Hebrews 11:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Hebrews 11:23
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Chapter Context
Hebrews 11 is a homiletical epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, mercy. Written during before Jerusalem's destruction (c. 60-70 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Jewish Christians faced persecution pressure to return to Judaism's legal protections.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Hebrews and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Hebrews 11:23
23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment.
Analysis
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, exercised civil disobedience through faith, refusing Pharaoh's decree to kill Hebrew male infants (Exodus 1:22). They 'were not afraid' (ouk ephobēthēsan, οὐκ ἐφοβήθησαν) of the king's command, demonstrating that fear of God supersedes fear of earthly authorities. When human law contradicts divine law, believers must obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).
The phrase 'they saw he was a proper child' (asteion, ἀστεῖον, 'beautiful' or 'approved by God') may indicate divine revelation that this child was destined for special purposes. Acts 7:20 says Moses was 'exceeding fair' (asteios tō theō, 'beautiful to God'). Their faith perceived God's hand on this child and acted accordingly, risking their lives to preserve God's chosen deliverer.
This account teaches that genuine faith may require resisting ungodly authority and accepting personal risk for God's purposes. The parents' faith set the stage for Moses' later leadership and Israel's deliverance. Their courageous action demonstrates that God often works through faithful individuals who refuse to compromise, trusting Him with the consequences. The preservation of Moses foreshadows the preservation of infant Jesus from Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-18).
Historical Context
Moses was born approximately 1526 BC during Israel's oppression in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed to prevent population growth that might threaten Egyptian security (Exodus 1:15-22). This genocide policy forced Hebrew parents to choose between obeying Pharaoh or preserving their children. Amram and Jochebed's defiance of this decree, hidden in Exodus but highlighted in Hebrews, demonstrates that faith sometimes requires civil disobedience when earthly authority commands what God forbids. Egyptian records confirm foreign workers (including Semitic peoples) were present in Egypt during this period, though no extant Egyptian source mentions Hebrew oppression specifically.
Reflection
- When has obedience to God required you to resist ungodly human authority or cultural pressure?
- What does this passage teach about balancing submission to government with ultimate allegiance to God?
- How does Moses' parents' faith in protecting their child challenge you to protect and preserve what God has entrusted to you?
Word Studies
- Faith: πίστις (Pistis) G4102 - Faith, belief, trust
Cross-References
- References Moses: Acts 7:20
- Word: Isaiah 51:7
- Parallel theme: Hebrews 13:6, Exodus 1:16, 1:22, Psalms 118:6, Isaiah 41:10, 41:14