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What the Bible Says About Ordinance

Overview

The Bible addresses ordinance across 33 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Exodus and Colossians. Closely related themes include Works, Sins, National, Law and Offerings. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Moses and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about ordinance

Old Testament

Numbers

Numbers 9:14

And if a stranger shall sojourn among you, and will keep the passover unto the LORD; according to the ordinance of the passover, and according to the manner thereof, so shall he do: ye shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger, and for him that was born in the land.

Numbers 10:8

And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations.

Numbers 15:15

One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, and also for the stranger that sojourneth with you, an ordinance for ever in your generations: as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD.

Numbers 18:8

And the LORD spake unto Aaron, Behold, I also have given thee the charge of mine heave offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel; unto thee have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to thy sons, by an ordinance for ever.

Isaiah

Isaiah 1:10

Hear the word of the LORD, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah.

Isaiah 1:11

To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices unto me? saith the LORD: I am full of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; and I delight not in the blood of bullocks, or of lambs, or of he goats. he goats: Heb. great he goats

Isaiah 1:12

When ye come to appear before me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts? to appear: Heb. to be seen

Isaiah 1:13

Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an abomination unto me; the new moons and sabbaths, the calling of assemblies, I cannot away with; it is iniquity, even the solemn meeting. iniquity: or, grief

Isaiah 1:14

Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hateth: they are a trouble unto me; I am weary to bear them.

Isaiah 1:15

And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood. make: Heb. multiply prayer blood: Heb. bloods

Isaiah 1:16

Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil;

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. relieve: or, righten

Isaiah 24:5

The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

New Testament

People in the Bible and ordinance

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying ordinance for yourself

  • Begin with Exodus 12:14, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Isaiah, Exodus and Colossians each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Aaron, Moses and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Works, Sins, National, Law and Offerings.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about ordinance?

The Bible addresses ordinance across 33 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Isaiah, Exodus and Colossians. Closely related themes include Works, Sins, National, Law and Offerings. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Aaron, Moses and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about ordinance?

The Bible references ordinance in 33 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention ordinance?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 12:14: “And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.”

Which people in the Bible are associated with ordinance?

Aaron, Moses and Jesus.

Preach & teach

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