Enrolment, in the biblical context, refers to the act of registering or numbering individuals, often for purposes such as taxation, military service, or census-taking. This practice is evident in several instances throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both divine directives and human governance.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, enrolment is prominently featured in the Book of Numbers, where God commands Moses to take a census of the Israelite community. Numbers 1:2-3 states, "Take a census of the whole congregation of Israel by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one. You and Aaron are to number those who are twenty years of age or older by their divisions—everyone who can serve in Israel’s army." This census was primarily for organizing the tribes for military purposes and ensuring proper distribution of land and resources.

Another significant enrolment occurs in 2 Samuel 24, where King David orders a census of Israel and Judah. This act, however, incurs God's displeasure, leading to a severe plague as a consequence. The narrative highlights the importance of divine approval in such undertakings and the potential for human error when acting independently of God's will.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, enrolment is notably mentioned in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ. Luke 2:1-3 records, "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register." This decree led Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (Micah 5:2).

The enrolment ordered by Caesar Augustus was part of the Roman administrative system, aimed at efficient taxation and governance. It underscores the intersection of divine prophecy and human history, as the census facilitated the fulfillment of God's plan for the incarnation of Christ.

Theological Implications

Enrolment in the Bible often serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty over nations and individuals. While human authorities may conduct censuses for administrative purposes, the biblical narrative consistently points to a higher divine order. The censuses in Scripture reveal God's intimate knowledge of His people, as seen in passages like Psalm 147:4 , "He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name."

Furthermore, enrolment reflects themes of accountability and stewardship. Believers are reminded that they are part of a larger community, each with roles and responsibilities ordained by God. The act of numbering, whether for military, taxation, or prophetic fulfillment, underscores the importance of order and obedience within the covenant community.

Conclusion

Enrolment in the biblical sense is a multifaceted concept that encompasses divine command, human governance, and prophetic fulfillment. It serves as a testament to God's omniscience and the unfolding of His redemptive plan throughout history.ENROLMENT

en-rol'-ment.

See QUIRINIUS; TAX.

And it came to Pass Some Little Time After...
... And it came to pass some little time after, that an enrolment was made according
to the edict of C??sar Augustus, that all the world was to be enrolled, each ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of pseudo-matthew/chapter 13 and it came.htm

The Chronology
... Luke (ii.1, 2) offers what seems to be more definite information, but his reference
to the decree of Augustus and the enrolment under Quirinius are among the ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/iv the chronology.htm

The Record of a Quaker Conscience, Cyrus Pringle's Diary
... In some cases, variant spellings of the same word are used, as in the case of
"enrolment" and "enrollment", "therefor" and "therefore", "well meant" and "well ...
/.../pringle/the record of a quaker conscience cyrus pringles diary/title page.htm

The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20
... Now it came to pass in those days, there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus,
that all the world should be enrolled.2 This was the first enrolment made when ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/e the birth of jesus.htm

The Birth of Jesus the Messiah was on this Wise...
... [186] This first enrolment was [187] while Quirinius [11, 12] was governor of
Syria. [188] And every man went to be enrolled in his city. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section ii the birth of.htm

Now this Word Also Has the Veil. ...
... For up to the time of Herod they did appear to retain a kingdom in some sort; and
it was by Augustus that the first enrolment took place among them, and that ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/44 now this word also.htm

Fear and Faith
... conscience. This was not Peter's first acquaintance with Jesus Christ,
nor his first enrolment in the ranks of disciples. John's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/fear and faith.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step in the process
of taxation.] 2 This was the first enrolment. [Publius ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/x the birth of jesus.htm

The Birth of Jesus.
... This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And
all went to enrol themselves, every one to his own city. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the birth of jesus.htm

Chronology of the Life of Christ.
... Luke 2:2. [121] Luke gives us another chronological date by the incidental remark
that Christ was born about the time of that census or enrolment, which was ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 16 chronology of the.htm

Enrolment (2 Occurrences)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia ENROLMENT. en-rol'-ment. ...Enrolment (2 Occurrences). Luke
2:2 This was the first enrolment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. ...
/e/enrolment.htm - 7k

Taxing (3 Occurrences)
... (Luke 2:2; RV, "enrolment"), "when Cyrenius was governor of Syria," is simply a
census of the people, or an enrolment of them with a view to their taxation. ...
/t/taxing.htm - 35k

Enrollment (9 Occurrences)

/e/enrollment.htm - 9k

Ensample (7 Occurrences)

/e/ensample.htm - 8k

Cyrenius (1 Occurrence)
... During his tenure of office, at the time of our Lord's birth (Luke 2:2), a "taxing"
(RV, "enrolment;" ie, a registration) of the people was "first made;" ie ...
/c/cyrenius.htm - 7k

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