The terms "statute" and "ordinance" are frequently encountered in the Bible, particularly in the context of God's laws and commandments given to the people of Israel. These terms are often used interchangeably but can carry distinct meanings depending on the context. In the Berean Standard Bible , these terms are used to convey the divine instructions that God provided to His people, which were meant to guide their conduct, worship, and community life.

Statute (Hebrew: חֹק, choq): A statute generally refers to a specific decree or law that is established by God. It is often seen as a permanent rule that is to be observed by the people. Statutes are typically associated with the ceremonial and moral laws given to Israel. For example, in Leviticus 18:4-5 , God commands, "You are to practice My judgments and keep My statutes by walking in them. I am the LORD your God. Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD."

Ordinance (Hebrew: מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat): An ordinance is often understood as a judicial decision or a legal judgment. It can refer to the broader legal framework within which statutes operate. Ordinances are typically associated with civil and social laws that govern the community's interactions. In Exodus 21:1 , God instructs Moses, "These are the ordinances that you are to set before them," introducing a series of laws that address various aspects of social justice and community life.

Purpose and Function: The statutes and ordinances given by God served multiple purposes. They were designed to set Israel apart as a holy nation, distinct from the surrounding pagan cultures. By adhering to these divine laws, the Israelites demonstrated their covenant relationship with God. The statutes and ordinances also provided a framework for justice, ensuring that the community operated in a manner that reflected God's righteousness and holiness.

Covenantal Context: The giving of statutes and ordinances is closely tied to the covenantal relationship between God and Israel. In Deuteronomy 4:1 , Moses exhorts the people, "Now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am teaching you to follow, so that you may live and enter and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you." Here, the statutes and ordinances are presented as conditions for enjoying the blessings of the Promised Land.

New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, the role of statutes and ordinances is reinterpreted in light of the life and work of Jesus Christ. While the moral principles underlying these laws remain relevant, the ceremonial and civil aspects are fulfilled in Christ. The Apostle Paul addresses this in Ephesians 2:15 , stating that Christ "abolished in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees," emphasizing the new covenant established through His sacrifice.

Application for Believers: For contemporary believers, the statutes and ordinances of the Old Testament provide valuable insights into God's character and His expectations for holiness and justice. While Christians are not bound by the ceremonial laws of the Old Covenant, the moral and ethical teachings continue to inform Christian conduct and community life. The principles of justice, mercy, and faithfulness found in these divine instructions remain central to the Christian faith.