Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical times, the concept of registration often involved the enumeration or recording of individuals for various purposes, such as taxation, military service, or organizational needs. This practice is evident in several key passages throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both divine and governmental mandates.
Old Testament ContextThe practice of registration is first notably seen in the Old Testament during the time of Moses. In the Book of Numbers, God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelite community.
Numbers 1:2-3 states, "Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army." This registration was primarily for military organization and readiness, ensuring that the Israelites were prepared for the challenges they would face in the Promised Land.
Another significant instance of registration is found in the post-exilic period, as recorded in the Book of Ezra.
Ezra 2:1-2 details the return of the exiles to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, and lists the leaders of the families. This registration was crucial for re-establishing the community and religious practices after the Babylonian captivity.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, registration is most prominently featured in the account of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:1-3 records, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register." This decree led Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (
Micah 5:2).
The registration ordered by Caesar Augustus was primarily for taxation purposes, reflecting the Roman Empire's administrative control over its territories. This event underscores the intersection of divine providence and human governance, as it set the stage for the fulfillment of messianic prophecies.
Theological ImplicationsFrom a theological perspective, the concept of registration in the Bible highlights God's sovereignty and order. The censuses in the Old Testament demonstrate God's concern for the organization and preparedness of His people. They also serve as a reminder of the importance of community and identity within the covenant relationship with God.
In the New Testament, the registration under Caesar Augustus illustrates how God uses earthly authorities to accomplish His divine purposes. Despite the political motivations behind the census, it ultimately facilitated the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the birth of Jesus Christ.
ConclusionThe biblical accounts of registration reveal a pattern of divine orchestration and human responsibility. Whether for military, organizational, or taxation purposes, these instances of registration serve as reminders of God's providential care and the unfolding of His plan throughout history.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of registering; registry; enrollment.
2. (n.) The art of selecting and combining the stops or registers of an organ.
Greek
583. apographo -- to copy, enroll... ap-og-raf'-o) Short Definition: I enroll, inscribe in a register Definition: I enroll,
inscribe in a register; mid: I give my name for
registration (or census
...Strong's Hebrew
3187. yachas -- to enroll oneself or be enrolled by genealogy... the genealogy (1), enrolled genealogically (1), genealogical enrollment (4),
genealogical list (1), genealogically enrolled (1), genealogy (2),
registration* (
...8435. toledoth -- generations
... Word Origin from yalad Definition generations NASB Word Usage account (1), birth
(1), genealogicalregistration (12), genealogies (3), generations (21), order...
4662. miphqad -- a muster, appointment, appointed place
... Word Origin from paqad Definition a muster, appointment, appointed place NASB Word
Usage appointed place (1), appointment (1), census (1),registration (1)....
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
The Secondary Division or Teen Age Boys' Crusade
... objective of the Conference and Crusade, then appoint the following sub-committees:
Program, Printing and Advertising, Banquet,Registration, Recreation and...
The Older Boys' Conference or Congress
... St. James' Square Presbyterian Church=, Gerrard St., between Yonge and Church
Sts. 2:00 PMRegistration of Delegates....Registration Fee=....
The Nativity of Jesus the Messiah.
... narrative) we have no solid evidence that Cyrenius was at that time occupying the
needful official position in the East, to order such aregistration for Herod...
Catechetical Instruction.
... passages [99] . The next step for those who responded to the call was the
registration of names (onomatographia ) [100] . It appears...
Continuation: Ignorance of Satan.
... the infants; the removal into Egypt, and the return from that country to the same
region; the infant swaddling-bands; the humanregistration; the nourishing by...
The Census of Israel
... family book of the living God, and he thus, in effect, said to each one of them,
"I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine." By theregistration of each...
"But they are Gods to Us," You Say. ...
... Men seek to get the Capitol, as they seek to get the herb market, under the voice
of the crier, under the auction spear, under theregistration of the qu??stor...
Concerning Catechumens who have Lapsed, the Holy and Great Synod...
... The periods for thisregistration varied, naturally enough, in different churches.
At Jerusalem it was done on the second (Cyril. Catech....
Chronology of the Apostolic Age.
... ad8. His visit to the Temple at twelve years of age. Cyrenius (Quirinius), Governor
of Syria (for the second time). Theregistration, or "taxing." Acts 5:37....
Special Preparation for Baptism.
... One of the earliest ceremonies, after theregistration of names, was Exorcism, which
seems to have been often repeated during the Candidate's course of...
Thesaurus
Registration (17 Occurrences)...Registration (17 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 Just at this time an edict was issued by
Caesar Augustus for the
registration of the whole Empire. (WEY).
...Regret (17 Occurrences)
Governorship (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Governorship (1 Occurrence). Luke 2:2 It was the first
registration made during the governorship of Quirinius in Syria; (WEY)....
Issued (40 Occurrences)
... WEY). Luke 2:1 Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus
for theregistration of the whole Empire. (WEY NIV). John...
Registers (2 Occurrences)
Edict (22 Occurrences)
... Edict (22 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar
Augustus for theregistration of the whole Empire. (WEY)....
Enrollment (9 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of enrolling;registration. 2. (n.)
A writing in which anything is enrolled; a register; a record....
During (182 Occurrences)
... my body." (WEY). Luke 2:2 It was the firstregistration made during the
governorship of Quirinius in Syria; (WEY). Luke 3:2 during...
Census (24 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) An officialregistration of the number of the people, the value of their
estates, and other general statistics of a country. Int....
Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)
... During his tenure of office, at the time of our Lord's birth (Luke 2:2), a "taxing"
(RV, "enrolment;" ie, aregistration) of the people was "first made;" ie...
Resources
What is the significance of the Roman Empire in biblical history? | GotQuestions.orgWhat year was Jesus Christ born? When was Jesus born? | GotQuestions.orgRegistration: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
