How does Hebrews 11:28 demonstrate faith in the context of the Passover? Historical Setting: The First Passover In Exodus 12 Exodus 12 details Yahweh’s instructions to slaughter an unblemished lamb, apply its blood to the doorposts and lintel, roast the meat, eat in haste with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, and remain indoors. At midnight the LORD struck the firstborn of Egypt, but “when I see the blood, I will pass over you” (Exodus 12:13). The command was issued before the plague occurred, making obedience an unmistakable act of faith in an unseen deliverance. Definition Of Biblical Faith In Hebrews 11 Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see” . The chapter’s structure presents concrete historical episodes where trust in God’s spoken word precedes the visible outcome. Verse 28 aligns perfectly with that paradigm. Moses’ Faith: Trusting An Unseen Promise Moses had witnessed nine prior plagues, yet none demanded Israel’s personal, blood-marked participation. Believing God would both judge Egypt and spare covenant households, Moses instituted the Passover exactly as revealed (Exodus 12:28). He relied purely on the divine promise, not on empirical guarantees, demonstrating that authentic faith rests on God’s character and spoken revelation. Corporate Faith Of Israel: Passing The Test Faith here is communal. Every household had to sacrifice, paint the blood, and stay inside (Exodus 12:22). Hebrews uses a singular verb—“kept”—highlighting Moses’ leadership yet embracing the nation’s participation. Genuine faith is contagious; a leader’s confidence in God can animate an entire people to courageous obedience. The Sprinkling Of Blood: Substitutionary Atonement Foreshadowed “Sprinkling” (ῥαντισμός) is later used of covenant ratification (Hebrews 9:19) and purification (Hebrews 12:24). The Passover lamb’s blood substituted for Israel’s firstborn; likewise “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). Hebrews therefore reads Exodus typologically: the ancient rite previews the definitive atonement secured by Jesus’ blood, “a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:19). Christological Fulfillment: The Lamb Of God John 1:29 announces, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” The Passover prepared Israel—and the world—for a singular redeeming sacrifice. Faith that marked doorposts now must mark hearts by trusting the resurrected Christ whose blood averts eternal judgment (Romans 5:9). Theological Themes Highlighted • Divine Judgment and Grace: The same night carried wrath for Egypt and mercy for Israel—two outcomes hinging on blood-applied faith. • Covenant Identity: Passover became “a memorial” (Exodus 12:14) shaping Israel’s calendar and worship. • Obedience as Evidence of Faith: Israel did not merely assent intellectually; they acted, proving that genuine faith produces works (James 2:17). Archaeological And Historical Corroboration Of The Exodus And Passover • Merneptah Stele (c. 1209 BC) names “Israel” already established in Canaan, consistent with an earlier Exodus. • The Brooklyn Papyrus (13th century BC) lists Semitic slaves in Egypt’s Delta region bearing Hebrew names (e.g., Shiphrah). • The Ipuwer Papyrus describes calamities reminiscent of the plagues: Nile turned to blood, darkness, widespread death—parallels that echo Exodus 7–12. • Proto-Sinaitic inscriptions at Serabit el-Khadim contain the divine name YHW, supporting early Yahwistic worship in the Sinai. These artifacts do not “prove” every detail but align historically with a Semitic departure under divine judgment. Scientific Considerations And Plausibility Of The Plagues Hydrological, volcanic, or pathogenic models attempt naturalistic explanations, yet the biblical narrative insists on precise timing, increasing severity, and distinction between Egypt and Goshen (Exodus 8:22; 9:26). The coordination and prediction of each plague underscore supernatural orchestration—consistent with intelligent design and providential governance. Practical Application For Contemporary Believers 1. Trust God’s promises before outcomes appear. 2. Apply the blood of Christ personally; religious heritage without saving faith offers no protection. 3. Lead households spiritually, as Moses led Israel. 4. Remember redemption regularly—Passover became a perpetual feast; the Lord’s Supper now fulfills that memorial (Luke 22:15–20). 5. Live in readiness; Israel ate with staff in hand (Exodus 12:11). New-covenant faith likewise anticipates Christ’s return. Key Cross-References Ex 12; Exodus 13:14–15; Leviticus 23:5; Numbers 9:2–5; Deuteronomy 16:1–8; Joshua 5:10–12; 2 Chronicles 30; Isaiah 53:7; John 19:36; 1 Corinthians 5:7; 1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 5:9–12. Summary And Key Takeaways Hebrews 11:28 portrays faith as active reliance on God’s revelation. Moses and Israel trusted a promise, obeyed a seemingly odd ritual, and were spared judgment. The event previews Christ’s redemptive work and calls every generation to the same pattern: hear God’s word, believe it, act on it, and find salvation under the blood of the Lamb. |
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