Lexical Summary
cheqeq: Decree, statute, ordinance
Original Word:חֵקֶק
Part of Speech:Noun Masculine
Transliteration:cheqeq
Pronunciation:khay'-kek
Phonetic Spelling:(khay'-kek)
KJV: decree, thought
Word Origin:[fromH2710 (חָקַק - inscribed)]
1. an enactment, a resolution
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
decree, thought
Fromchaqaq; an enactment, a resolution -- decree, thought.
see HEBREWchaqaq
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originthe same as
choq, q.v.
Topical Lexicon
Overviewחֵקֶק points to a “decree” or “resolve,” whether an inward determination or an outwardly codified statute. The two Old Testament occurrences show both facets: an internal resolve within Israel’s tribes (Judges 5:15) and unjust legislation imposed by corrupt rulers (Isaiah 10:1).
Scriptural Usage
Judges 5:15
“Among the divisions of Reuben there were great resolve of heart.”
Deborah celebrates those who rallied to Barak yet laments Reuben’s hesitancy. The term highlights private deliberations that should have issued in courageous action for the Lord.
Isaiah 10:1
“Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees.”
Here the word indicts rulers whose written edicts pervert justice, targeting the vulnerable. The same term that could describe noble resolve is now used for tyranny, underscoring moral responsibility in lawmaking.
Historical Setting
1. Period of the Judges: Israel lacked centralized authority; tribal cooperation depended on voluntary commitment. Reuben’s “great resolve” remained mere contemplation, contrasting with Issachar’s decisive obedience. The Song of Deborah therefore immortalizes both valor and vacillation.
2. Eighth-century Judah: Isaiah confronts administrators during the reigns of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. Their decrees exploited widows and orphans, inviting divine wrath and foreshadowing Assyrian invasion (Isaiah 10:5–6).
Theological Insights
Righteous Decree
Scripture repeatedly affirms that the only ultimately just legislation is that which conforms to God’s character (Psalm 19:7–9). Thus human decrees are evaluated by the divine standard.
Moral Agency
Whether an inward resolution or a formal statute, cheqeq exposes the heart. In Judges it distinguishes between contemplation and obedience; in Isaiah it unmasks corruption. Every believer and every leader is accountable for both intentions and policies (Proverbs 16:1;Romans 13:1–4).
Divine Justice
Isaiah’s oracle assures that oppressive decrees never escape God’s notice. The Sovereign LORD not only judges individuals but also nations that institutionalize injustice (Micah 6:8;Revelation 19:15).
Ministry and Personal Application
1. Cultivate God-honoring Resolve
Like Issachar, disciples are called to translate inner conviction into faithful action (James 2:17). Private devotion should lead to public obedience.
2. Guard Against Passive Deliberation
Reuben’s “great resolve” warns against paralysis through endless reflection. Leaders and laity alike must move from intention to implementation, especially in spiritual warfare and service.
3. Advocate for Righteous Legislation
Isaiah’s denunciation urges believers—particularly those in civic roles—to pursue laws that protect the weak (Proverbs 31:8–9). Churches should pray for governing authorities and model justice within their own communities.
4. Trust God’s Ultimate Verdict
Victims of unjust decrees can rest in the promise that the Judge of all the earth will do right (Genesis 18:25). The cross and the coming Kingdom guarantee final rectification.
Related Passages and Themes
• Internal resolve:Psalm 119:106;2 Corinthians 9:7
• Just and unjust decrees:Esther 8:8;Daniel 6:8–9
• Law written on the heart:Jeremiah 31:33;Romans 2:15
• Divine judgment on oppressive rulers:Amos 2:6–7;Malachi 3:5
In both celebratory song and prophetic woe, חֵקֶק reveals the critical intersection of heart, law, and leadership. The same term that can energize courageous obedience can also expose wicked governance, calling every generation to align its resolves and decrees with the unchanging righteousness of God.
Forms and Transliterations
חִקְקֵי־ חקקי־ chikkei ḥiq·qê- ḥiqqê-
Links
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Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
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