Ordinance

This word generally represents חקּה , ḥuḳḳāh , something prescribed, enactment, usually with reference to matters of ritual. In the King James Version the same word is frequently translated by "statute" or "statutes," which is also the rendering of a similar Hebrew word, namely, חק , ḥōḳ . the Revised Version (British and American) generally retains "ordinance," but sometimes substitutes "statute" (e.g. Exodus 18:20; Psalm 99:7 ). In one instance the Revised Version (British and American) renders "set portion" (Ezekiel 45:14 ). The word generally has a religious or ceremonial significance. It is used for instance in connection with the Passover (Exodus 12:43; Numbers 9:14 ). According to Exodus 12:14 , the Passover was "an ordinance for ever," i.e. a permanent institution. In the plural the word is often employed, along with such terms as commandments, laws, etc., with reference to the different prescriptions of the Deuteronomic and Priestly codes (Deuteronomy 6:1 , Deuteronomy 6:2; Leviticus 18:4 ).

In 11 passages (Exodus 15:25; Joshua 24:25; 1 Samuel 30:25; 2 Kings 17:34 , 2 Kings 17:37; 2 Chronicles 33:8; 2 Chronicles 35:13; Psalm 119:91; Isaiah 58:2 twice; Ezekiel 11:20 ) "ordinance" is the rendering of משׁפּט , mishpāṭ , judgment, decision or sentence by a judge or ruler. In the Book of the Covenant (Ex 20:22 through 23:33) the term "judgments" denotes civil, as contrasted with ritual, enactments. In 2 Kings 17:34 the King James Version employs "manners" and "ordinances" as renderings of this word. In 3 passages ( Leviticus 18:30; Leviticus 22:9; Malachi 3:14 ) "ordinance" is the translation of משׁמרת , mishmereth , "charge," which the Revised Version (British and American) restores. In one instance (Nehemiah 10:32 ) ordinance renders מצוה , micwāh , "commandment," while in Ezra 3:10 the King James Version the phrase "after the ordinance of David" represents a Hebrew phrase which literally means "upon the hands of David," i.e. under the guidance or direction of David.