In the context of the Bible, the concept of retreating often involves withdrawing from a situation, either for strategic purposes, spiritual reflection, or due to fear and defeat. The act of retreating can be seen in various narratives throughout the Scriptures, illustrating both human frailty and divine strategy.

Old Testament Instances

1. Military Retreats: The Old Testament contains several accounts of military retreats. One notable instance is the retreat of the Israelites during their battles with the Philistines. In 1 Samuel 4:10, we read, "So the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and every man fled to his tent. The slaughter was very great, and Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers." This retreat was a result of Israel's disobedience and lack of faith, leading to their defeat.

2. Strategic Withdrawals: At times, retreats were strategic, allowing for regrouping and reassessment. In Joshua 8, the Israelites initially pretended to retreat from Ai, drawing the men of Ai out of the city. Joshua 8:15 states, "Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness." This feigned retreat was part of a divine strategy that ultimately led to victory.

3. Prophetic Retreats: Prophets also experienced moments of retreat. Elijah, after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, retreated to Horeb. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, it is written, "Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness." This retreat was a time of fear and exhaustion, but it also became a moment of divine encounter and renewal.

New Testament Context

1. Jesus’ Withdrawals: Jesus Himself retreated at various times during His ministry. These retreats were often for prayer and communion with the Father. In Matthew 14:13, after hearing of John the Baptist's death, "Jesus withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place." Such retreats were essential for spiritual renewal and preparation for His ministry.

2. Apostolic Retreats: The apostles also experienced moments of retreat. After intense periods of ministry, they would withdraw to rest and reflect. Mark 6:31 records Jesus' invitation to His disciples: "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This highlights the importance of retreat for physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

Spiritual Significance

Retreating in the biblical sense is not merely an act of escape but often serves a greater purpose. It can be a time for seeking God’s guidance, gaining strength, and preparing for future challenges. The Psalms frequently speak of God as a refuge, a place of retreat for the soul. Psalm 46:1 declares, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble."

In the life of a believer, retreating can be a vital practice for spiritual growth and renewal. It allows for moments of introspection, prayer, and realignment with God’s will. Whether in times of fear, defeat, or strategic withdrawal, retreating can lead to a deeper reliance on God and a clearer understanding of His purposes.(imp. & p. p.) of Retreat.

While Licinius Pursued with his Army, the Fugitive Tyrant ...
... Chap. XLIX. While Licinius pursued with his army, the fugitive tyrant retreated?
While Licinius pursued with his army, the fugitive ...
/.../chap xlix while licinius pursued.htm

What Cestius did against the Jews; and How, Upon his Besieging ...
... CHAPTER 19. What Cestius Did Against The Jews; And How, Upon His Besieging Jerusalem,
He Retreated From The City Without Any Just Occasion In The World. ...
/.../chapter 19 what cestius did.htm

Walamir and St. Telemachus
... brother is. We were both with King Alaric when he invaded Italy, and when
he retreated from Pollentia and reached Verona. But at ...
/.../chapter lix walamir and st.htm

The Holy Women at the Sepulchre.
... the lamps of the sentinels, and the prostrate forms of the soldiers round the tomb,
they for the most part became much alarmed, and retreated towards Golgotha. ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/chapter lxiv the holy women.htm

In the Desert
... His master retreated to the rear of the room still calling, but to the ape
there was something portentous familiar in this proceeding. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xix in the desert.htm

John xviii. 1
... But observe how he detracts from his own praise; for, lest any one should ask,
"How, when all had retreated, did this man enter in farther than Simon?" he saith ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily lxxxiii john xviii 1.htm

The Coming of the Pharaoh
... But the instant he planted foot on the deck the lovely rout retreated to shelter
at the side of a smiling woman seated in the shadow of fans. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xiii the coming of.htm

The Battle of Thermopylae.
... They retreated up the mountain, and toward the southward. The Persians decided not
to pursue them. ... Those dismissed retreated to the open country below. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter ix the battle of.htm

The Retreat from Scythia.
... They retreated slowly before Darius's advancing army, carrying off or destroying
all such property as might aid the king in respect to his supplies. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter ix the retreat from.htm

Canaan
... The Hyksos conquerors from Asia had retreated to Jerusalem when the native Egyptians
recovered their independence and had expelled them from their seats in the ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm

Retreated (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Retreat. Multi-Version Concordance
Retreated (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 23:9 After him was ...
/r/retreated.htm - 6k

Retreat (10 Occurrences)
... 8. (vi) To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as,
the defeated army retreated from the field. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/r/retreat.htm - 10k

Retreating (1 Occurrence)

/r/retreating.htm - 6k

Egypt (596 Occurrences)
... The attempt led to religious and civil war, and the Pharaoh retreated from Thebes
to Central Egypt, where he built a new capital, on the site of the present ...
/e/egypt.htm - 101k

Tiberias (3 Occurrences)
... direct control. After the fall of Jerusalem, the Sanhedrin retreated to Galilee,
first to Sepphoris, and then to Tiberias. Here, some ...
/t/tiberias.htm - 15k

On (40792 Occurrences)
... On was built at the edge of the desert, which has now retreated some 3 or 4 miles
eastward, the result of the rising of the bed of the Nile by sediment from ...
/o/on.htm - 17k

Palestine (1 Occurrence)
... caves. The bear has gradually retreated to Hermon and Lebanon. The buffalo
has been introduced since the Moslem conquest. Among ...
/p/palestine.htm - 89k

Abimelech (63 Occurrences)
... stone, which a woman dropped from the wall upon his head, while he was storming
the citadel of Thebez, into which the defeated rebels had retreated, after that ...
/a/abimelech.htm - 36k

Asmoneans
... foes saved the Maccabean cause. Lysias retreated but left a strong garrison
in Jerusalem. All seemed lost. Alcimus, leader of the ...
/a/asmoneans.htm - 27k

Hazael (23 Occurrences)
... from him. To save his life, he retreated; I pursued him; in Damascus, his
royal city, I shut him up. His plantations I cut down. As ...
/h/hazael.htm - 23k

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