Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "prefect" refers to a high-ranking official or governor who held authority over a specific region or administrative division. The role of a prefect is primarily seen in the Old Testament, particularly during the periods of foreign rule over Israel, such as the Babylonian and Persian empires.Old Testament References The concept of a prefect is most notably associated with the Babylonian and Persian empires, where these officials were appointed to govern provinces and ensure the implementation of the king's decrees. In the Book of Daniel, the term is used to describe officials who served under King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. Daniel 3:2 states, "Then King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image he had set up." The role of a prefect in this context was to maintain order, collect taxes, and oversee the administration of justice within their jurisdiction. Prefects were often part of a larger bureaucratic system that included other officials such as satraps and governors, each with specific duties and responsibilities. Historical Context During the Babylonian and subsequent Persian rule, the Jewish people were subject to foreign governance, and the presence of prefects was a part of the administrative structure imposed by these empires. The prefects were responsible for ensuring that the policies of the central government were carried out in the provinces, which included the land of Judah. The appointment of prefects was a common practice in ancient empires, reflecting a centralized system of governance that allowed the ruling power to maintain control over vast territories. This system is evident in the biblical narrative, where the Jewish people often found themselves under the authority of foreign rulers and their appointed officials. Role and Responsibilities The responsibilities of a prefect included: 1. Governance: Prefects were tasked with the general administration of their assigned regions, ensuring that the king's laws and decrees were enforced. 2. Tax Collection: They were responsible for collecting taxes and tributes from the people, which were then forwarded to the central government. 3. Military Oversight: Prefects often had military responsibilities, including the defense of their provinces and the maintenance of order. 4. Judicial Authority: They had the authority to adjudicate legal matters and ensure justice was served according to the laws of the empire. Biblical Significance The presence of prefects in the biblical narrative highlights the political and social realities faced by the Jewish people during periods of exile and foreign domination. The role of these officials serves as a backdrop to the accounts of faith and perseverance found in the books of Daniel, Esther, and Nehemiah, where God's people navigated life under foreign rule while maintaining their identity and faith. In summary, the term "prefect" in the Bible refers to a significant administrative role within the empires that ruled over Israel and Judah. These officials played a crucial part in the governance and control exerted by foreign powers, and their presence is a testament to the complex political landscape of the biblical world. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A Roman officer who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.; as, the prefect of the aqueducts; the prefect of a camp, of a fleet, of the city guard, of provisions; the pretorian prefect, who was commander of the troops guarding the emperor's person.2. (n.) A superintendent of a department who has control of its police establishment, together with extensive powers of municipal regulation. 3. (n.) In the Greek and Roman Catholic churches, a title of certain dignitaries below the rank of bishop. Strong's Hebrew 5461. sagan -- a prefect, ruler... 5460, 5461. sagan. 5462 . a prefect, ruler. Transliteration: sagan Phonetic Spelling: (saw-gawn') Short Definition: officials. Word ... /hebrew/5461.htm - 6k 5460. segan -- a prefect 5333. netsib -- a pillar, prefect, garrison, post 8674. Tattenay -- Tattenay 6346. pechah -- a governor Library To the Prefect Eutrechius. To Constantius the Prefect. To the Prefect Eutrechius. The Memorial of Symmachus, Prefect of the City. Memorial of Symmachus, the Prefect of the City. How the Wife of a Prefect Slew Herself for Chastity's Sake. To Sophronius, Prefect of Constantinople. Anthemius the Pr??torian Prefect Administers the Government Letter civ. To the Prefect Modestus. Letter cxi. To Modestus, the Prefect. Thesaurus Prefect (2 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) A Roman officer who controlled or superintended a particular command, charge, department, etc.; as, the prefect of the aqueducts; the prefect of a camp ... /p/prefect.htm - 7k Praetorian (2 Occurrences) Deputy (7 Occurrences) Procurator Prefects (18 Occurrences) Roman (26 Occurrences) Guard (185 Occurrences) Officer (70 Occurrences) Garrison (15 Occurrences) Rezeph (2 Occurrences) Resources Who was Pontius Pilate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is truth? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nero? | GotQuestions.org Prefect: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Prefect (2 Occurrences)Acts 28:16 Daniel 2:48 Subtopics Related Terms |
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