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Hebrews 11:28

Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.

Hebrews 11:28 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, the act of keeping the Passover and sprinkling of blood is highlighted as a demonstration of faith. The Passover was a significant event in the Old Testament, commemorating the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. The sprinkling of blood was a symbolic act that represented protection and salvation. By participating in these rituals through faith, the believer acknowledges their dependence on God for protection and deliverance from harm. The reference to "he that destroyed the firstborn" alludes to the angel of death that passed over the homes of the Israelites who followed God's instructions during the last plague in Egypt. Therefore, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and obedience in receiving God's protection and deliverance.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the importance of faith and obedience in the Old Testament story of the Israelites and the Passover. The act of keeping the Passover and applying the sprinkling of blood on the doorposts was a sign of faith and trust in God's promise of protection from the destroyer. This act not only symbolized the Israelites' obedience to God's command but also their dependence on His mercy and deliverance. By placing their trust in God and following His instructions, they were spared from the judgment that fell upon the Egyptians. The concept of faith in this context can be seen as a precursor to the greater faith required in the New Testament, where believers are called to trust in the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ for salvation.

Hebrews 11:28 in other translations

American Standard Version

By faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

World English Bible

By faith, he kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

Douay-Rheims

By faith he celebrated the pasch and the shedding of the blood: that he who destroyed the firstborn might not touch them.

Geneva Bible (1599)

Through faith he ordeined the Passeouer and the effusion of blood, least he that destroyed the first borne, should touche them.