# ordinance # ## Definition: ## An ordinance is a public regulation or law that gives rules or instructions for people to follow. This term is related to the term "ordain." * Sometimes an ordinance is a custom that has become well-established through years of practice. * In the Bible, an ordinance was something that God commanded the Israelites to do. Sometimes he commanded them to do it forever. * The term "ordinance" could be translated as, "public decree" or "regulation" or "law," depending on the context. (See also: [command](../other/command.md), [decree](../other/decree.md), [lawofmoses](../kt/lawofmoses.md), [ordain](../other/ordain.md), [statute](../other/statute.md)) ## Bible References: ## * [Deuteronomy 04:13-14](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/deu/04/13) * [Exodus 27:20-21](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/exo/27/20) * [Leviticus 08:31-33](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/lev/08/31) * [Malachi 03:6-7](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mal/03/06)