The concept of Divine command in Christianity
Divine command refers to the directives given by God that impose a moral and ethical obligation on individuals to obey. This concept encompasses various biblical examples, such as God's command to Abraham to sacrifice Isaac and Jonah's reluctant mission to Nineveh. In essence, divine commands guide followers of faith in their actions and decisions, emphasizing obedience as a key tenet of spiritual life. Such commands are seen as authoritative instructions that shape both moral conduct and the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Synonyms: Divine decree, Heavenly order, Sacred instruction, Commandment, Decree, Edict, Order, Instruction, Divine order, Holy order
In Dutch: Goddelijk bevel; In Finnish: Jumalallinen käsky; In Spanish: Mandamiento divino; In German: Göttlicher Befehl; In Malay: Perintah Ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomlig befallning; In Spanish: Mandato divino; In French: Commandement divin
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine command'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to an instruction or directive that is believed to originate from a divine source, emphasizing the authority and importance of the message or rule being given.[1] (2) This refers to the prophecy about the Messiah, and the relation between the servant of Jehovah and the collective Israel, where the light of the world devolves onto the true Israel.[2] (3) These are the instructions given by the divine being, which the prophet is meant to speak, and which must be obeyed.[3] (4) The voice that is always coming forth to the prophet, with imperative authority, and is mentioned in the provided text.[4] (5) This refers to the instructions given by God to Joshua, which he must follow to lead the Israelites and conquer the land, emphasizing the divine will.[5]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) A directive or instruction originating from a divine source, such as a deity, which in this context, is not the origin of oaths.[6] (2) Divine commands are those that Noah obeyed, along with exercising faith in the testimony of God, and moving with holy reverence, as part of his righteous conduct.[7] (3) This refers to the belief that the practice of sacrifice originated from a directive from a higher power, and the text explores arguments supporting this viewpoint.[8] (4) The directive given by God to Abraham regarding the offering of Isaac, which tested his faith.[9] (5) Jacob was commanded by God to purify his family and build an altar at Bethel.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The pre-Islamic poet Nabigha relates that, by Divine command, the demons built Solomon’s Tadmor by forced labour, which is a local account.[11] (2) A directive from God, believed to guide the construction and significance of religious artifacts such as the ark.[12] (3) The instructions and decrees from God, the willful transgression of which constitutes blasphemy.[13] (4) The foundational principle upon which law rested in ancient Hebrew society, derived from religious instructions rather than human legislation.[14] (5) According to Rabbinical tradition, the Sanhedrin was established by Moses as a response to God's instruction.[15]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) An authoritative instruction from a higher power that motivates individuals to take significant actions.[16]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The authoritative statements made by God that brought forth specific creations in the biblical account.[17]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The first expounder of the divine commands unveiled the bosom of the Father, the only-begotten Son, and the expounder of the laws is the same one by whom the law was given.[18] (2) The very people are numbered, though not all, because the souls of children are not yet old enough to be numbered according to the divine command.[19] (3) This refers to an order from a higher power, which the monarchy does not begin with, highlighting a contrast between human actions and heavenly directives.[20] (4) This refers to the instructions or guidance believed to originate from God, setting the standards for Christians, rather than solely originating from human planning.[21] (5) The text speaks about instructions considered sacred or given by a higher power, conveyed through straightforward language to ensure accessibility and comprehension for all listeners.[22]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) These are instructions or orders given by God, and the Principalities are said to preside over all the heavenly Virtues who fulfill these, as described in the text.[23] (2) This term signifies a commandment from a divine source, such as God, that individuals are obligated to obey.[24] (3) This refers to the instruction given by God that was disobeyed by the first man, and the disobedience was not willed by the man for his own sake, it was a result of his pride.[25] (4) The text states that all actions performed by angels take place under Divine command, and that the angels work at the nod and by the authority of God.[26] (5) A mandate that requires rectors of churches to know and care for their congregation, which may be hindered if confessions are heard by those outside their jurisdiction.[27]
From: The city of God
(1) An instruction or order that is believed to originate from a higher power, and that is considered to be morally binding on those who receive it.[28] (2) Divine commands are instructions or edicts that are believed to originate from a god, and they are often considered sacred and are meant to be followed by believers.[29] (3) The divine command to the ancient people of God was to go to Babylonia and serve their God.[30] (4) Divine commands are issued by men of God, who could cast out unclean spirits, heal sicknesses, and have control over elements and stars.[31] (5) Divine commands refer to the instructions or orders given by God, and the text suggests that obeying them is a way to avoid eternal punishment.[32]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) Instructions given to Adam by God, leading to significant events in the story, including marriage and offerings, emphasizing obedience to divine will.[33]