In biblical contexts, "registers" refer to lists or records that document genealogies, censuses, or other important data. These records were crucial for maintaining tribal identities, inheritance rights, and fulfilling religious duties. The use of registers is evident throughout the Old and New Testaments, serving both practical and theological purposes.

Old Testament Registers

1. Genealogical Records: Genealogies are a prominent feature in the Old Testament, serving to establish lineage and tribal affiliation. The Book of Genesis provides early examples, such as the genealogies of Adam (Genesis 5) and Noah (Genesis 10). These records underscore the continuity of God's covenant with His people.

2. Census Records: The Book of Numbers derives its name from the censuses recorded within it. God commanded Moses to take a census of the Israelite men able to serve in the army (Numbers 1:2-3). These records were essential for organizing the tribes and preparing for military engagements.

3. Post-Exilic Registers: After the Babylonian exile, registers were vital for re-establishing the community in Jerusalem. Ezra and Nehemiah contain lists of those who returned from exile (Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7). These records ensured that only those of Israelite descent could participate in the rebuilding of the temple and the city.

New Testament Registers

1. Genealogies of Jesus: The New Testament opens with genealogical records in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Matthew traces Jesus' lineage from Abraham through David, emphasizing His legal right to the throne of Israel (Matthew 1:1-17). Luke's genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam, highlighting His universal significance (Luke 3:23-38).

2. Census of Quirinius: The Gospel of Luke mentions a census during the governorship of Quirinius, which led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace (Luke 2:1-4). This event underscores the providential role of registers in God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance

Registers in the Bible are not merely historical records; they carry theological weight. They affirm God's faithfulness in preserving His people and fulfilling His promises. The genealogies of Jesus, for instance, demonstrate the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah's lineage. Moreover, registers highlight the importance of identity and belonging within the covenant community, reflecting the broader biblical theme of God's chosen people.

Practical Implications

For the Israelites, registers were essential for maintaining social and religious order. They ensured the proper distribution of land, the organization of the priesthood, and the observance of religious festivals. In the New Testament, the genealogies of Jesus affirm His messianic credentials and His role as the Savior for all humanity.

In summary, registers in the Bible serve as vital records that support the narrative of God's interaction with His people, providing both historical context and theological insights.3789. kathab -- to write
... to write NASB Word Usage decreed (1), describe (3), described (1), inscribed (1),
prescribed (2), record (3), recorded (7), registered (3), registers (1), sign ...
/hebrew/3789.htm - 6k

Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He ...
... Chapter XXV."Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He registers
John's Name in the Diptychs. His Fore-knowledge of his Own Death. ...
/.../chapter xxv christian benevolence of atticus.htm

"Simply Murdered"
... In this girl's case we got the Government registers searched for birth-records of
her village, but all such registers we found had been destroyed; none were ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xv simply murdered.htm

Letter xxxv. (AD 396. )
... if you did not in the former,"than that you should ask Proculeianus whether he himself
said to his presbyter Victor that which the public registers have by ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter xxxv a d 396.htm

The Birth of Mary the Holy Mother of God, and Very Glorious Mother ...
... [1558] And Joachim was exceedingly grieved, and went away to the registers of the
twelve tribes of the people, saying: I shall see the registers of the twelve ...
/.../unknown/the protevangelium of james/the birth of mary the.htm

None of the Heretics Claim Succession from the Apostles New ...
... For this is the manner in which the apostolic churches transmit [2183] their registers:
[2184] as the church of Smyrna, which records that Polycarp was placed ...
/.../the prescription against heretics/chapter xxxii none of the heretics.htm

Care of the Speaker's Throat
... one quality of tone. There are two distinct registers which should be
judiciously alternated by the speaker. These are the "chest ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/care of the speakers throat.htm

The Alleged Discrepancy in the Gospels in Regard to the Genealogy ...
... burned all the genealogical records, [133] thinking that he might appear of noble
origin if no one else were able, from the public registers, to trace back his ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the alleged discrepancy in.htm

The Syrian Enrollment in 8 Bc
... the Caesars, the senate, and the people of Rome, he tells them that they can learn
the facts regarding the birth of Christ from the registers made under ...
/.../ramsay/was christ born in bethlehem/chapter 8 the syrian enrollment.htm

The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
... The long genealogical registers with an artificial chronology and a statement of
the years of men's lives, the dry narratives, the precise accounts of the ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ii the old testament.htm

For State Reasons, the Various Orders of the Citizens Also are ...
... Our citizenship, the apostle says, is in heaven. [433] You have your own registers,
your own calendar; you have nothing to do with the joys of the world; nay ...
/.../tertullian/the chaplet or de corona/chapter xiii for state reasons.htm

Registers (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Registers (2 Occurrences). 2 Chronicles 12:15 And
the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written ...
/r/registers.htm - 7k

Registration (17 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The act of registering; registry; enrollment. 2. (n.) The art of selecting
and combining the stops or registers of an organ. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/r/registration.htm - 11k

Register (14 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) One who registers or records; a registrar; a recorder; especially, a public
officer charged with the duty of recording certain transactions or events ...
/r/register.htm - 13k

Libraries
... palace to secular. There were also at least archives, or registers, in the
royal treasury and in all public departments. Schools for ...
/l/libraries.htm - 38k

Registered (21 Occurrences)

/r/registered.htm - 13k

Reed (41 Occurrences)
... of metal, the vibration of which produce the tones of a melodeon, accordeon, harmonium,
or seraphine; also attached to certain sets or registers of pipes in an ...
/r/reed.htm - 29k

Chronicles (45 Occurrences)
... The sources whence the chronicler compiled his work were public records,
registers, and genealogical tables belonging to the Jews. ...
/c/chronicles.htm - 60k

Genealogical (26 Occurrences)
... 12:15 And the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the words
of Shemaiah the prophet, and of Iddo the seer, in the genealogical registers? ...
/g/genealogical.htm - 15k

Patriarchs (6 Occurrences)
... It is based on the phenomena presented by other Hebrew genealogical registers. Matthew,
for example, has outlined the lineage of Christ from Abraham. ...
/p/patriarchs.htm - 37k

Antediluvian
... It is based on the phenomena presented by other Hebrew genealogical registers. Matthew,
for example, has outlined the lineage of Christ from Abraham. ...
/a/antediluvian.htm - 35k

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