In the context of the Bible, the concept of retiring is not explicitly addressed in the same manner as contemporary understandings of retirement from work or professional life. However, the Scriptures provide principles and examples that can be applied to the idea of retiring, particularly in terms of rest, stewardship, and the transition of responsibilities.

Rest and Sabbath

The principle of rest is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, beginning with the creation account. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished." This divine rest sets a precedent for the rhythm of work and rest, which can be seen as a foundation for the concept of retiring.

The Sabbath commandment further emphasizes the importance of rest. Exodus 20:8-10 instructs, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God." This commandment underscores the value of ceasing from labor and dedicating time to rest and spiritual renewal.

Stewardship and Transition

The Bible also speaks to the stewardship of one's life and resources, which can be related to the idea of retiring. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus teaches about the importance of using one's resources wisely and being accountable for what has been entrusted to us. This parable can be applied to the concept of planning for retirement, ensuring that one's resources are managed in a way that honors God and provides for future needs.

The transition of responsibilities is another theme that can be associated with retiring. Moses, for example, was instructed by God to appoint Joshua as his successor. Numbers 27:18-20 records, "So the LORD said to Moses, 'Take Joshua son of Nun, a man with the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and commission him in their sight. Confer on him some of your authority, so that the whole congregation of Israel will obey him.'" This transition ensured the continuity of leadership and the fulfillment of God's purposes for Israel.

Old Age and Wisdom

The Bible often associates old age with wisdom and honor. Proverbs 16:31 states, "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness." This verse highlights the respect and value given to those who have lived long and righteous lives. In the context of retiring, this can be seen as an encouragement for older individuals to continue contributing their wisdom and experience to their communities and families.

Psalm 92:14 further emphasizes the fruitfulness of old age: "In old age they will still bear fruit; healthy and green they will remain." This suggests that even in retirement, individuals can remain active and productive in ways that align with their abilities and God's purposes.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not directly address modern retirement, its principles of rest, stewardship, transition, and the value of old age provide a framework for understanding how one might approach this stage of life in a manner that honors God and serves others.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Retire.

2. (a.) Reserved; shy; not forward or obtrusive; as, retiring modesty; retiring manners.

3. (a.) of or pertaining to retirement; causing retirement; suited to, or belonging to, retirement.

Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
... (Time: One Year Less One Week.) XCIV. Retiring Before the Sanhedrin's Decree.
(Jerusalem and Ephraim in Jud??a.) ^D John 11:47-54. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xciv retiring before the sanhedrins.htm

Since to Cleave to God by Retiring from the Noise and Turmoil of ...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon XL. Since to cleave to God by retiring
from the noise and turmoil of life is? Since to cleave ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xl since to cleave.htm

Letter x. The Preservation of Health.
... But, if possible, take all your sleep in the night. Fix upon an hour for retiring,
and an hour for rising, and then conscientiously keep them. ...
/.../letter x the preservation of.htm

Prayer and Humility
... It does not seek publicity nor hunt for high places, neither does it care for
prominence. Humility is retiring in its nature. ... It is a rare and retiring grace. ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/ii prayer and humility.htm

John xii. 8
... 15.). But how, after not walking openly in Jewry, and retiring into the
wilderness, doth He again enter openly? [1866] Having quenched ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxvi john xii 8.htm

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
... [Need of rest was one reason for retiring to the thinly settled shores east
of the lake. Matthew proceeds to give us another reason ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/lxiii first withdrawal from herods.htm

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... Many Christians are of a retiring disposition, and their retiring disposition is
exemplified somewhat in the same way as that of the soldier who felt himself ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Letter xx. Self-Examination.
... and as every duty is marred by so much imperfection, it is not only proper, but
highly necessary, that we should have stated seasons for retiring into our ...
/.../letter xx self-examination.htm

The Battle of Salamis.
... The council was broken up in confusion, each commander retiring to his own ship,
and the Peloponnesians resolving to withdraw on the following morning. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter xi the battle of.htm

The Bishop at Work
... Martin by some passionate acts of pity, and now retiring mostly in harvest time
(when all hands are busy and all hearts are out of reach) to his beloved Witham ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter v the bishop at.htm

Retiring (1 Occurrence)
... & vb. n.) of Retire. 2. (a.) Reserved; shy; not forward or obtrusive; as, retiring
modesty; retiring manners. ... Multi-Version Concordance Retiring (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/retiring.htm - 7k

Retreat (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of retiring or withdrawing one's
self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable. ...
/r/retreat.htm - 10k

Retirement (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of retiring, or the state of being retired;
withdrawal; seclusion; as, the retirement of an officer. ...
/r/retirement.htm - 7k

Retort (1 Occurrence)

/r/retort.htm - 7k

Retire (6 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To go to bed; as, he usually retires early. 9. (n.) The act of retiring,
or the state of being retired; also, a place to which one retires. 10. ...
/r/retire.htm - 9k

Retired (3 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Genesis 8:3 And the waters retired from the earth, continually retiring;
and in the course of a hundred and fifty days the waters abated. (DBY). ...
/r/retired.htm - 7k

Dwell (474 Occurrences)
... Dwell deep occurs only in Jeremiah 49:8, and refers to the custom of seeking refuge
from impending danger, in retiring to the recesses of rocks and caverns, or ...
/d/dwell.htm - 42k

Deputy (7 Occurrences)
... Originally they were retiring consuls, but after Augustus the title was given to
governors of senatorial provinces, whether they had held the office of consul ...
/d/deputy.htm - 11k

Marriagefeasts
... Rising from the ground and retiring to the seats round the walls, the guests then
sit down cross-legged and gossip, or listen to recitals, or puzzle over ...
/m/marriagefeasts.htm - 8k

Modest (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (a.) Restraining within due limits of propriety; not forward, bold, boastful,
or presumptuous; rather retiring than pushing one's self forward; not ...
/m/modest.htm - 7k

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