargon of Akkad, the infant Sargon is placed in a reed basket and sent down the river, later to be rescued and raised by Aqqi, the drawer of water.

This narrative also bears a resemblance to the story of the infancy of Romulus and Remus, the mythical founders of Rome, who were also saved from certain death as infants and raised by a she-wolf.

Scientific Perspectives

The intersection here with modern science would be limited as the verse deals primarily with faith and personal belief, which are not within the scientific domain.

However, one might look at studies on the psychological impact of faith and belief during times of stress or danger, as illustrated by the actions of Moses's parents. Such studies often reveal that having strong convictions can provide comfort and resilience against adverse circumstances.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often reflect on the faith of Moses's parents in the context of God's providential care.

Matthew Henry's commentary, for instance, sees the hiding of Moses as a means of showing trust in God's provision against human odds.

John Calvin also touches upon the obedience of faith, Moses's parents, by faith, disregarded the king's edict.

Contemporary scholars continue to explore the dynamics of this act of faith, including its ethical implications and its lasting impact on the narrative of the Israelites' exodus and the shaping of Moses as a leader.