Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DECREE

A public declaration by a monarch or ruling body that had the force of law (cf. “edict,” “interdict”). The decree would typically be spoken aloud and subsequently promulgated in written form.

Although preexilic biblical literature rarely attributes decrees to human kings (Prov. 8:15; Isa. 10:1; Jon. 3:7), later texts refer to a number of decrees issued by imperial monarchs (Esth. 1:19-22; Dan. 2:5; 1 Macc. 1:57; Acts 17:7). Cyrus’ decree (Ezra 1:2-4; cf. 6:3-5) permits the Jewish exiles to return to their homeland and rebuild their temple. Several decrees calling for the annihilation of the Jewish people or the suppression of their religious practices introduce stories extolling the benefits of obedience to God’s law (Esth. 3:15; 4 Macc. 4:23). A decree by Caesar Augustus provides the narrative rationale for Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:1).

Several passages portray God as one who rules Israel or the world by means of decrees (Deut. 4:45; Job 28:26; Ps. 78:5, 56; Jer. 19:5; Rom. 1:32). Paul and his later interpreters assert that the salvation offered through Christ Jesus is a fulfillment of the divine wisdom decreed by God before the creation of the world (Rom. 8:29-30; 1 Cor. 2:7).

Frank D. Wulf

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DECREE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)