Hebrews 11:23 – “By faith Moses’ parents hid him for three months after he was born, because they saw he was no ordinary child, and they were not afraid of the king’s edict.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse highlights the faith of Moses’ parents, not Moses himself. It shows that faith begins before public victories—it starts at home, often behind the scenes. At a time when Pharaoh had commanded that all Hebrew baby boys be killed, Moses’ parents made a bold choice. They hid their son for three months, trusting that God had a purpose for his life.
The verse says they saw that he was “no ordinary child.” That likely means they sensed something special about him—not just in terms of appearance or personality, but spiritually. They believed that God had a plan for Moses, and that faith gave them courage to protect him, even at great risk.
Their actions were not just parental instinct—they were a response of faith. They feared God more than the king. And in doing so, they became part of God’s bigger plan to rescue His people.
Historical Context
This moment takes place during one of the darkest times for the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh had grown fearful of the growing Hebrew population and ordered that all male babies be thrown into the Nile River (Exodus 1:22).
Amram and Jochebed, Moses’ parents (named in Exodus 6:20), chose to defy that order. In Exodus 2:1-3, we read that they hid their baby boy for three months. When they could hide him no longer, they placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile—an act of both desperation and trust. That decision led to Pharaoh’s own daughter finding Moses and raising him in the palace.
These small steps of faith became the first moves in a much larger story of deliverance. Without their courage, the story of Moses would never have begun the way it did.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that faith sometimes means standing against unjust authority. Moses’ parents didn’t protest publicly—they quietly obeyed God rather than man. That’s a theme seen throughout Scripture: when earthly commands go against God’s will, His people are called to honor Him above all.
It also shows that faith trusts God’s purposes, even in the face of fear. Moses’ parents didn’t know how everything would turn out, but they believed God was doing something beyond what they could see.
This verse also reminds us that God often begins His greatest works through quiet, faithful acts of obedience—done by people who trust Him even when it costs them.
Literary Analysis
Like other verses in Hebrews 11, this one starts with “By faith…” But this time, it’s not a hero like Abraham or Joseph being highlighted—it’s two ordinary parents. That shift matters. It shows that faith isn’t only for famous figures. God honors the faith of everyday people who make choices based on trust in Him.
The phrase “they were not afraid of the king’s edict” is a strong contrast. It doesn’t say they didn’t feel fear—it says they chose not to be afraid in the sense of obeying the king’s wicked command. They feared God more than man.
Also, the phrase “no ordinary child” connects their faith to God’s plan. Their belief that God had a special purpose for Moses drove their actions.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 1:22-2:3 – Pharaoh’s decree and the story of Moses’ birth and hiding.
- Acts 7:20 – Stephen refers to Moses being “no ordinary child.”
- Exodus 6:20 – Names of Moses’ parents: Amram and Jochebed.
- Proverbs 29:25 – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.”
- Acts 5:29 – “We must obey God rather than human beings.”
- Matthew 10:28 – Jesus says not to fear those who can kill the body but not the soul.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse encourages believers to trust God even when it’s costly. There are times when following God will mean going against popular opinion, cultural norms, or even government policies. Like Moses’ parents, we’re called to honor God first.
It also reminds us that faith doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it’s a quiet choice to do the right thing when no one else sees it. Raising a child to love God, saying no to compromise, protecting the vulnerable—these are acts of faith too.
This verse is especially encouraging for parents and caregivers. It shows the impact that early, faithful parenting can have in the unfolding of God’s plan. You never know what God will do through a child raised in faith and courage.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in how He watches over even the most vulnerable. He didn’t just care about the big picture—He cared about one baby boy in a basket. He protected Moses and used his parents’ faith to accomplish something eternal.
God’s love also empowers His people to stand strong in hard times. He gives courage, wisdom, and peace to those who trust Him. His love doesn’t always remove the danger—but it walks with us through it.
And even when the world seems dark, God is always working behind the scenes, using the faithful steps of ordinary people to bring about His good plan.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Moses was a foreshadowing of Jesus. Both were born under a threat of death—Moses under Pharaoh, and Jesus under King Herod. Both were preserved by God’s providence to fulfill a mission of deliverance. And both were rescued in infancy by someone placing them in God’s hands.
Moses’ parents trusted God to protect their son so he could fulfill his calling. Likewise, Jesus’ earthly parents—Joseph and Mary—trusted God when they fled to Egypt to save Jesus from Herod’s wrath (Matthew 2:13–15).
Ultimately, Moses was used by God to deliver Israel from slavery. Jesus is the greater Deliverer, bringing people out of sin and death into eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does this verse teach you about courage and quiet acts of faith?
- Are there situations in your life where you’re being called to trust God rather than fear people?
- How does the example of Moses’ parents challenge or encourage your own faith?
- If you’re a parent or mentor, how are you investing faith into the next generation?
- What helps you stay faithful when the outcome of your obedience isn’t yet clear?