Hebrews 11:24 Study Bible: By faith, Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter,

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By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter.

By faith
The phrase "By faith" is a recurring theme in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter." The Greek word for faith, "pistis," implies a deep trust and confidence in God. This chapter emphasizes that faith is not merely intellectual assent but involves trust and action. In the context of Hebrews, faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It is the foundation upon which the heroes of faith acted, demonstrating that true faith results in obedience and action.

Moses
Moses is one of the most significant figures in the Old Testament, known for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His life is a testament to God's power and faithfulness. The mention of Moses here connects the readers to the rich history of Israel and God's covenant promises. Moses' life, from his miraculous preservation as an infant to his leadership during the Exodus, exemplifies a life lived by faith.

when he was grown
This phrase indicates a period of maturity and decision-making in Moses' life. The Greek word "megas" suggests not only physical growth but also maturity in understanding and responsibility. Moses' decision to act by faith came at a time when he was fully aware of the implications and consequences. It underscores the importance of making faith-based decisions at critical junctures in life.

refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter
Moses' refusal to be identified as the son of Pharaoh's daughter is a significant act of faith and identity. The Greek word "arneomai" means to deny or reject. Moses consciously chose to reject the privileges and status associated with Egyptian royalty. This decision highlights the theme of identity in Christ, as believers are called to reject worldly status and embrace their identity as children of God. Moses' choice reflects a profound understanding of his true heritage and calling, prioritizing God's promises over earthly treasures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses was chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. His life is marked by faith, leadership, and obedience to God.

2. Pharaoh’s Daughter
The Egyptian princess who adopted Moses when he was a baby. Her act of compassion saved Moses from the decree that all Hebrew male infants be killed.

3. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved. It represents a place of bondage and idolatry in the biblical account.

4. Faith
A key theme in Hebrews 11, faith is described as the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen. Moses' actions are a testament to his faith in God.

5. Refusal
Moses' decision to refuse his Egyptian identity signifies a pivotal moment of faith and identity in his life, choosing to align with God's people rather than the privileges of Egyptian royalty.

Teaching Points

Identity in Christ
Just as Moses chose to identify with God's people, believers today are called to find their identity in Christ rather than in worldly status or achievements.

The Cost of Faith
Moses' refusal of his Egyptian identity came with significant personal cost. True faith often requires sacrifice and a willingness to forsake worldly gains for spiritual truths.

Courageous Decisions
Moses' decision was not easy, but it was necessary. Believers are encouraged to make courageous decisions that align with God's will, even when it means going against societal norms.

Trust in God's Plan
Moses trusted in God's greater plan for his life, even when it meant leaving behind comfort and security. Believers are called to trust in God's plan, knowing that His ways are higher than ours.

Living by Faith
Hebrews 11 highlights the importance of living by faith. Moses' life is an example of how faith can lead to extraordinary outcomes when we trust and obey God.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does Moses' refusal to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter teach us about the importance of identity in our Christian walk?

2. How can we apply Moses' example of faith and courage in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions?

3. In what ways does Moses' account challenge us to evaluate what we are willing to sacrifice for the sake of following Christ?

4. How does Moses' choice to align with God's people rather than enjoy the pleasures of Egypt relate to the call to live a life set apart for God?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a decision that required faith and trust in God's plan. How did that experience shape your spiritual journey?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 2:1-10
This passage provides the background of Moses' birth, his adoption by Pharaoh's daughter, and his early life in the Egyptian palace.

Acts 7:20-29
Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin recounts Moses' life, emphasizing his choice to identify with the Israelites rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin in Egypt.

Philippians 3:7-8
Paul speaks about counting all things as loss for the sake of Christ, which parallels Moses' decision to forsake his royal status for the sake of God's calling.

