What does Hebrews 11:28 mean?

Explanation

The verse Hebrews 11:28 refers to the faith of Moses as he prepared the Israelites for the final plague on Egypt - the death of the firstborn.

The verse underlines the act of keeping the Passover - a pivotal Jewish feast that commemorates the Israelites' liberation from Egyptian slavery.

"Through faith" indicates Moses's trust in God’s promise and his obedience to the instructions given to him, which involved the slaughter of a lamb and the spreading of its blood on the doorposts and lintel of each Hebrew home.

The blood served as a sign for the angel of death to "pass over" these households, sparing the lives of their firstborn.

Here, the verse emphasizes the significance of faith in God's word and obedience to His commands for deliverance.

Historical Context

Hebrews 11:28 is set within a New Testament epistle, specifically in a chapter often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame." This chapter lists Old Testament figures who exemplified faith in God.

The Passover refers to the events described in Exodus 12, where Moses instructs the Israelites to mark their homes with the blood of a lamb so that the angel sent to destroy the Egyptian firstborns would pass over them.

The historical context centers on the Israelites' bondage in Egypt and their miraculous deliverance through a series of plagues, culminating in the Passover.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse signifies the salvation that comes through faith and obedience.

From a Christian perspective, the blood of the lamb is symbolic of Christ's atoning sacrifice, offering protection from spiritual death.

Many see the Passover as a typology of Christ, the "Lamb of God," whose blood spares believers from judgment. The theme of redemption through faith is central to Christian theology, and the historical Passover event serves as a prophetic picture of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of Hebrews 11:28 include the importance of faith in the face of adversity and trusting in God's salvation plan. Believers are encouraged to follow God’s instructions, even when they do not fully understand the outcome.

Furthermore, the observance of rituals that commemorate God's past deliverance can strengthen faith and encourage a hopeful outlook for future redemption.

Cross-References

• Exodus 12:21-23: Instructions for the Passover and the importance of the blood on the doorposts.
• 1 Corinthians 5:7: Draws a parallel between the Passover lamb and Christ, calling Him our Passover.
• Revelation 12:11: References the overcoming power of the blood of the Lamb, similar to the protective power of the blood in Exodus.

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text of Hebrews 11:28 include:

• "Faith" (πίστει, pistei): Refers to belief, trust, and confidence in God's promises.
• "Kept the passover" (πεποίηκεν τὸ πάσχα, pepoiēken to pascha): This phrase denotes the observance or celebration of the Passover.
• "Sprinkling of blood" (πρόσχυσιν τοῦ αἵματος, proschusin tou haimatos): Indicates the application of the lamb's blood as commanded by God.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of sacrificial offerings and blood as a means of protection or appeasement can be found in various ancient cultures.

The Passover, while unique to Hebrew culture, shares thematic elements with other ancient myths where blood serves as a protective symbol or sacrifices are made to secure the favor of deities or spirits.

Scientific Perspectives

The account of the Passover involves natural phenomena that have intrigued historians and scientists.

Some have sought natural explanations for the plagues described in the Exodus narrative.

However, from a scientific point of view, the actions described in Hebrews 11:28, the marking of doorposts with blood as a protective sign, do not have a known empirical effect but are understood to be religious rituals performed in faith.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Hebrews 11:28 often focus on Moses's exemplary faith in God's promises and the redemptive power of the blood of the lamb.

Scholars typically emphasize how the actions of Moses during the first Passover prefigure the work of Christ in the New Testament, with Christ being seen as the fulfillment of the Passover lamb whose sacrifice brings salvation.

Commentators also note the importance of obedience in conjunction with faith, as demonstrated by the Israelites when they followed Moses’s instructions to mark their homes.