Breathing-space, in a biblical context, refers to a period of relief or respite granted by God amidst trials, tribulations, or intense labor. This concept, while not explicitly named in Scripture, is evident in various narratives where God provides His people with moments of rest and renewal.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of a breathing-space is often associated with God's deliverance and provision. For instance, during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, God provided them with rest from their oppressors. In Exodus 23:12 , God commands, "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the foreigner may be refreshed." This Sabbath rest serves as a divinely instituted breathing-space, allowing both people and animals to recuperate.

The concept is further illustrated in the cyclical nature of the land's rest during the Sabbatical year, as described in Leviticus 25:4 : "But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land—a Sabbath to the LORD. You are not to sow your field or prune your vineyard." This commandment underscores the importance of rest and renewal, not only for individuals but also for the land itself.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ embodies the ultimate source of spiritual breathing-space. In Matthew 11:28-30 , Jesus invites the weary to find rest in Him: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Here, Jesus offers a profound spiritual respite, a breathing-space for the soul, through a relationship with Him.

The early church also experienced moments of breathing-space amidst persecution. In Acts 9:31 , it is recorded, "Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord." This period of peace allowed the church to grow and strengthen, illustrating how God provides breathing-space for His people to flourish.

Theological Implications

Theologically, breathing-space is a testament to God's grace and mercy. It reflects His understanding of human limitations and His desire for His creation to experience renewal. The provision of rest is a recurring theme that highlights God's compassion and His intention for His people to live balanced lives, integrating work and rest.

Breathing-space also serves as a reminder of the eschatological rest promised to believers. Hebrews 4:9-10 speaks of a future rest: "So there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His." This future rest is the ultimate breathing-space, where believers will experience eternal peace and communion with God.

In summary, while the term "breathing-space" may not be explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is deeply woven into the biblical narrative, illustrating God's provision of rest and renewal for His people throughout history.

But Let this Pass, for what Follows is of More Importance. I Thank ...
... stick fast. Not only is there no avenue by which you can withdraw yourself;
there is not even the least breathing space left you. Is ...
/.../31 but let this pass.htm

And After. (xxx, xxxi, xxxix-Xliv. )
... And the most probable date for such utterances of hope as we have now to consider
is not that of his imprisonment but the breathing-space given him after 586 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/4 and after xxx xxxi.htm

Chapter twenty-nine
... The breakfast hour at the settlement was the one hour in the day when the whole
family found a little breathing space to fellowship together. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-nine.htm

The Lord that Healeth Thee'
... So when He touched the shore, there they all were, open-mouthed and mostly moved
by mere curiosity, and the prospect of a brief breathing-space vanished. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the lord that healeth thee.htm

A Bird's-Eye view of the Early Church
... it, are often raised to a higher level of devotion than in easier and quieter times.'
But these primitive Christians utilised this breathing-space in order to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a birds-eye view of the.htm

This Day are Opened, Our Mouths to Give Thanks
... When He constrained there was a covenant, when He gave breathing-space there was
straying. Though He knew us He lowered Himself to establish us. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn ii this day are.htm

He is Severely Exercised as to the Origin of Evil.
... thick bosses" of my buckler, [494] even these inferior things were placed above
me, and pressed upon me, and nowhere was there alleviation or breathing space. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter vii he is severely exercised.htm

Letter xiv. --Singular Favours of God.
... But be of good courage; God will uphold you and will give you now and then,
breathing-space for the enjoyment of heavenly graces and of a delightful sweetness ...
/.../abandonment to divine providence/letter xiv singular favours of god.htm

State of Affairs in 311
... c.26-27), so that the whole of this period in the East, excepting a slight breathing
space in 308, was a terror to Christians, and it is said that "these two ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/section 3 state of affairs.htm

Against those who Say that Demons Govern Human Affairs, and who ...
... And if in the case of those with whom they had nothing in common they did not even
endure that they should be allowed a brief breathing space of time: if they ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily i against those who.htm

Breathing-space (1 Occurrence)
Breathing-space. Breathing, Breathing-space. Breathless .
Multi-Version Concordance Breathing-space (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/breathing-space.htm - 6k

Benhadad (24 Occurrences)
... BENHADAD III 1. His Contemporaries 2. The Assyrians in the West 3. Downfall of Damascus
before Ramman-Nirari III 4. BreathingSpace for Israel The Name: The ...
/b/benhadad.htm - 28k

Breathing (25 Occurrences)

/b/breathing.htm - 17k

Minute's (1 Occurrence)
... Minute's (1 Occurrence). Job 7:19 How long will it be before your eyes are turned
away from me, so that I may have a minute's breathing-space? (BBE). ...
/m/minute's.htm - 6k

Breathless (1 Occurrence)

/b/breathless.htm - 7k

Captivity (141 Occurrences)
... Jeremiah "Falling Away to the Chaldeans" During the breathing-space afforded by
the withdrawal of the Chaldeans, Jeremiah was going out of the city to his ...
/c/captivity.htm - 79k

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