The term "bestir" is an archaic English word that means to rouse oneself to action or to make a determined effort. In the context of the Bible, it is often used to describe a call to awaken from spiritual slumber or to take decisive action in accordance with God's will. Although the specific word "bestir" may not appear frequently in modern translations, the concept is prevalent throughout Scripture.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Call to Action: The idea of bestirring oneself is closely related to the biblical call to awaken and act. In the Old Testament, God often calls His people to rise up and take action in response to His commands. For example, in Judges 5:12, Deborah and Barak are urged to "Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead your captives away, son of Abinoam." This call to action is a divine prompting to fulfill God's purposes.

2. Spiritual Awakening: The concept of bestirring oneself is also linked to spiritual awakening. In the New Testament, believers are encouraged to awaken from spiritual lethargy. Romans 13:11-12 states, "And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light."

3. Repentance and Renewal: Bestirring oneself can also imply a call to repentance and renewal. In the prophetic literature, the call to return to God often involves a stirring of the heart and a turning away from sin. Joel 2:12-13 exhorts, "Yet even now," declares the LORD, "return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion."

4. Courage and Strength: The act of bestirring oneself is often associated with courage and strength in the face of adversity. In 2 Samuel 10:12 , Joab encourages his troops, saying, "Be strong and let us fight bravely for our people and the cities of our God. May the LORD do what is good in His sight." This call to courage is a reminder that God empowers His people to act boldly in His service.

Theological Implications

The concept of bestirring oneself carries significant theological implications. It underscores the importance of human responsibility in responding to God's initiatives. While God is sovereign and initiates His plans, He often calls His people to participate actively in His work. This participation requires a conscious decision to awaken from complacency and engage in the spiritual and moral battles of life.

Furthermore, bestirring oneself is an act of faith. It involves trusting in God's promises and stepping out in obedience, even when the path is uncertain. This act of faith is not merely a human effort but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to fulfill God's purposes.

In summary, while the term "bestir" may not be commonly used today, its biblical concept remains relevant. It calls believers to awaken, repent, and act with courage and faith, aligning themselves with God's will and purposes.(v. t.) To put into brisk or vigorous action; to move with life and vigor; -- usually with the reciprocal pronoun.2782. charats -- to cut, sharpen, decide
... bestir self, decide, decree, determine, maim, move. A primitive root; properly,
to point sharply, ie (literally) to wound; figuratively ...
/hebrew/2782.htm - 6k

Awake, My Soul, Bestir Thee, for the Hour is Drawing Nigh,
... SECOND ADVENT V Awake, my soul, bestir thee, for the hour is drawing nigh,.
i. Awake, my soul, bestir thee, for the hour is drawing nigh,. ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/v awake my soul bestir.htm

Ah, My Soul, Bestir, Awake Thee,
... SECOND ADVENT I Ah, my soul, bestir, awake thee,. 8,7,8,7,8,8. ... Drowsy, in the dark
reclining,. While a myriad lamps are shining. Ah, my soul, bestir, awake thee, ...
/.../brownlie/hymns of the russian church/i ah my soul bestir.htm

Hymns of the Russian Church
... SECOND ADVENT. I Ah, my soul, bestir, awake thee,. ... IV St. Methodius, 3rd Century.
V Awake, my soul, bestir thee, for the hour is drawing nigh,. JUDGEMENT. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the russian church/

The Sound in the Mulberry Trees
... At New Park Street Chapel, Southwark. "When thou hearest the sound of a going in
the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shall bestir thyself: for then ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the sound in the mulberry.htm

Our Miseries, Messengers of Mercy
... you cannot be more wretched in hell itself than you are, and you say, "So let it
be; it is so bad that it cannot be mended." You do not bestir yourself, but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/our miseries messengers of mercy.htm

Useless Sacrifice
... fever, cholera among them? Should we not fear lest that might hurt us?
Would you not bestir yourselves then? And do you not know ...
/.../kingsley/all saints day and other sermons/sermon xxxvi useless sacrifice.htm

The Abiding of the Spirit the Glory of the Church
... The people could not be made to bestir themelves to build a house of God, for they
answered to every exhortation, "The time is not come, the time that the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the abiding of the spirit.htm

the Manner of this Oversight
... is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!' Ever think with
yourselves what lieth upon your hands: If I do not bestir myself, Satan may ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 2 - the manner.htm

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
... it be found to be indeed such as the title of the chapter proposes, be advised"to
consider it as a merciful dispensation of God, to awaken and bestir the soul ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiv the case of.htm

On the Feast of the Holy Martyr, St Laurence
... But if, against thy will, anything which is not solely of God as thou art aware
of it, bestir thyself, and turn thy ship round with the rudder of discretion. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xvi on the feast.htm

Bestir (4 Occurrences)
... the reciprocal pronoun. Multi-Version Concordance Bestir (4 Occurrences).
2 Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound ...
/b/bestir.htm - 7k

Mulberry-trees (4 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 And it shall be, when thou hearest the sound of marching in the tops
of the mulberry-trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself; for then is ...
/m/mulberry-trees.htm - 7k

Bestirs (1 Occurrence)

/b/bestirs.htm - 6k

Bestiality

/b/bestiality.htm - 6k

Valley (187 Occurrences)
... emeq, "wide," "open valley"; Septuagint he koilas Iosaphat): The name is used in
Joel 3:2, 12 of the scene of Judgment: "Let the nations bestir themselves, and ...
/v/valley.htm - 75k

Jehoshaphat (79 Occurrences)
... emeq, "wide," "open valley"; Septuagint he koilas Iosaphat): The name is used in
Joel 3:2, 12 of the scene of Judgment: "Let the nations bestir themselves, and ...
/j/jehoshaphat.htm - 51k

Stirred (64 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Joel 3:12 Let the nations bestir themselves, and come up to the valley
of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the nations round about. ...
/s/stirred.htm - 26k

Hearest (18 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 5:24 And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops
of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the ...
/h/hearest.htm - 11k

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