decrees

In the ancient world, declarations by rulers or other persons in authority directing the conduct of especially significant matters for communities or individuals. The decree of Cyrus calling for the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem (Ezra 5:13; Ezra 5:17) and the decree of Caesar Augustus for a census (Luke 2:1) are but two examples of such decrees in the OT and NT (see also, e.g., Isa 10:1). Apparently, God’s will and purposes were also considered “decrees,” although these did not have to be written to be in force. God exercises these decrees in areas of human conduct and destiny (Dan 4:17; Dan 4:24), in the development of human history (Ps 2:7), and in the founding and ordering of the created universe (Job 28:26).