Hebrews 11:27
By faith Moses left Egypt, not fearing the king's anger; he persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.
By faith
The phrase "by faith" is a recurring theme in Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter." It emphasizes the importance of faith as the foundation of a believer's relationship with God. In the Greek, "faith" is "pistis," which implies trust, conviction, and reliance upon God. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep-seated trust that leads to action. The chapter illustrates how faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). In the context of Hebrews 11:27, it underscores that Moses' actions were driven by a profound trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seemed daunting.

he left Egypt
This phrase refers to a significant event in Moses' life when he departed from Egypt. Historically, this can be seen in two contexts: Moses' initial flight to Midian after killing an Egyptian (Exodus 2:15) and the later Exodus when he led the Israelites out of Egypt. The Greek word for "left" is "kataleipō," which means to leave behind or forsake. This act of leaving was not just a physical departure but a spiritual and emotional severance from the life and identity he had known. It signifies a break from the past and a step into the unknown, guided by faith.

not fearing the king’s anger
Moses' departure from Egypt was marked by courage in the face of potential retribution from Pharaoh. The Greek word for "fearing" is "phobeō," which means to be afraid or terrified. However, Moses' faith in God was greater than his fear of earthly power. This phrase highlights the biblical principle that faith in God can overcome fear of man. Historically, Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler of the time, and defying him was a significant act of bravery. Moses' lack of fear demonstrates his trust in God's protection and plan.

he persevered
The word "persevered" in Greek is "kartereō," which means to endure or remain steadfast. This perseverance is a testament to Moses' unwavering faith and determination. Despite challenges and uncertainties, Moses remained committed to God's calling. This perseverance is a model for believers, illustrating that faith is not a one-time act but a continual, steadfast journey. It reflects the biblical call to endure hardships and remain faithful to God's promises.

as if seeing Him who is invisible
This phrase captures the essence of faith—believing in what cannot be seen. The Greek word for "seeing" is "horaō," which means to perceive or discern. Moses' faith allowed him to "see" the invisible God, guiding and sustaining him. This spiritual vision is a gift of faith, enabling believers to trust in God's presence and promises, even when they are not physically visible. The "invisible" God is a reminder of the spiritual reality that transcends the material world. Moses' ability to see the invisible is an encouragement for believers to cultivate a faith that looks beyond the temporal and trusts in the eternal.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
A central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God. His faith journey is a significant example of trust and obedience to God.

2. Egypt
The land where the Israelites were enslaved. Moses' departure from Egypt symbolizes a break from bondage and a step towards the fulfillment of God's promises.

3. The King (Pharaoh)
The ruler of Egypt who opposed Moses and the Israelites. His anger represents the worldly opposition that believers often face.

4. The Invisible God
The focus of Moses' faith. Despite not being able to see God physically, Moses trusted in His presence and promises.

5. The Exodus
The event of the Israelites leaving Egypt, led by Moses. It is a pivotal moment in biblical history, symbolizing deliverance and faith in God's guidance.
Teaching Points
Faith Over Fear
Moses' example teaches us to prioritize faith in God over fear of human authority or circumstances. Trusting in God's sovereignty can empower us to face challenges with courage.

Perseverance in Faith
Moses persevered because he "saw Him who is invisible." This teaches us the importance of spiritual vision and endurance in our faith journey, even when God's presence isn't physically visible.

The Power of Divine Vision
Moses' ability to "see" the invisible God underscores the importance of spiritual insight. We are encouraged to cultivate a relationship with God that allows us to perceive His presence and guidance in our lives.

Leaving the Past Behind
Just as Moses left Egypt, believers are called to leave behind their past sins and bondage, moving forward in faith towards God's promises.

Trust in God's Promises
Moses' faith was rooted in the promises of God. We are reminded to hold fast to God's Word and His promises, trusting that He is faithful to fulfill them.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' faith in leaving Egypt challenge you to trust God in your current circumstances?

2. In what ways can you cultivate a vision of the "invisible" God in your daily life?

3. What are some fears or obstacles that you need to overcome by faith, as Moses did with Pharaoh's anger?

4. How can the account of the Exodus inspire you to leave behind past sins or situations that hold you back from God's promises?

5. How do other scriptures, like 2 Corinthians 5:7, reinforce the concept of living by faith and not by sight in your personal walk with God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 2-14
These chapters provide the background of Moses' life in Egypt, his calling by God, and the eventual Exodus of the Israelites.

2 Corinthians 5:7
This verse emphasizes living by faith and not by sight, paralleling Moses' faith in the invisible God.

Romans 1:20
Discusses the invisible qualities of God being understood through creation, reinforcing the concept of faith in the unseen.

1 Timothy 1:17
Refers to God as the eternal, immortal, invisible King, highlighting the nature of the God Moses trusted.
A Godly FearlessnessK. Arvine.Hebrews 11:27
A Noble FearlessnessC. H. Spurgeon.Hebrews 11:27
An Heroic Frame of MindJohn Owen, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
As Seeing GodH. W. Beecher.Hebrews 11:27
Enduring as Seeing the Invisible OneR. S. Candlish, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
Faith the Secret of EnduranceC. New.Hebrews 11:27
Fearlessness in Fear Through the Vision of the InvisibleS. Cox, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
Fearlessness RespectedDr. Johnson.Hebrews 11:27
Forsaking EgyptJ. T. Davidson, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
General Gordon's Sense of God's PresenceFlorence Nightingale.Hebrews 11:27
MosesE. Bersier, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
Moses Forsaking EgyptG. Lawson.Hebrews 11:27
Prince of Conde and Charles IxK. Arvine.Hebrews 11:27
Seeing GodA. J. Bengel.Hebrews 11:27
Seeing the InvisibleHebrews 11:27
Seeing the Invisible GodA. Raleigh, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
Seeing the Invisible OneW. Jones Hebrews 11:27
The Face of GodJ. Clifford, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
The Power of the Invisible PresenceE. P . Hood.Hebrews 11:27
The Sense of the Presence of GodC. F. Thwing.Hebrews 11:27
The Sight of the Invisible the True Inspiration of Human LifeS. S. Mitchell, D. D.Hebrews 11:27
The Thought of God Ennobles LifeF. W. Farrar, D.D.Hebrews 11:27
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
Afraid, Anger, Behind, Course, Egypt, Endured, Faith, Fear, Fearing, Forsook, Frightened, Held, Invisible, Kept, King's, Persevered, Purpose, Seeing, Unseen, Wrath
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Hebrews 11:27

     1466   vision
     5149   eyes
     5370   kingship, human
     7212   exile
     8319   perception, spiritual
     8459   perseverance

Hebrews 11:1-39

     5763   attitudes, positive to God
     8412   decisions

Hebrews 11:1-40

     8020   faith

Hebrews 11:4-28

     5714   men

Hebrews 11:4-38

     8428   example

Hebrews 11:23-29

     5102   Moses, life of

Hebrews 11:24-27

     8021   faith, nature of
     8481   self-sacrifice

Hebrews 11:24-28

     5103   Moses, significance
     8248   faithfulness

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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