Topical Encyclopedia
An edict, in biblical terms, refers to a formal proclamation or command issued by a sovereign authority. In the context of the Bible, edicts are often associated with decrees made by kings or rulers, which carry significant authority and impact the lives of the people under their rule. These proclamations are binding and are expected to be obeyed by the subjects of the realm.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, edicts are frequently mentioned in relation to the kings of Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations. One notable example is the edict issued by King Cyrus of Persia, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree is recorded in the book of Ezra: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing" (
Ezra 1:1). This edict was pivotal in the history of Israel, as it marked the end of the Babylonian captivity and the beginning of the restoration of Jerusalem.
Another significant edict is found in the book of Esther, where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) issues a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. This edict was a response to the earlier decree orchestrated by Haman, which sought the destruction of the Jewish people.
Esther 8:11 states, "The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder their possessions."
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, edicts are less frequently mentioned, but they still play a role in the narrative. One example is the decree from Caesar Augustus that led to the census, which brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace.
Luke 2:1 records, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world."
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, edicts in the Bible often demonstrate the sovereignty of God over human affairs. Despite the intentions of earthly rulers, God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled through their decrees. The edict of Cyrus, for instance, aligns with the prophetic words of Isaiah, who foretold the restoration of Jerusalem (
Isaiah 44:28). This underscores the belief that God can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine will.
Moral and Ethical ConsiderationsEdicts in the Bible also raise moral and ethical considerations, particularly when they conflict with God's commandments. The account of Daniel provides an example, where an edict from King Darius prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king himself. Daniel's refusal to obey this edict, choosing instead to remain faithful to God, resulted in his being thrown into the lions' den (
Daniel 6:7-16). This narrative highlights the principle of obeying God rather than men when human laws contradict divine commands.
In summary, edicts in the Bible serve as instruments of authority and governance, reflecting both the power of earthly rulers and the overarching sovereignty of God. They are pivotal in shaping the historical and spiritual landscape of the biblical narrative, demonstrating the interplay between divine providence and human authority.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) A public command or ordinance by the sovereign power; the proclamation of a law made by an absolute authority, as if by the very act of announcement; a decree; as, the edicts of the Roman emperors; the edicts of the French monarch.
Greek
1297. diatagma -- anedict, mandate... an
edict, mandate. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: diatagma Phonetic
Spelling: (dee-at'-ag-mah) Short Definition: a mandate, decree Definition: a
...1378. dogma -- an opinion, (a public) decree
... a public) decree. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: dogma Phonetic Spelling:
(dog'-mah) Short Definition: a decree,edict, ordinance Definition: a...
Strong's Hebrew
6599. pithgam -- anedict, decree... 6598, 6599. pithgam. 6600 . an
edict, decree. Transliteration: pithgam
Phonetic Spelling: (pith-gawm') Short Definition:
edict.
...1881. dath -- decree, law
... Word Origin of foreign origin Definition decree, law NASB Word Usage decree
(5),edict (4), edicts (1), law (7), laws (3), regulations (1)....
7010. qeyam -- a statute
... decree, statute. (Aramaic) from quwm; anedict (as arising in law) -- decree, statute.
see HEBREW quwm. 7009, 7010. qeyam. 7011 . Strong's Numbers.
3982. maamar -- a word, command
... commandment, decree. From 'amar; something (authoritatively) said, ie Anedict --
commandment, decree. see HEBREW 'amar. 3981, 3982. maamar. 3983 ....
1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 1), customs (1), dealings (2), decree (2), deed (2), deeds (3), defect* (1), desires
(1), dispute (5), disputes (1), doings (1), duty (1),edict (1), eloquent...
6600. pithgam -- a command, word, affair
... Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to pithgam Definition a command, word, affair NASB
Word Usage answer (1), answer...matter (1), answered* (1),edict (1), report...
4385. miktab -- writing
... writing. From kathab; a thing written, the characters, or a document (letter, copy,
edict, poem) -- writing. see HEBREW kathab. 4384, 4385. miktab. 4386 ....
