Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of something being "decreed" refers to an authoritative order or command issued by God or a ruling authority. The notion of a decree is significant throughout the Scriptures, as it underscores the sovereignty and ultimate authority of God over creation and human affairs.
Divine DecreesThe Bible frequently speaks of God's decrees, which are His eternal purposes and plans that are certain to come to pass. These decrees are unchangeable and reflect God's omniscience and omnipotence. In the Book of Job, we see a reference to God's decrees in the context of creation: "He marks out the horizon on the face of the waters for a boundary between light and darkness" (
Job 26:10). This passage highlights God's sovereign control over the natural order.
The Psalms also speak of God's decrees as being righteous and trustworthy.
Psalm 2:7 states, "I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’" This messianic psalm points to the divine decree concerning the Son, which is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Human DecreesIn addition to divine decrees, the Bible also records decrees made by human authorities, such as kings and rulers. These decrees often have significant implications for the people under their rule. For example, in the Book of Daniel, King Darius issues a decree that no one is to pray to any god or man except to the king himself for thirty days (
Daniel 6:7-9). This decree leads to Daniel's famous ordeal in the lions' den, demonstrating the potential impact of human decrees on the faithful.
Similarly, in the Book of Esther, King Ahasuerus issues a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies (
Esther 8:11). This decree plays a crucial role in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a planned massacre.
The Decree of SalvationOne of the most profound aspects of God's decrees is His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:4-5 speaks of God's eternal decree in choosing believers: "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." This passage emphasizes the divine initiative and purpose in the salvation of humanity.
The Immutability of God's DecreesThe immutability, or unchangeableness, of God's decrees is a recurring theme in Scripture.
Isaiah 46:10 declares, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’" This assurance of God's unchanging purpose provides comfort and confidence to believers, knowing that God's plans are perfect and will be fulfilled.
ConclusionThe concept of decrees in the Bible, whether divine or human, highlights the authority and power inherent in such pronouncements. God's decrees, in particular, reveal His sovereign will and purpose, assuring believers of His ultimate control over all things.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
imp. & p. p.) of Decree.
Strong's Hebrew
2852. chathak -- to divide, determine... 2851, 2852. chathak. 2853 . to divide, determine. Transliteration: chathak
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-thak') Short Definition:
decreed. Word Origin a prim.
...2782. charats -- to cut, sharpen, decide
... 2781, 2782. charats. 2783 . to cut, sharpen, decide. Transliteration: charats
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-rats') Short Definition:decreed. Word Origin a prim...
561. emer -- speech, word
... Word Origin from amar Definition speech, word NASB Word Usage arguments (1),
chastisement (1), command (1),decreed (1), promise (1), sayings (4), slander* (...
3789. kathab -- to write
... root Definition to write NASB Word Usagedecreed (1), describe (3), described (1),
inscribed (1), prescribed (2), record (3), recorded (7), registered (3...
2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree
... root Definition to cut in, inscribe, decree NASB Word Usage carve (1), commanders
(2), decree (1),decreed (1), enact (1), inscribe (2), inscribed (3...
1504. gazar -- to cut, divide
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to cut, divide NASB Word Usage cut down (1),
cut off (6), decree (1),decreed (1), divide (2), divided (1), slice off (1)....
2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute
... 1), what is appointed (1). appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom,
decreed, due, law,. From chaqaq; an enactment; hence...
Library
It isDecreed that they who have Offered Sacrifice Before their...
... Canon XII. It isdecreed that they who have offered sacrifice before their
baptism? It isdecreed that they who have offered sacrifice...
It isDecreed that virgins who have Been Betrothed...
... Canon XI. It isdecreed that virgins who have been betrothed? It isdecreed
that virgins who have been betrothed, and who have...
It isDecreed that among the Clergy, Presbyters and Deacons who...
... Canon XIV. It isdecreed that among the clergy, presbyters and deacons
who abstain from flesh shall? It isdecreed that among...
It is LikewiseDecreed that Deacons who have Sacrificed and...
... Canon II. It is likewisedecreed that deacons who have sacrificed and
afterwards resumed the conflict? It is likewisedecreed...
The Holy Synod HasDecreed that those who Forcibly Carry Off Women...
... Canon XXVII. The holy Synod hasdecreed that those who forcibly carry
off women under pretence of? The holy Synod hasdecreed...
We haveDecreed that those who have once Been Enrolled among the...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Canon
VII. We havedecreed that those who have once been enrolled among the clergy?...
We haveDecreed that the Poor and those Needing Assistance Shall...
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria. Canon
XI. We havedecreed that the poor and those needing assistance shall travel?...
Bishop Hosius Said:Decreed, that if any Bishop is Accused...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon V. Bishop Hosius said:Decreed, that
if any bishop is accused? (Greek.) Bishop Hosius said...
What Has God EspeciallyDecreed Concerning Angels and Men?
... Question 13: What has God especiallydecreed concerning angels and men?
Answer: God, by an eternal and immutable decree, out of...
Bishop Gaudentius Said: These Things Wholesomely, Duly, and Fitly...
... Canon XX. Bishop Gaudentius said: These things wholesomely, duly, and fitly
decreed? (Greek.)... All said: Be this alsodecreed. (Latin.)....
Thesaurus
Decreed (33 Occurrences)... (imp. & pp) of Decree. Multi-Version Concordance
Decreed (33 Occurrences). Luke
23:24 Pilate
decreed that what they asked for should be done. (WEB).
...Lamenting (8 Occurrences)
... Esther 9:31 to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai
the Jew and Esther the queen haddecreed, and as they had imposed upon...
Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences)
... king of Assyria, made his favorite son, Esarhaddon (680-668 BC), the viceroy of
Babylon; and although he was not the eldest son, hedecreed that he should...
Decree (82 Occurrences)
... Ezra 4:19 Idecreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of
old time has made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion and sedition...
Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he
remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what wasdecreed against her....
Vashti (10 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of King Ahasuerus was pacified, he
remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what wasdecreed against her....
Libertines (1 Occurrence)
... Tacitus relates that the senatedecreed (19 AD) that a number of Jewish Libertines
should be transported to Sardinia, and that the rest should leave Italy...
Lamentation (45 Occurrences)
... Esther 9:31 to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai
the Jew and Esther the queen haddecreed, and as they had imposed upon...
Gesture
... 6:13 Ezra 9:5 Isaiah 45:23); in prayer the head and whole body were also bowed
(Genesis 24:26 2 Kings 5:18 2 Chronicles 29:28 f). The rabbinsdecreed that in...
Granted (102 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). Luke 22:29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on
me, (See NAS). Luke 23:24 Pilatedecreed that what they asked for should be done...
Resources
What are infralapsarianism, sublapsarianism, and supralapsarianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is compatibilism? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgDecreed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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