Hebrews 11:23-29 (NKJV) “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command. 24 By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward. 27 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.
V23 “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a beautiful child; and they were not afraid of the king’s command.“ The beginning history of Moses in found in Exodus 2:1-22. The love of Moses’s parents and trust in God are revealed. They risked their lives for 3 months. There were many ears listening to baby’s cries and report that to the authorities. At 3 months old, Moses was stronger, crying louder, and could not be hidden any longer. His mother made a woven basket then waterproofed it and made it soft inside for baby Moses. The Greek word for “beautiful” is (G791) ἀστεῖος asteîos, which means (Word Studies Dictionary) “One who dwells in a city and by consequence is well-bred, polite, eloquent, as the inhabitants of cities may be in comparison with those of the country. Used only of Moses, meaning elegant in external form (Act 7:20; Heb 11:23).” The Hebrew word (Exodus 2:2) is (H2896) טוֹב ṭôb, which means something good and used in many ways including beautiful in appearance or personality, etc.
Note, they feared God, not any human. We learn: 1) to be faithful to God, 2) life is important, 3) God is able to protect, and 4) God gives strength to continue even if afraid as the threats from authorities will not deter believers.
V24 “By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter…” He chose to identify with Israel. Vincent notes that “When he was come to years (μέγας γενόμενος) [is] Lit. having become great.” Acts 7:22 NIV – Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.
V25 “…choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin…” Moses had all the pleasures of sin because he was the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. He refused these pleasures believing that God had chosen him to be Israel’s leader for deliverance from Egypt and their bondage. He was correct, but his timing was wrong. Moses needed to learn many things, so God took him to the wilderness to be a shepherd. Often to prepare us for our service to God, He will take us from what we do and live and bring us to a place where we can learn what He wants us to know. Paul the Apostle knew this. Galatians 1:17-18 (WEB) nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days.
V26 “…esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” We have choices to make whether to serve God or serve our interests. Moses chose the eternal blessings over temporary pleasures, so should we.
V27 “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” Moses fled to save his life but this was in faith that God had chosen him. Fleeing was to save his life, but also, the opportunity to deliver Israel later. He made a choice: God’s ways and promises instead of Egypt’s and his flesh’s desires. Pharaoh could have sent out soldiers to find him but did not. Note the word “endure.” The Greek word for “endure” is (G2594) καρτερέω karteréō, which means (Word Study Dictionary): “To be strong, steadfast, firm, to endure, hold out, bear the burden. In Heb 11:27, meaning that he endured severe yet voluntary exile with strength and courage.” His dedication to the God of his fathers is so strong that he continued despite hardships. It was as if he could see God, who is invisible, and believed it was God’s will to do so. He was faithful in his life, which is a great illustration for us. Moses was in the wilderness for 40 years until God had finished what He wanted for Moses’s ministry.
V28 “By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” Later, after receiving the instructions concerning the Passover, Moses led the people to carry out those instructions. Moses wanted to do God’s will, believed God concerning the angel of death killing the firstborn, and showed it so. He literally did what God commanded (the lamb and the blood on the doorposts and lintel).
V29 “By faith they passed through the Red Sea as by dry land, whereas the Egyptians, attempting to do so, were drowned.” See Exodus 14:1-5. It is not normal to walk through the sea as in a canyon between walls of water. But, God had commanded Moses (Exodus 14:15-18), who relayed the message to the people, so they started across the sea floor (Exodus 14:21-22). It was a reasonable faith because of all the miracles in Egypt and even God’s wall of fire and smoke which separated Israel from the Egyptian army (Exodus 14:20).
We learn:
- God’s faithfulness
- Moses’s faithfulness
- Their actions proved their faith