Topical Encyclopedia
Revoking, in a biblical context, refers to the act of rescinding, canceling, or reversing a decision, decree, or promise. This concept is significant in understanding the nature of God's interactions with humanity, as well as the responsibilities and consequences faced by individuals in their covenantal relationship with God.
Divine RevocationIn Scripture, God is depicted as sovereign and unchanging in His nature (
Malachi 3:6). However, there are instances where God appears to revoke a decree or judgment in response to human actions, particularly repentance. This is not indicative of a change in God's character but rather a demonstration of His mercy and justice.
One notable example is found in the account of Nineveh. God sent the prophet Jonah to proclaim judgment against the city due to its wickedness. However, upon hearing Jonah's message, the people of Nineveh repented, and God relented from the disaster He had threatened.
Jonah 3:10 states, "When God saw their actions—that they had turned from their evil ways—He relented from the disaster He had threatened to bring upon them."
Similarly, in the case of King Hezekiah, God initially declared through the prophet Isaiah that Hezekiah would die from his illness. However, after Hezekiah prayed and wept bitterly, God sent Isaiah back to inform the king that He had heard his prayer and seen his tears, and thus added fifteen years to his life (
2 Kings 20:1-6).
Human RevocationThe Bible also addresses the concept of human revocation, particularly in the context of vows and oaths. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to be careful with their vows, as breaking them was considered a serious offense.
Numbers 30:2 states, "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised."
The New Testament reinforces the importance of integrity in speech and commitments. Jesus taught in
Matthew 5:37 , "Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' Anything more comes from the evil one." This teaching emphasizes the importance of honesty and reliability in one's words and promises.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of revoking in the Bible highlights the dynamic relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While God's ultimate purposes are unchangeable, He engages with humanity in a way that allows for genuine interaction and response. This interaction underscores the importance of repentance and faithfulness in the believer's life.
Furthermore, the biblical teaching on revocation serves as a reminder of the seriousness with which God views commitments and the integrity expected of His people. It calls believers to reflect on their own promises and to strive for faithfulness in their relationship with God and others.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Revoke.
Library
And Again, when it is Said of ??sculapius that a Great Multitude...
... And some give evidence of their having received through this faith a marvellous
power by the cures which they perform,revoking no other name over those who...
Victor Utterly Unable to Explain How the Sinless Soul Deserved to...
... in that formula of his, in which he asserts that the soul deserved to be sinful:
from this difficulty he can only extricate himself byrevoking his words, with...
Matt. xviii. 21
... perceivest thou not, thou art making the demand upon thyself, thou an thrusting
the sword into thyself, andrevoking the sentence and the gift?...
Letter Li. Addressed to the Emperor Theodosius after the Massacre...
... happening; which, indeed, I had before said would be most atrocious when I so often
petitioned against it, and that which you yourself show byrevoking it too...
Seventh Appearance of Jesus.
... Compare verses 1-14 with Luke 5:1-11.3. In a group around a fire of coals Peter
here thrice professes his love for Christ, thusrevoking the threefold denial...
Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in...
... Now, it is adding to it, it is breaking orrevoking it"since this testament has
been opened and the blessing proclaimed to all the world"if anyone claims...
Appendix. The Apocryphal Books of the Old Testament.
... and of Esther in view of this edict; various details of Esther's visit to the king;
and the pretended edict of Artaxerxes (Ahasuerus)revoking the former edict...
Renewal of Troubles. Second Exile. Pistus and Gregory, Culmination...
... Conservative willingness to go behind Nic??a must be made to subserve the
supreme end ofrevoking the condemnation of Arianism....
The Evangelical Revival.
... of chapels in various parts of the kingdom, in which she appointed such persons
to officiate as ministers as she thought fit,revoking such appointments at her...
Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or...
A Source Book for Ancient Church History. <....
Thesaurus
Revoking (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Revoke. Multi-Version
Concordance
Revoking (1 Occurrence). Zechariah 11:10 I took
...Revoked (5 Occurrences)
Revolt (18 Occurrences)
Revoke (10 Occurrences)
... 6. (vi) To fail to follow suit when holding a card of the suit led, in violation
of the rule of the game; to renege. 7. (n.) The act ofrevoking....
Resources
What are the courts of heaven? | GotQuestions.orgRevoking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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