In the context of the Bible, "resolves" refers to firm determinations or decisions made by individuals, often in alignment with God's will or commandments. These resolutions are typically characterized by a steadfast commitment to follow through on a course of action, reflecting a deep conviction and reliance on divine guidance.

Old Testament Examples

1. Daniel's Resolve: One of the most notable examples of resolve in the Old Testament is found in the life of Daniel. In Daniel 1:8 , it is written, "But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the king’s food or wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself in this way." Daniel's resolve to maintain his dietary purity according to Jewish law, despite the pressures of the Babylonian court, exemplifies a commitment to God's commandments over cultural assimilation.

2. Joshua's Declaration: Joshua's resolve is evident in his famous declaration to the Israelites. In Joshua 24:15 , he states, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua's firm decision to serve the Lord, regardless of the choices of others, underscores a personal and familial commitment to God.

3. Nehemiah's Determination: Nehemiah's resolve to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, despite opposition, is another significant example. Nehemiah 4:6 records, "So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work." Nehemiah's leadership and determination to restore Jerusalem's defenses reflect a resolve rooted in faith and purpose.

New Testament Examples

1. Paul's Missionary Resolve: The Apostle Paul exemplifies resolve in his missionary journeys and his commitment to spreading the Gospel. In Acts 20:24 , Paul declares, "But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace." Paul's unwavering dedication to his divine mission, despite hardships, illustrates a resolve to fulfill God's calling.

2. Jesus' Determination: Jesus Christ Himself demonstrated ultimate resolve in His mission to redeem humanity. In Luke 9:51 , it is noted, "As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem." This resolve to face suffering and crucifixion for the salvation of mankind highlights the depth of His commitment to the Father's will.

Theological Implications

Resolves in the biblical sense often involve a conscious decision to align one's actions with God's will, reflecting a heart transformed by faith. Such determinations are not merely human efforts but are empowered by divine strength and guidance. The resolve to follow God's commandments, pursue righteousness, and fulfill one's divine calling is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and faithfulness in the believer's life.

Practical Application

For believers today, the concept of resolve serves as a call to live with intentionality and purpose, grounded in biblical principles. It encourages Christians to make firm decisions in their spiritual walk, to resist cultural pressures that contradict their faith, and to remain committed to God's purposes, even in the face of adversity. The examples of resolve found in Scripture provide a model for living a life that honors God and fulfills His will.2706. choq -- something prescribed or owed, a statute
... 1), measure (1), necessary food (1), ordinance (4), portion (3), portions (1),
prescribed portion (1), rations (1), required amount (1), resolves (1), statute ...
/hebrew/2706.htm - 6k

Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. Wife Decides It. Hard ...
... PART I."AUTOBIOGRAPHY. CHAPTER VIII. Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. ...
Dishonest Preacher. Resolves to Go to College. Friends Oppose. ...
/.../chapter viii resolves to go.htm

Peter Resolves to Follow Simon.
... Book III. Chapter LXV."Peter Resolves to Follow Simon. "Be not, my brethren,
distressed by those things that have been done, but ...
/.../unknown/recognitions of clement /chapter lxv peter resolves to follow.htm

Recreant Reuben
... III. The recreant's brave resolves which came to nothing. ... 'By the watercourses
of Reuben there were great resolves of heart.' ... ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/recreant reuben.htm

On the Decrees of God which Concern the Salvation of Sinful Men ...
... The first decree concerning the salvation of sinful men, as that by which God resolves
to appoint his Son Jesus Christ as a saviour, mediator, redeemer, high ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the decrees of god.htm

The Grace Sufficient for Salvation is Conferred on the Elect, and ...
... They know that I use the word "Election" in two senses. (i.) For the decree by which
God resolves to justify believers and to condemn unbelievers, and which is ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/article xxviii viii the grace.htm

Divine Predestination
... epistle to the Romans, and in the first chapter of that to the Ephesians- But such
a decree as I have there described is not that by which God resolves to save ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/divine predestination.htm

Fear and Faith
... notice how there is involved in that the other consideration, that a man's confidence
is not the product of outward circumstances, but of his own fixed resolves ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm

Christ Repressing Rash Discipleship
... There are always, in every good work, adherents, easily moved, pushing themselves
into the front, full of resolves in the beginning, and then, when the tug ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture a/christ repressing rash discipleship.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... father, 488; present at death of his father, [3370]487, [3371]488; assumes the purple,
[3372]488; proclaimed Augustus by army, [3373]488; resolves to deliver ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

On Marriage.
... two points in his description of it: first, an earthly and a heavenly view of it,
which are yet one; and secondly, a difference which resolves itself into a ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vii on marriage.htm

Resolves (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Resolves (1 Occurrence). ... They rushed into the valley at
his feet. By the watercourses of Reuben, there were great resolves of heart. ...
/r/resolves.htm - 6k

Resolved (15 Occurrences)

/r/resolved.htm - 11k

Resort (14 Occurrences)

/r/resort.htm - 11k

Watercourses (14 Occurrences)
... As was Issachar, so was Barak. They rushed into the valley at his feet. By the
watercourses of Reuben, there were great resolves of heart. (WEB ASV). ...
/w/watercourses.htm - 11k

Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... They rushed into the valley at his feet. By the watercourses of Reuben, there
were great resolves of heart. (WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV). ...
/r/rushed.htm - 14k

Districts (22 Occurrences)
... As was Issachar, so was Barak. They rushed into the valley at his feet. By the
watercourses of Reuben, there were great resolves of heart. (See NIV). ...
/d/districts.htm - 13k

Discrepancies
... Our inquiry resolves itself into three parts: (1) to determine whether there be
discrepancies, of either or both sorts, in the Bible; (2) to obtain at least a ...
/d/discrepancies.htm - 20k

Amnon (23 Occurrences)
... Wellhausen (IJG, II, 24, note 2) resolves 'amiynown into 'immi, and nun, my mother
is the serpent; compare NUN): (1) The eldest son of David and Ahinoam, the ...
/a/amnon.htm - 15k

Searchings (2 Occurrences)
... lebh), from chaqar, to "search," "explore," "examine thoroughly"): In the song of
Deborah the Reubenites are taunted because their great resolves of heart ...
/s/searchings.htm - 8k

Judith (1 Occurrence)
... trust in God. As Onias abides by his promise to the people, she resolves
to attempt another mode of deliverance. She obtains consent ...
/j/judith.htm - 27k

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