Sermons

Moses Relinquishing Earthly Advantages	D. Young	Hebrews 11:24, 25
A Noble Preference	D. Bancroft.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Choosing	J. Trapp.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Desiring and Choosing	H. W. Beecher.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Faith the Means of Overcoming the World	C. New.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Faith's Sight of Sinful Pleasures	W. Gurnall.	Hebrews 11:24-26
For a Season	Life of Father Taylor.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Happiness of the Self-Denying		Hebrews 11:24-26
He Had Tried Both		Hebrews 11:24-26
Lessons from the Choice of Moses	C. Brown.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Modern Instances of a Right Choice	F. W. Farrar, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses' Choice	R. Watson.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses' Choice	Matthew Henry.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses' Decision	C. H. Spurgeon.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses Suffering Affliction	E. Monro.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Moses the Uncrowned King	C. H. Payne, . D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Murderous Though Beautiful	Scientific Illustrations and Symbols	Hebrews 11:24-26
Pleasure	Bp. Ryle.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Religious Decision	B. D. Johns.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Sinful Pleasures	R. Fuller.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Choice of Moses	W. M. Punshon, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Choice of Moses	A. Gilmour.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Choice of Moses	or. Burns, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Choice of Moses	James Stark.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Faith of Moses	James Kidd, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Faith of Moses and the Faith of Christ	J. Service, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Great Choice of Moses	W. Jones	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Great Refusal	G. Lawson.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Highest Form of Faith	E. Lewis, B. A.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Pleasures of Sin	W. M. Taylor, D. D.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Poisonous Lurking in the Pleasurable	Scientific Illustrations and Symbols	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Power of a Good Life	Archdeacon Farrar.	Hebrews 11:24-26
The Self-Denial of Moses		Hebrews 11:24-26
True Goodness	J. Trapp.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Worldly Honours Refused	James Kirkwood, M. A.	Hebrews 11:24-26
Worldly Pleasures	W. Mason.	Hebrews 11:24-26

People

Abel, Barak, Cain, David, Egyptians, Enoch, Esau, Gedeon, Gideon, Hebrews, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jephthae, Jephthah, Joseph, Noah, Pharaoh, Rahab, Samson, Samuel, Sara, Sarah

Places

Egypt, Jericho, Jerusalem, Red Sea

Topics

Daughter, Daughter's, Desire, Faith, Grew, Grown, Manhood, Named, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Refuse, Refused

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Hebrews 11:1-39

5763 attitudes, positive to God
8412 decisions

Hebrews 11:1-40

Hebrews 11:4-28

Hebrews 11:4-38

5102 Moses, life of

Hebrews 11:24-25

5846 enjoyment
8484 spiritual warfare, enemies

Hebrews 11:24-26

     5398   loss
     5500   reward, God's people
     6622   choice

Hebrews 11:24-27

     8021   faith, nature of
     8221   courage, strength from God
     8481   self-sacrifice

Hebrews 11:24-28

     5103   Moses, significance
     8248   faithfulness
     8253   faithfulness, examples

Library

October 15. "Faith is the Evidence of Things not Seen" (Heb. xi. 1).
"Faith is the evidence of things not seen" (Heb. xi. 1). True faith drops its letter in the post-office box, and lets it go. Distrust holds on to a corner of it, and wonders that the answer never comes. I have some letters in my desk that have been written for weeks, but there was some slight uncertainty about the address or the contents, so they are yet unmailed. They have not done either me or anybody else any good yet. They will never accomplish anything until I let them go out of my hands and …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

April 26. "Strangers and Pilgrims" (Heb. xi. 13).
"Strangers and pilgrims" (Heb. xi. 13). If you have ever tried to plough a straight furrow in the country--we are sorry for the man that does not know how to plough and more sorry for the man that is too proud to want to know--you have found it necessary to have two stakes in a line and to drive your horses by these stakes. If you have only one stake before you, you will have no steadying point for your vision, but you can wiggle about without knowing it and make your furrows as crooked as a serpent's …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

February 3. "He Went Out, not Knowing Whither He Went" (Heb. xi. 8).
"He went out, not knowing whither He went" (Heb. xi. 8). It is faith without sight. When we can see, it is not faith but reasoning. In crossing the Atlantic we observed this very principle of faith. We saw no path upon the sea nor sign of the shore. And yet day by day we were marking our path upon the chart as exactly as if there had followed us a great chalk line upon the sea; and when we came within twenty miles of land we knew where we were as exactly as if we had seen it all three thousand miles …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

