Topical Encyclopedia An edict, in biblical terms, refers to a formal proclamation or command issued by a sovereign authority. In the context of the Bible, edicts are often associated with decrees made by kings or rulers, which carry significant authority and impact the lives of the people under their rule. These proclamations are binding and are expected to be obeyed by the subjects of the realm.Old Testament Context In the Old Testament, edicts are frequently mentioned in relation to the kings of Israel, Judah, and surrounding nations. One notable example is the edict issued by King Cyrus of Persia, which allowed the Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. This decree is recorded in the book of Ezra: "In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to issue a proclamation throughout his realm and to put it in writing" (Ezra 1:1). This edict was pivotal in the history of Israel, as it marked the end of the Babylonian captivity and the beginning of the restoration of Jerusalem. Another significant edict is found in the book of Esther, where King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) issues a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies. This edict was a response to the earlier decree orchestrated by Haman, which sought the destruction of the Jewish people. Esther 8:11 states, "The king’s edict granted the Jews in every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate any armed force of any nationality or province that might attack them and their women and children, and to plunder their possessions." New Testament Context In the New Testament, edicts are less frequently mentioned, but they still play a role in the narrative. One example is the decree from Caesar Augustus that led to the census, which brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. Luke 2:1 records, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, edicts in the Bible often demonstrate the sovereignty of God over human affairs. Despite the intentions of earthly rulers, God's purposes are ultimately fulfilled through their decrees. The edict of Cyrus, for instance, aligns with the prophetic words of Isaiah, who foretold the restoration of Jerusalem (Isaiah 44:28). This underscores the belief that God can use even pagan rulers to accomplish His divine will. Moral and Ethical Considerations Edicts in the Bible also raise moral and ethical considerations, particularly when they conflict with God's commandments. The account of Daniel provides an example, where an edict from King Darius prohibited prayer to any god or man except the king himself. Daniel's refusal to obey this edict, choosing instead to remain faithful to God, resulted in his being thrown into the lions' den (Daniel 6:7-16). This narrative highlights the principle of obeying God rather than men when human laws contradict divine commands. In summary, edicts in the Bible serve as instruments of authority and governance, reflecting both the power of earthly rulers and the overarching sovereignty of God. They are pivotal in shaping the historical and spiritual landscape of the biblical narrative, demonstrating the interplay between divine providence and human authority. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) A public command or ordinance by the sovereign power; the proclamation of a law made by an absolute authority, as if by the very act of announcement; a decree; as, the edicts of the Roman emperors; the edicts of the French monarch.Greek 1297. diatagma -- an edict, mandate ... an edict, mandate. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: diatagma Phonetic Spelling: (dee-at'-ag-mah) Short Definition: a mandate, decree Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1297.htm - 6k 1378. dogma -- an opinion, (a public) decree Strong's Hebrew 6599. pithgam -- an edict, decree... 6598, 6599. pithgam. 6600 . an edict, decree. Transliteration: pithgam Phonetic Spelling: (pith-gawm') Short Definition: edict. ... /hebrew/6599.htm - 5k 1881. dath -- decree, law 7010. qeyam -- a statute 3982. maamar -- a word, command 1697. dabar -- speech, word 6600. pithgam -- a command, word, affair 4385. miktab -- writing 3791. kethab -- a writing Library This Edict was Promulgated at Nicomedia on the Day Preceding the ... Note on the Emperor's Edict to the Synod. The Edict of Banishment, 1729-1736. Next Day an Edict was Published, Depriving the Christians of all ... The Imperial Edict Posted in the Third Atrium of the Great Church ... Constantine's Edict to the People of the Provinces Concerning the ... Edict that Women Should not Meet with the Men in the Churches. Constantine's Edict against the Heretics. Of the Edict of Mithridates, Commanding that all Roman Citizens ... How Claudius Restored to Agrippa his Grandfathers Kingdoms and ... Thesaurus Edict (22 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Edict (22 Occurrences). Luke 2:1 Just at this time an edict was issued by Caesar Augustus for the registration of the whole Empire. ... /e/edict.htm - 14k Decree (82 Occurrences) Ordinance (89 Occurrences) Moses (9295 Occurrences) Visit (97 Occurrences) Native (35 Occurrences) Issued (40 Occurrences) Imperial (14 Occurrences) Registration (17 Occurrences) Rare (8 Occurrences) Resources What was the Edict of Milan? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Constantine the Great? | GotQuestions.org What was the Diet of Worms? | GotQuestions.org Edict: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Edict (22 Occurrences)Luke 2:1 Acts 18:2 Hebrews 11:23 Ezra 6:11 Esther 1:19 Esther 1:20 Esther 2:8 Esther 3:12 Esther 3:14 Esther 3:15 Esther 4:3 Esther 4:8 Esther 8:8 Esther 8:11 Esther 8:13 Esther 8:14 Esther 8:17 Esther 9:1 Esther 9:13 Esther 9:14 Daniel 6:7 Daniel 6:15 Subtopics Related Terms |
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