The word ordinances, as used in Colossians 2:14 and Ephesians 2:15, does not refer to God's laws but is translated from the Greek word dogma, meaning opinions, judgments, and decrees. These ordinances could be public decrees by government officials or religious decrees by religious officials. In Colossians 2:14, the law of commandments contained in ordinances is defined as the enmity and middle wall of division causing hatred and separation between Jews and Gentiles. These commandments of men were restrictive decrees burdening the Jews and Gentiles who desired to worship God, contributing to prejudice, animosity, suspicion, and separation. Jesus abolished this barrier through His supreme sacrifice, becoming our peace. In Ephesians, it is explained that Christians form a new community, not dependent on man-made laws and regulations of former religions, but built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ Himself as the chief cornerstone. Christ abolished these burdensome traditions, which were yokes of bondage, as necessary for salvation. However, He did not do away with any part of God's law, making it possible for both Jew and Gentile to become spiritual Israelites and live together in freedom within His perfect law.

The blowing of trumpets was established as an ordinance forever among the children of Israel, akin to the Sabbath and other enduring commands of God. This ordinance was a memorial for the people, signifying its lasting importance. The use of trumpets was intricate and multifaceted, employed for calling assemblies, directing the movement of camps, signaling war, marking days of gladness, feast days, and new moons, as well as accompanying sacrifices and offerings. Beyond these, trumpets were integral to worship, coronations of kings, and the announcement of the Jubilee. As an ordinance forever, the practice of blowing trumpets continued in the land of Israel, serving as a vital means of communication across the vast encampments of the nation. This enduring command underscores the significance of trumpets in uniting and guiding the people in their spiritual and communal life.

The concept of ordinances and doctrines being "done away" can be unintentionally misleading. God's Word is forever, and He does not remove the source or history of a practice from the Scriptures. For instance, circumcision, though no longer required of Christians under the New Covenant, remains in the Bible as part of the historical context and may still prove useful in different circumstances. Similarly, sacrificial offerings at the Temple are not required due to Christ's sacrifice, as shown in Hebrews 10, but other scriptures indicate they are not completely done away. God is eternal and does not change, yet some doctrines are not eternal and can be reinstated at a future time. In Ezekiel chapters 37 through 48, events prophesied after Christ's return describe the regathering and resettling of Israel. Within this context, a new temple is detailed, along with the restoration of the Levitical priesthood and the reinstitution of altars and sacrifices. These sacrificial rules, set aside under the New Covenant and no longer required, are not done away but held in reserve by God for a specific occasion when they will be reestablished. Thus, it is important to recognize that certain practices are not required at present but are not eliminated from God's plan. They are set aside until He deems it necessary to use them again for His purpose and the benefit of His people, ensuring they are performed correctly as part of their learning and obedience.

In the context of formal agreements, the Old Covenant between God and Israel includes specific terms outlined as ordinances, which are essential for the functioning of the nation. These ordinances, detailed from the end of Exodus 20 through part of Exodus 23, are described as judgments or regulations that govern interactions among the people. They address a wide range of communal issues, including slavery, violence, animal control, property rights, sexual relations, witchcraft, justice, and bribery. These laws provide guidance for proper conduct and are used by judges to settle disputes, ensuring order within the community. Additionally, these ordinances encompass laws governing the worship of God, elevating their significance. They include instructions for constructing altars from unhewn stones for sacrifices, the offering of firstfruits, the observance of the Sabbath, and the keeping of feast days, particularly the pilgrimage festivals at the place where God chooses to place His name. These regulations form a critical part of the covenant, outlining the responsibilities of the Israelites in their relationship with God and with each other.