The term "commandest" is an archaic form of the verb "command," often found in older translations of the Bible. It is used to denote the act of giving an authoritative order or directive. In the context of Scripture, commands are typically issued by God, His prophets, or leaders appointed by Him, and they carry significant weight and authority.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Divine Commands: The Bible frequently records instances where God commands His people, emphasizing His sovereign authority and the expectation of obedience. For example, in the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to follow His laws and statutes as a covenant people. These commands are not merely suggestions but are integral to maintaining a relationship with God and receiving His blessings.

2. Mosaic Law: The commands given through Moses, often referred to as the Law, are foundational to the Old Testament. These include the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17), which serve as a moral and ethical guide for God's people. The Law encompasses various aspects of life, including worship, social justice, and personal conduct.

3. Prophetic Commands: Prophets in the Bible often relay commands from God to the people, calling them to repentance and adherence to God's will. For instance, the prophet Isaiah conveys God's commands to the Israelites, urging them to return to righteousness (Isaiah 1:16-17).

4. New Testament Commands: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ issues commands that emphasize love, faith, and obedience. His teachings often expand on the Old Testament Law, focusing on the spirit rather than the letter of the law. For example, Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them (John 13:34).

5. Apostolic Instructions: The apostles, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, provide commands and instructions to the early church. These include directives on church order, moral living, and the proclamation of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, for instance, commands believers to live by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16).

Theological Significance

Commands in the Bible are not arbitrary; they reflect God's character and His desire for His people to live in a way that honors Him. Obedience to God's commands is a demonstration of faith and love towards Him. As Jesus states, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" (John 14:15).

Practical Application

For believers, understanding and obeying God's commands is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. It involves studying Scripture, seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and applying biblical principles to daily life. The commands of God are seen as a path to blessing and fulfillment, as they align the believer's life with God's perfect will.

Psalm XLIV.
... "Thou who commandest salvation unto Jacob." What is, "Thou who commandest"?
Even though in Thine own proper Substance and Nature ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xliv.htm

The Will of Man Requires the Help of God.
... to Him, "Turn us, O God of our salvation," [462] and again, "Turn us, O God of hosts;"
[463] what else do we say than, "Give what Thou commandest?" [464] When ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 5 v the will of.htm

All Hope is in the Mercy of God.
... Give what Thou commandest, and command what Thou wilt. ... Thou commandest continency;
give what Thou commandest, and command what Thou wilt. Footnotes: ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxix all hope is in.htm

Augustine's Testimony Concerning
... them long before the Pelagian heresy had even begun to be, it is plain that in them
I said to my God, again and again, "Give what thou commandest and command ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/augustines testimony concerning.htm

How the Sea was Divided Asunder for the Hebrews, when they were ...
... possessest; still the sea is thine, the mountains also that enclose us are thine;
so that these mountains will open themselves if thou commandest them, and the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 16 how the sea.htm

But for what Fruit Would they Hear This? do they Desire to Joy ...
... These are Thy servants, my brethren, whom Thou willest to be Thy sons; my masters,
whom Thou commandest me to serve, if I would live with Thee, of Thee. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter iv but for what.htm

Augustin's "Confessions. "
... them before the Pelagian heresy had come into existence, certainly in them I said
to my God, and said it frequently, "Give what Thou commandest, and command ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 53 augustins confessions.htm

About to Speak of the Temptations of the Lust of the Flesh, He ...
... Give what Thou commandest, and command what Thou wilt. [900] He confesses to
have received, and when he glorieth, he glorieth in the Lord. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxxi about to speak of.htm

Acts xxii. 17-20
... Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou
to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlviii acts xxii 17-20.htm

The Apocalypse of Sedrach.
... V. Sedrach saith to him: Of thy will Adam was beguiled, my Lord: Thou commandest
thine [3981] angels to make approach to Adam, and the first of the angels ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of sedrach/the apocalypse of sedrach.htm

Commandest (3 Occurrences)
...Commandest (3 Occurrences). ... Joshua 1:16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that
thou commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ...
/c/commandest.htm - 7k

Whithersoever (32 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Joshua 1:16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou
commandest us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ...
/w/whithersoever.htm - 17k

Whited (7 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary ...
/w/whited.htm - 8k

Rebellious (63 Occurrences)
... Joshua 1:18 Every one that is rebellious against thy commandment and hearkeneth
not to thy words in everything that thou commandest us, shall be put to death. ...
/r/rebellious.htm - 26k

Breaking (69 Occurrences)
... whited wall. And thou, dost thou sit judging me according to the law, and
breaking the law commandest me to be smitten? (DBY). Romans ...
/b/breaking.htm - 27k

Courageous (24 Occurrences)
... Joshua 1:18 Every one that is rebellious against thy commandment and hearkeneth
not to thy words in everything that thou commandest us, shall be put to death. ...
/c/courageous.htm - 14k

Commander's (3 Occurrences)

/c/commander's.htm - 7k

Smite (230 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary ...
/s/smite.htm - 39k

Sendest (15 Occurrences)
... (KJV DBY WBS). Joshua 1:16 And they answered Joshua, saying, All that thou commandest
us we will do, and whithersoever thou sendest us, we will go. ...
/s/sendest.htm - 11k

Smitten (215 Occurrences)
... Acts 23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary ...
/s/smitten.htm - 38k

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