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 Decrees The 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 Decrees In 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 Salvation One 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 Decrees The 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. Conclusion The 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. ... /hebrew/2852.htm - 5k 2782. charats -- to cut, sharpen, decide 561. emer -- speech, word 3789. kathab -- to write 2710. chaqaq -- to cut in, inscribe, decree 1504. gazar -- to cut, divide 2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute Library It is Decreed that they who have Offered Sacrifice Before their ... It is Decreed that virgins who have Been Betrothed... It is Decreed that among the Clergy, Presbyters and Deacons who ... It is Likewise Decreed that Deacons who have Sacrificed and ... The Holy Synod Has Decreed that those who Forcibly Carry Off Women ... We have Decreed that those who have once Been Enrolled among the ... We have Decreed that the Poor and those Needing Assistance Shall ... Bishop Hosius Said: Decreed, that if any Bishop is Accused... What Has God Especially Decreed Concerning Angels and Men? Bishop Gaudentius Said: These Things Wholesomely, Duly, and Fitly ... 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). ... /d/decreed.htm - 16k Lamenting (8 Occurrences) Esarhaddon (3 Occurrences) Decree (82 Occurrences) Xerxes (24 Occurrences) Vashti (10 Occurrences) Libertines (1 Occurrence) Lamentation (45 Occurrences) Gesture Granted (102 Occurrences) Resources What are infralapsarianism, sublapsarianism, and supralapsarianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is compatibilism? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Decreed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Decreed (33 Occurrences)Luke 23:24 1 Corinthians 2:7 1 Corinthians 7:37 Leviticus 6:18 Leviticus 6:22 1 Kings 22:23 2 Kings 8:1 2 Chronicles 18:22 2 Chronicles 30:5 Ezra 4:19 Ezra 6:12 Esther 2:1 Esther 9:31 Job 14:5 Job 20:29 Job 38:10 Psalms 122:4 Proverbs 31:5 Isaiah 10:22 Isaiah 10:23 Isaiah 28:22 Jeremiah 11:17 Jeremiah 13:25 Jeremiah 40:2 Lamentations 1:17 Lamentations 2:17 Lamentations 3:37 Daniel 4:31 Daniel 9:24 Daniel 9:26 Daniel 9:27 Daniel 11:36 Nahum 2:7 Subtopics Related Terms |