January the First the Unknown Journey
"He went out not knowing whither he went." --HEBREWS xi. 6-10. Abram began his journey without any knowledge of his ultimate destination. He obeyed a noble impulse without any discernment of its consequences. He took "one step," and he did not "ask to see the distant scene." And that is faith, to do God's will here and now, quietly leaving the results to Him. Faith is not concerned with the entire chain; its devoted attention is fixed upon the immediate link. Faith is not knowledge of a moral …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The Illusiveness of Life.
Preached June 9, 1850. THE ILLUSIVENESS OF LIFE. "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: for he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God."--Hebrews xi. 8-10. Last Sunday we touched upon …
Frederick W. Robertson—Sermons Preached at Brighton

The Pilgrim's Longings
Now, our position is very similar to theirs. As many of us as have believed in Christ have been called out. The very meaning of a church is, "called out by Christ." We have been separated. I trust we know what it is to have gone without the camp, bearing Christ's reproach. Henceforth, in this world we have no home, no true home for our spirits; our home is beyond the flood; we are looking for it amongst the unseen things; we are strangers and sojourners as all our fathers were, dwellers in this wilderness, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 18: 1872

Rahab's Faith
I do think this triumph of faith over sin is not the least here recorded, but that if there be any superiority ascribable to any one of faith's exploits, this is, in some sense, the greatest of all. What! faith, didst thou fight with hideous lust? What! wouldst thou struggle with the fiery passion which sendeth forth flame from human breasts? What! wouldst thou touch with thy hallowed fingers foul and bestial debauchery? "Yea," says faith, "I did encounter this abomination of iniquity; I delivered …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Faith
This is an old law; it is as old as the first man. No sooner were Cain and Abel born into this world, and no sooner had they attained to manhood, than God gave a practical proclamation of this law, that "without faith it is impossible to please him." Cain and Abel, one bright day, erected an altar side by side with each other. Cain fetched of the fruits of the trees and of the abundance of the soil, and placed them upon his altar; Abel brought of the firstlings of the flock, and laid it upon his …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 3: 1857

Noah's Faith, Fear, Obedience, and Salvation
We may take pleasure in thinking of Noah as a kind of contrast to Enoch. Enoch was taken away from the evil to come: he saw not the flood, nor heard the wailing of those who were swept away by the waterfloods. His was a delightful deliverance from the harvest of wrath which followed the universal godlessness of the race. It was not his to fight the battle of righteousness to the bitter end; but by a secret rapture he avoided death, and escaped those evil days in which his grandson's lot was cast. …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 36: 1890

The Best Strengthening Medicine
THOSE WHO OUT OF WEAKNESS were made strong are written among the heroes of faith, and are by no means the least of them. Believers "quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong." Who shall tell which of the three grand deeds of faith is the greatest? Many of us may never have to brave the fiery stake, nor to bow our necks upon the block, to die as Paul did; but if we have grace enough to be out of weakness made strong, we shall not be left out of …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Obedience of Faith
"Is there a heart that will not bend To thy divine control? Descend, O sovereign love, descend, And melt that stubborn soul! " Surely, though we have had to mourn our disobedience with many tears and sighs, we now find joy in yielding ourselves as servants of the Lord: our deepest desire is to do the Lord's will in all things. Oh, for obedience! It has been supposed by many ill-instructed people that the doctrine of justification by faith is opposed to the teaching of good works, or obedience. There …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

The Call of Abraham
I. First, let us LOOK AT ABRAHAM. Abraham's family was originally an idolatrous one; afterwards some beams of light shone in upon the household, and they became worshippers of the true God; but there was much ignorance mingled with their worship, and at least occasionally their old idolatrous habits returned. The Lord who had always fixed on Abraham to be his chosen servant and the father of his chosen people upon earth, made Abraham leave the society of his friends and relatives, and go out of Ur …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

Go Back? Never!
"And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is an heavenly...city."--Hebrews 11:15, 16. ABRAHAM left his country at God's command, and he never went back again. The proof of faith lies in perseverance. There is a sort of faith which doth run well for a while, but it is soon ended, and it doth not obey the truth. The Apostle tells us, however, that the people of God were …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 61: 1915

