This verse, Hebrews 11:28, is referencing the Israelites' escape from Egypt during the Passover. Let's break down what it means:
"By faith...": This places the Passover event within the context of the chapter, which is about the heroes of faith in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that the Israelites' actions were motivated by their belief in God's promise and instructions.
"...he kept the Passover...": The "he" here is often understood to refer to Moses, who led the Israelites. However, more accurately, it refers to the nation of Israel collectively, guided by Moses. "Keeping the Passover" involved specific instructions from God:
Selecting a lamb without blemish.
Slaughtering the lamb.
Eating the lamb in a specific manner (roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs).
"...and the sprinkling of the blood...": This is a critical detail. God instructed the Israelites to take some of the lamb's blood and smear it on the doorposts and lintel of their houses.
"...that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.": This refers to the final plague that God sent upon Egypt: the death of the firstborn sons and livestock. God promised that if the blood of the lamb was on the doorframe, the "destroyer" (the angel of death) would "pass over" that house, and its inhabitants would be spared.
In Summary:
Hebrews 11:28 highlights that the Israelites' actions during the Passover were driven by faith in God's word. They believed that by following His instructions – specifically, slaughtering the lamb and applying its blood to their doorposts – they would be protected from the deadly plague. This act of obedience, rooted in faith, demonstrated their trust in God's power to deliver them from destruction.
Theological Significance:
This verse is rich in theological symbolism. Many Christians see the Passover lamb as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Lamb of God." Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from physical death, Jesus' blood, shed on the cross, offers spiritual protection and salvation from eternal death to those who believe in Him. The act of faith required to participate in the Passover parallels the faith required to accept Jesus as Savior. The destroyer passing over represents God's judgement and mercy.
This verse, Hebrews 11:28, is referencing the Israelites' escape from Egypt during the Passover. Let's break down what it means:
"By faith...": This places the Passover event within the context of the chapter, which is about the heroes of faith in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that the Israelites' actions were motivated by their belief in God's promise and instructions.
"...he kept the Passover...": The "he" here is often understood to refer to Moses, who led the Israelites. However, more accurately, it refers to the nation of Israel collectively, guided by Moses. "Keeping the Passover" involved specific instructions from God:
Selecting a lamb without blemish.
Slaughtering the lamb.
Eating the lamb in a specific manner (roasted, with unleavened bread and bitter herbs).
"...and the sprinkling of the blood...": This is a critical detail. God instructed the Israelites to take some of the lamb's blood and smear it on the doorposts and lintel of their houses.
"...that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.": This refers to the final plague that God sent upon Egypt: the death of the firstborn sons and livestock. God promised that if the blood of the lamb was on the doorframe, the "destroyer" (the angel of death) would "pass over" that house, and its inhabitants would be spared.
In Summary:
Hebrews 11:28 highlights that the Israelites' actions during the Passover were driven by faith in God's word. They believed that by following His instructions – specifically, slaughtering the lamb and applying its blood to their doorposts – they would be protected from the deadly plague. This act of obedience, rooted in faith, demonstrated their trust in God's power to deliver them from destruction.
Theological Significance:
This verse is rich in theological symbolism. Many Christians see the Passover lamb as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "Lamb of God." Just as the blood of the Passover lamb protected the Israelites from physical death, Jesus' blood, shed on the cross, offers spiritual protection and salvation from eternal death to those who believe in Him. The act of faith required to participate in the Passover parallels the faith required to accept Jesus as Savior. The destroyer passing over represents God's judgement and mercy.
