Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical teachings, the concept of "enforce" is not frequently mentioned explicitly in Scripture, but the underlying principles of enforcing laws, commandments, and divine decrees are evident throughout the Bible. The term "enforce" generally refers to the act of compelling observance or compliance with a law, rule, or obligation. In the biblical narrative, this concept is often associated with the authority of God, the role of leaders, and the responsibility of believers to uphold divine statutes.Divine Authority and Enforcement God's authority is supreme, and His commandments are to be obeyed by His people. The enforcement of God's laws is seen in various instances throughout the Bible. In the Old Testament, God gave the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, which included the Ten Commandments and various other statutes. These laws were to be enforced among the Israelites as a covenant between God and His people. In Deuteronomy 6:17, the Israelites are instructed, "You shall diligently keep the commandments of the LORD your God and His testimonies and statutes that He has commanded you." Role of Leaders in Enforcement Leaders in the Bible were often tasked with enforcing God's laws among the people. Moses, as the leader of the Israelites, was responsible for ensuring that the people adhered to God's commandments. Similarly, the judges, kings, and prophets of Israel played roles in enforcing divine laws and calling the people back to obedience when they strayed. For example, King Josiah is noted for his reforms and efforts to enforce the Law after it had been neglected (2 Kings 23:1-25). Enforcement and Justice The enforcement of laws is closely tied to the concept of justice in the Bible. God is depicted as a just judge who enforces His laws with fairness and righteousness. Psalm 9:8 states, "He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." The enforcement of justice is a reflection of God's character and His desire for righteousness among His people. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the concept of enforcement takes on a spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ emphasized the spirit of the law rather than mere legalistic adherence. He taught that love and mercy should guide the enforcement of God's commandments. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier matters of the law: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness." The apostles also played a role in enforcing the teachings of Christ and the early church's doctrines. They provided guidance and correction to the early Christian communities, as seen in the epistles. For instance, Paul writes to the Corinthians about maintaining order and discipline within the church (1 Corinthians 5:1-13). Believers' Responsibility Believers are called to enforce God's commandments in their own lives by living in obedience to His Word. This personal enforcement is a demonstration of faith and commitment to God's will. James 1:22 exhorts believers, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." In summary, while the term "enforce" may not be frequently used in the Bible, the concept is integral to understanding the application of God's laws and commandments. It encompasses divine authority, the role of leaders, the pursuit of justice, and the personal responsibility of believers to live according to God's standards. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To put force upon; to force; to constrain; to compel; as, to enforce obedience to commands.2. (v. t.) To make or gain by force; to obtain by force; as, to enforce a passage. 3. (v. t.) To put in motion or action by violence; to drive. 4. (v. t.) To give force to; to strengthen; to invigorate; to urge with energy; as, to enforce arguments or requests. 5. (v. t.) To put in force; to cause to take effect; to give effect to; to execute with vigor; as, to enforce the laws. 6. (v. t.) To urge; to ply hard; to lay much stress upon. 7. (v. i.) To attempt by force. 8. (v. i.) To prove; to evince. 9. (v. i.) To strengthen; to grow strong. 10. (n.) Force; strength; power. Strong's Hebrew 8631. teqeph -- to grow strong... Word Origin (Aramaic) corresponding to taqeph Definition to grow strong NASB Word Usage became so proud (1), became strong (1), enforce (1), grew strong (1 ... /hebrew/8631.htm - 6k Library What are the Reasons Annexed to the Fourth Commandment, the More ... What are the Reasons Annexed to the Second Commandment, the More ... Even the Old Discipline was not Without Precedents to Enforce ... Examples from among the Heathen, as Well as from the Church, to ... What is the Reason Annexed to the Fifth Commandment, the More to ... Introduction Our Hope is the Personal Return of Our Redeemer. The Wicked Servant Jesus Christ, the Divine Teacher of Prayer The Westminster Larger Catechism Thesaurus Enforce (1 Occurrence)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To put force upon; to force; to constrain; to compel; as, to enforce obedience to commands. 2. (vt ... /e/enforce.htm - 7k James (40 Occurrences) Gesture Whip (7 Occurrences) Wring (4 Occurrences) Force (250 Occurrences) Fable Tribute (67 Occurrences) Rigor (8 Occurrences) Enforced (1 Occurrence) Resources What is the law of retribution? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are blue laws? What is a biblical view of blue laws? | GotQuestions.org What is the dispensation of Human Government? | GotQuestions.org Enforce: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Enforce (1 Occurrence)Daniel 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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