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
“Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” This verse refers to the first Passover in Egypt (Exodus 12), where the Israelites trusted in God’s protection by applying blood of the lamb on their doorposts. The act required precise obedience and faith in God’s promise of deliverance. It’s not just ritual; it’s trust in God’s redemptive plan, risk in the face of danger, and communal obedience. The steely resolve to keep the Passover shows communal faithfulness and dependence on God’s mercy.
This passage underscores the centrality of sacrifice, covenant faithfulness, and the protection that comes through obedience to God’s commands. The Passover becomes a symbol of liberation—physical and spiritual—foreshadowing Christ’s atoning sacrifice in the New Covenant. It also grounds faith in tangible acts that express trust in God’s deliverance.
Practical living: consider how you apply the “blood on the doorpost” principle today. It could be faithful participation in communion, living under the protection of God’s covenant promises, and living in a community that supports repentance, forgiveness, and mercy. It also invites intentional discernment about safety and obedience—knowing when to follow God’s instruction even if it appears risky in the eyes of worldly authorities.
Cross-References: Exodus 12:1-14; John 1:29; Romans 3:25; 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 9:14