Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the term "deputies" refers to officials or representatives appointed to carry out specific duties or to govern on behalf of a higher authority. The concept of deputies is seen in various forms throughout the Scriptures, often associated with governance, administration, and the execution of justice.
Old Testament References1.
Solomon's Administration: One of the most notable mentions of deputies is found in the reign of King Solomon. Solomon, known for his wisdom and extensive kingdom, appointed deputies to manage the affairs of his vast territories. In
1 Kings 4:7, it is recorded, "Solomon had twelve deputies over all Israel, who provided food for the king and his household. Each one had to make provision for one month of the year." These deputies were responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of the kingdom's logistics and resource management.
2.
Role in Governance: Deputies in the Old Testament often served as regional governors or administrators. They were tasked with maintaining order, collecting taxes, and implementing the king's decrees. Their role was crucial in sustaining the centralized power of the monarchy and ensuring that the king's policies were effectively executed across the land.
3.
Judicial Functions: In some instances, deputies also had judicial responsibilities. They were expected to uphold justice and resolve disputes among the people, acting as representatives of the king's authority in legal matters.
New Testament ContextWhile the specific term "deputies" is not frequently used in the New Testament, the concept of delegated authority is evident. The early church, for instance, appointed leaders and elders to oversee the spiritual and administrative needs of the growing Christian communities. This practice reflects the biblical principle of shared leadership and responsibility.
Biblical Principles1.
Delegated Authority: The appointment of deputies underscores the biblical principle of delegated authority. Leaders are encouraged to share responsibilities to ensure effective governance and to prevent burnout. This principle is echoed in the advice given to Moses by Jethro in
Exodus 18:17-23, where Moses is advised to appoint capable men to serve as judges for the people.
2.
Accountability: Deputies, like all leaders, were expected to act with integrity and accountability. Their role required them to be faithful stewards of the authority entrusted to them, reflecting the character and justice of the one who appointed them.
3.
Service and Stewardship: The role of a deputy is ultimately one of service. In the biblical worldview, leadership is seen as a form of stewardship, where leaders are called to serve the people and manage resources wisely for the common good.
ConclusionThe concept of deputies in the Bible highlights the importance of structured governance and the effective delegation of authority. Through the appointment of deputies, biblical leaders were able to maintain order, administer justice, and ensure the well-being of their communities. This model of leadership continues to offer valuable insights into the principles of governance and service in both religious and secular contexts.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Deputy.
Strong's Hebrew
5324. natsab -- to take one's stand, stand... root Definition to take one's stand, stand NASB Word Usage arises (1), attending
(1), best (1), charge (2),
deputies (4), deputy (1), erected (2), establish (2
...Library
The Request of theDeputies of the Synod of South Holland to their...
... 4. The request of theDeputies of the Synod of South Holland to their Lordships,
the ,visitors of the University, and the answer which they received....
Concerning theDeputies of the Council and the Emperor's Letter...
... Chapter XIX."Concerning theDeputies of the Council and the Emperor's Letter; Agreement
of the Adherents of Ursacius and Valens afterwards with the Letter...
Abgar Sends Princes to Marinus; TheseDeputies See Our Saviour...
... Moses of Chorene. History of Armenia. V. Abgar sends princes to Marinus; thesedeputies
see our Saviour Christ; beginning of the conversion of Abgar....
Acacius and Aetius; and How theDeputies of the Two Councils of...
... Chapter XXIII."Acacius and A?�tius; and how theDeputies of the Two Councils of Ariminum
and of Seleucia were led by the Emperor to accept the Same Doctrines...
In the Meantime, the Emperor Compels thoseDeputies of Our Party...
... Book II. Chapter XLIII. In the meantime, the emperor compels thosedeputies
of our party who had been sent? In the meantime, the...
An Offer on My Part, of a Conference with TheseDeputies, which...
... 2. An offer on my part, of a conference with theseDeputies, which they refused.
I then told these five gentlemen, "that, notwithstanding...
The Confession of Eustathius, Silvanus, and Theophilus, the...
... Book VI. Chapter XI."The Confession of Eustathius, Silvanus, and Theophilus,
theDeputies of the Macedonians, to Liberius, Bishop of Rome....
Troubles Again Arise in the Churches, and the Synod of Lampsacus...
... Theirdeputies met the Emperor Valens as he was returning from Heraclea to Thrace,
where he had been traveling in company with his brother, who had gone on to...
My Reasons for Refusing a Conference.
... I was also much injured by the way in which the Synod prejudged my cause; for we
may presume that it would not through itsdeputies invite any man to a...
Letter from the Council at Ariminum to the Emperor Constantius.
... We have, for this reason, sent our reinstructeddeputies to your Clemency, and have
furnished them with letters, declaratory of the sentiments of the council....
Thesaurus
Deputies (14 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Plural of Deputy. Multi-Version Concordance
Deputies (14 Occurrences). Acts 19:38 Wherefore if Demetrius
...Counselors (21 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the...
Governors (43 Occurrences)
... the shepherd and his flock; and with you will I break in pieces the farmer and his
yoke of oxen; and with you will I break in pieces governors anddeputies....
Advisers (22 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the...
Jason (5 Occurrences)
... (1) Son of Eleazar, sent (161 BC) by Judas Maccabeus with otherdeputies to Rome
"to make a league of amity and confederacy" (1 Maccabees 8:17; Josephus, Ant...
Prefects (18 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counsellors, the...
Satraps (12 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the...
Lieutenants (4 Occurrences)
... three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai
commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and thedeputies and rulers...
Treasurers (5 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the...
Sheriffs (2 Occurrences)
... Daniel 3:2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the satraps, the
deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the...
Resources
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