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

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this important passage from Hebrews 11:28. It’s a really powerful idea about God’s protection and trust in His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that believers trusted in God’s plan for the Passover, which was a crucial event in Jewish history. They believed so strongly that God would protect the Israelites from a terrible destroyer (the Romans), and they kept this plan diligently. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Through faith he kept the Passover…” – This means they acted with belief, trust, and commitment. It wasn’t just about thinking about the Passover; they were actively participating in it. “…and the sprinkling of blood…” - The Passover was a special meal that marked a new beginning for the Jewish people after their slavery. It involved a ritual of blood – the sprinkling of red wine and juice on the doorposts of their homes to protect them from evil spirits. “lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them.” - This is the crucial part. It means that God protected the Israelites, specifically the children of Jacob (the founders of the Jewish people), from a terrible disaster. The "firstborn" refers to the patriarchs – the leaders of the tribe of Israel. The “destroyer” here was the Roman army who conquered them. God’s plan was to protect these important individuals and their lineage, even if it meant a difficult time. In short: They trusted in God's plan, believed with all their hearts, and acted diligently to safeguard the future of the Jewish people, especially the children of Jacob. Why is this important? This verse speaks to the idea that God’s plans are often complex and involve risk. He doesn’t just want us to succeed; he actively protects us from harm. It's a reminder of God's faithfulness and His unwavering commitment to his people. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Explore what it means in a broader theological sense?