Hebrews 11:28 – “By faith he kept the Passover and the application of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse points to a key moment in Moses‘ life and in Israel’s history—the first Passover. God had told Moses that judgment was coming to Egypt in the form of the death of every firstborn son. But He also gave a way for His people to be spared. Each Israelite household was to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their home. That night, when the destroyer (the angel of death) passed through Egypt, he would “pass over” the homes marked by the blood.
Moses obeyed God’s command exactly, even though it must have seemed strange and terrifying. His obedience wasn’t based on what made sense—it was based on faith. He trusted that God would do what He said, and that the blood of the lamb would be enough to protect them.
This verse shows that faith isn’t just belief—it’s belief that leads to obedience. Moses didn’t just believe in God’s power. He acted on it.
Historical Context
The first Passover happened just before the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. God had sent nine devastating plagues, and Pharaoh still refused to let the people go. Then came the tenth and final plague: the death of the firstborn (Exodus 11–12).
God gave Moses specific instructions. Every family was to kill a spotless lamb, place its blood on the doorframe, and stay inside. This act of faith, done exactly as God instructed, would protect their firstborn sons from death.
It wasn’t the Israelites’ goodness that saved them—it was the blood. And their faith was shown by trusting God enough to follow His instructions in full.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that God’s protection and salvation come through faith and obedience—not through good works or effort. Moses and the Israelites were spared because they trusted God’s Word and acted on it.
It also highlights the importance of blood in God’s plan of redemption. The blood of the lamb didn’t just symbolize life—it provided life. It stood between them and judgment. That sets the stage for understanding the work of Christ later on.
The verse also reminds us that God’s judgment is real. But so is His mercy. He offers a way out, a covering, a substitute—and faith takes hold of that gift.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse mirrors others in Hebrews 11: “By faith…” introduces a specific action. Here, it’s Moses keeping the Passover and applying the blood.
The mention of “the destroyer of the firstborn” is a clear reference to God’s judgment. But the focus of the verse isn’t on fear—it’s on faith. It highlights what Moses did by faith to protect God’s people.
The repetition of “firstborn” also emphasizes the seriousness of what was at stake. But the real power of the verse lies in the simple act of trust—believing that the blood would be enough.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 12:1-30 – The instructions for and the carrying out of the first Passover.
- Leviticus 17:11 – “The life of a creature is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
- 1 Corinthians 5:7 – “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”
- Romans 5:9 – “Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him!”
- John 1:29 – John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
- Hebrews 9:22 – “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that faith isn’t just about saying we believe—it’s about taking God at His word and acting on it, even when it seems unusual or hard.
It also points us to the heart of the gospel. Just like the Israelites, we can’t save ourselves. We need the covering of blood—now not from a lamb, but from Jesus Christ. His sacrifice protects us from the judgment we deserve.
And just like Moses, we’re called to walk by faith. Sometimes God asks us to do things that don’t make perfect sense to us. But if we trust Him, we obey—knowing that His ways lead to life.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God didn’t owe the Israelites a way out of judgment—but He gave them one. That’s grace. And He told them exactly what to do to be safe. That’s love.
God’s love is seen in how He both warns and provides. He is just, but He is also merciful. He doesn’t hide the truth—He makes a way for people to be saved. He longs to protect, not punish.
The Passover shows us a God who loves His people enough to deliver them—even at the cost of innocent blood.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse lays the groundwork for understanding Jesus as our Passover Lamb. Just as the lamb’s blood protected the Israelites from death, Jesus’ blood covers those who trust in Him. His sacrifice on the cross is what saves us from eternal judgment.
1 Corinthians 5:7 says, “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover. His death wasn’t random—it was planned, and it was powerful.
Faith in Jesus is like the Israelites applying the blood to their doorposts. It’s a response of trust. It says, “I believe that His blood is enough to save me.”
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the example of Moses keeping the Passover show what real faith looks like?
- What does it mean to trust in the blood of Jesus like the Israelites trusted in the lamb’s blood?
- Are there areas where God is asking you to obey, even if it doesn’t fully make sense?
- How does understanding the first Passover deepen your appreciation for what Jesus did on the cross?
- What are some ways you can live today in response to the grace and protection God has provided?