The Gaze of the Soul
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.--Heb. 12:2 Let us think of our intelligent plain man mentioned in chapter six coming for the first time to the reading of the Scriptures. He approaches the Bible without any previous knowledge of what it contains. He is wholly without prejudice; he has nothing to prove and nothing to defend. Such a man will not have read long until his mind begins to observe certain truths standing out from the page. They are the spiritual principles behind …
A. W. Tozer—The Pursuit of God

The Christian Faith
Scripture references: Hebrews 11; Matthew 9:29; 17:20; Mark 10:52; 11:22; Acts 2:38; 3:16; 10:43; 16:30,31; Romans 1:17; 5:1; 10:17; Galatians 2:20. FAITH AND PRACTICE Belief Controls Action.--"As the man is, so is his strength" (Judges 8:21), "For as he thinketh in his heart so is he" (Proverbs 23:7). "According to your faith be it unto you" (Matthew 9:28,29). "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life" (Proverbs 4:23). The Scriptures place stress upon the fact that …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Voices of the Dead
"And by it he being dead yet speaketh." Hebrews xi. 4. Much of the communion of this earth is not by speech or actual contact, and the holiest influences fall upon us in silence. A monument or symbol shall convey a meaning which cannot be expressed; and a token of some departed one is more eloquent than words. The mere presence of a good and holy personage will move us to reverence and admiration, though he may say and do but little. So is there an impersonal presence of such an one; and, though …
E. H. Chapin—The Crown of Thorns

The Practice of Piety; Directing a Christian How to Walk that He May Please God.
Whoever thou art that lookest into this book, never undertake to read it, unless thou first resolvest to become from thine heart an unfeigned Practitioner of Piety. Yet read it, and that speedily, lest, before thou hast read it over, God, by some unexpected death, cut thee off for thine inveterate impiety. The Practice of Piety consists-- First, In knowing the essence of God, and that in respect of, (I.) The diverse manner of being therein, which are three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. (II.) …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

Testimonies.
"Without faith it is impossible to please God."--Heb. xi. 6. In order to prevent the possibility of being led into paths of error, faith is directed, not to a Christ of the imagination, but to "the Christ in the garments of the Sacred Scripture," as Calvin expresses it. And therefore we must discriminate between (1) faith as a faculty implanted in the soul without our knowledge; (2) faith as a power whereby this implanted faculty begins to act; and (3) faith as a result,--since with this faith (1) …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Being of God
Q-III: WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES PRINCIPALLY TEACH? A: The Scriptures principally teach what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man. Q-IV: WHAT IS GOD? A: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Here is, 1: Something implied. That there is a God. 2: Expressed. That he is a Spirit. 3: What kind of Spirit? I. Implied. That there is a God. The question, What is God? takes for granted that there …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Abraham and Isaac. Genesis xxii.
1.--"After these things." What things? See verse 33 in preceding chapter. After Abraham had given himself to prayer. It often happens that grace is given for grace. God prepares his own for trial and suffering by revealing Himself. "GOD DID TEMPT."--Like a workman who is conscious the work is well done, fears not the scrutiny which waits his labour. When the smith has put good work into the iron cable, he does not then fear the strain of the test put upon it, and God knew what He had done to …
Thomas Champness—Broken Bread

Enoch, the Deathless
BY REV. W. J. TOWNSEND, D.D. Enoch was the bright particular star of the patriarchal epoch. His record is short, but eloquent. It is crowded into a few words, but every word, when placed under examination, expands indefinitely. Every virtue may be read into them; every eulogium possible to a human character shines from them. He was a devout man, a fearless preacher of righteousness, an intimate friend of God, and the only man of his dispensation who did not see death. He sheds a lustre on the …
George Milligan—Men of the Bible; Some Lesser-Known

Faith an Assurance and a Proof.
"Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the proving of things not seen. For therein the elders had witness borne to them. By faith we understand that the worlds have been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen hath not been made out of things which do appear."--HEB. xi. 1-3 (R.V.). It is often said that one of the greatest difficulties in the Epistle to the Hebrews is to discover any real connection of ideas between the author's general purpose in the previous discussion and the …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

A Cloud of Witnesses.
"By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau, even concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a-dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when his end was nigh, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.... By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been compassed about for seven days. By faith Rahab the harlot perished not with them that were disobedient, …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

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