3791. kethab -- a writing
... Word Origin from kathab Definition a writing NASB Word Usage decree (1),edict
(2), letter (1), register (1), registration* (2), regulation (1), script (4...
Library
ThisEdict was Promulgated at Nicomedia on the Day Preceding the...
... Chap. XXXV. Thisedict was promulgated at Nicomedia on the day preceding
the kalends of May? Thisedict was promulgated at Nicomedia...
Note on the Emperor'sEdict to the Synod.
... The Canons of the Blessed and Holy Fathers Assembled at Antioch in Syria.
Note on the Emperor'sEdict to the Synod. Neither of the...
TheEdict of Banishment, 1729-1736.
... The Revival under Zinzendorf. CHAPTER V. THEEDICT OF BANISHMENT, 1729-1736.... But
Zinzendorf was not yet satisfied. He regarded theedict as an insult....
Next Day anEdict was Published, Depriving the Christians of all...
... Chap. XIII. Next day anedict was published, depriving the Christians of
all honours and dignities? Next day anedict was published...
The ImperialEdict Posted in the Third Atrium of the Great Church...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. The ImperialEdict Posted in the Third Atrium
of the Great Church Near What is Called Dicymbala. In...
Constantine'sEdict to the People of the Provinces Concerning the...
... Chapter XLVIII."Constantine'sEdict to the People of the Provinces concerning the
Error of Polytheism, commencing with Some General Remarks on Virtue and Vice...
Edict that Women Should not Meet with the Men in the Churches.
... The Life of the blessed emperor constantine, by eusebius pamphilus. Book I. Chapter
LIII."Edict that Women should not meet with the Men in the Churches....
Constantine'sEdict against the Heretics.
... Book III. Chapter LXIV."Constantine'sEdict against the Heretics. "Victor
Constantinus, Maximus Augustus, to the heretics. "Understand...
Of theEdict of Mithridates, Commanding that all Roman Citizens...
... Book III. Chapter 22."Of theEdict of Mithridates, Commanding that All
Roman Citizens Found in Asia Should Be Slain. These things...
How Claudius Restored to Agrippa his Grandfathers Kingdoms and...
... CHAPTER 5. How Claudius Restored To Agrippa His Grandfathers Kingdoms And Augmented
His Dominions; And How He Published AnEdict In Behalf....
Thesaurus
Edict (22 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Edict (22 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 Just at this time an
edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire.
...Decree (82 Occurrences)
... what is to be done by a subordinate; also, a determination by one having power,
deciding what is to be done or to take place;edict, law; authoritative rule or...
Ordinance (89 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) A rule established by authority; a permanent rule of action; a statute,
law, regulation, rescript, or accepted usage; anedict or decree; esp., a local...
Moses (9295 Occurrences)
... But neither by thisedict was the king's purpose effected. One of the
Hebrew households into which this crueledict of the king...
Visit (97 Occurrences)
... He and his wife Priscilla had recently come from Italy because of Claudius'sedict
expelling all the Jews from Rome. So Paul paid them a visit; (WEY)....
Native (35 Occurrences)
... Aquila. He and his wife Priscilla had recently come from Italy because
of Claudius'sedict expelling all the Jews from Rome. So...
Issued (40 Occurrences)
... WEY). Luke 2:1 Just at this time anedict was issued by Caesar Augustus
for the registration of the whole Empire. (WEY NIV). John...
Imperial (14 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Of or pertaining to an empire, or to an emperor;
as, an imperial government; imperial authority oredict....
Registration (17 Occurrences)
... Registration (17 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 Just at this time anedict was issued by
Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire. (WEY)....
Rare (8 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 11:23 Through faith the child Moses was hid for three months by his parents,
because they saw his rare beauty; and the king'sedict had no terror for...
Resources
What was the Edict of Milan? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Constantine the Great? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.orgEdict: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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