Hebrews 11:28

Through faith he kept the Passeouer, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the first borne, should touch them. Hebrews 11:28 (KJV)

Hebrews 11 presents a gallery of Old‑Testament figures whose lives were marked by steadfast trust in God. Verse 28 points to the collective faith of the Israelites during the Exodus, specifically the observance of the Passover. While the verse itself does not explicitly name the Passover, the surrounding context makes clear that it refers to that pivotal event of deliverance.

The historical setting was the period of Israelite bondage in Egypt. God chose Moses to be the deliverer of His people. In the final plague, the firstborn of every Egyptian household were to die. God instructed the Israelites to sacrifice an unblemished lamb, apply its blood to the doorposts of their homes, and eat the roasted lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. This act of obedience and faith caused the angel of death to “pass over” the homes marked with blood, sparing the Israelite firstborns.

Moses’ leadership exemplifies faith in action. He communicated God’s command, gathered the people, and oversaw the sprinkling of blood on the doorframes. The Israelites’ willingness to follow a seemingly extraordinary instruction, despite fear of the impending plague, demonstrated their trust in God’s promise of protection. Their collective obedience turned a terrifying judgment into a moment of divine preservation.

The passage yields several enduring lessons for today’s believers. First, it calls us to trust God’s Word even when circumstances are uncertain; the Israelites trusted a divine promise that seemed impossible. Second, it underscores obedience as a vital expression of faith—believers are invited to submit to God’s will, even when the path appears unconventional. Third, the event highlights the power of God’s protection; just as the blood shielded the Israelites, believers can rely on God’s promises for safety and deliverance. Finally, the Passover was instituted as a memorial, reminding the people of God’s faithfulness. Likewise, Christians are encouraged to remember and reflect on God’s saving acts, allowing remembrance to strengthen faith during trials.