In the context of the Bible, the concept of retreating can be understood both literally and metaphorically. It involves withdrawing from a position or situation, often for the purpose of regrouping, seeking safety, or gaining a new perspective. The Bible provides several instances and teachings related to retreating, which can be seen in both physical and spiritual dimensions.

Old Testament Instances

1. Strategic Withdrawal in Battle: The Old Testament contains numerous accounts of military engagements where retreating was a tactical decision. For example, in the book of Joshua, the Israelites employed a strategic retreat during the battle of Ai. Joshua 8:15 states, "Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness." This retreat was part of a larger strategy to draw the enemy out of the city, leading to a decisive victory for Israel.

2. Elijah's Retreat: The prophet Elijah experienced a significant retreat after his confrontation with the prophets of Baal. In 1 Kings 19:3-4, Elijah, fearing for his life, "was afraid and arose and ran for his life to Beersheba in Judah. He left his servant there, but he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness." This retreat allowed Elijah to encounter God in a profound way, receiving rest, sustenance, and renewed purpose.

New Testament Teachings

1. Jesus' Retreats for Prayer: Jesus often retreated from the crowds to pray and seek communion with the Father. In Mark 1:35, it is recorded, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." These retreats were essential for Jesus' ministry, providing Him with strength and guidance.

2. Paul's Retreat in Arabia: After his conversion, the Apostle Paul retreated to Arabia for a period of reflection and preparation. Galatians 1:17-18 notes, "I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus." This time away was crucial for Paul's understanding and development of his apostolic mission.

Spiritual Retreat

1. Seeking Solitude with God: The Bible encourages believers to retreat from the busyness of life to seek solitude with God. Psalm 46:10 exhorts, "Be still, and know that I am God." This call to stillness is an invitation to retreat from distractions and focus on God's presence and sovereignty.

2. Retreat as a Form of Repentance: Retreating can also symbolize a turning away from sin and a return to God. James 4:8 urges, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." This spiritual retreat involves repentance and a renewed commitment to holiness.

Practical Applications

1. Retreat for Renewal: Christians are encouraged to take time for personal retreats to renew their spiritual strength and focus. This can involve setting aside regular times for prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture.

2. Community Retreats: Many churches and Christian organizations organize retreats for their members to foster community, spiritual growth, and reflection. These retreats provide opportunities for believers to step back from daily routines and deepen their relationship with God and each other.

In summary, the concept of retreating in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, serving as a means for strategic withdrawal, personal renewal, and deeper communion with God.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Retreat.

Composition and Style
... and when on defeat it implores the conqueror's mercy; neither is it the same when
an army marches up to give battle, and when it is intent on retreating. ...
/.../kleiser/the training of a public speaker/composition and style.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... It is interesting to note in this connection that a reliable Moslem historian states
that in the year 1257 AD the retreating Moslems found it neccessary to ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

Life.
... eye or brain of man can discover, lies always a something nameless, invisible,
imponderable, yet seemingly omnipresent and omnipotent; retreating before the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xvii life.htm

To the End God May Rest in the Soul to the End God May Rest in the ...
... If a man hath a safe Fortress, he is not disquieted, though his enemies pursue him;
because, by retreating within it, these are disappointed and overcome. ...
/.../the spiritual guide which disentangles the soul/chap i to the end.htm

Introduction
... The glow of early dawn spreading and brightening; the clouds fringed with purple
and gold; the glowing shafts chasing the retreating darkness"this morning ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/brownlie/hymns of the apostolic church/introduction.htm

Detaining Christ
... 'He made as though He would have gone further,' and He certainly will unless His
retreating skirts be grasped at by the outstretched hands of faith and desire ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/detaining christ.htm

The Sethians Support their Doctrines by an Allegorical ...
... of these books is also drawn the representation of a certain aged man, grey-haired,
winged, [545] having his pudendum erectum, pursuing a retreating woman of ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xv the sethians support their.htm

Expedition of Julian into Persia; He was Worsted and Broke
... that his army was besieged between two great rivers, and was in danger of perishing,
either by remaining in its present position, or by retreating through the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter i expedition of julian into.htm

Divers Machinations of the Arians against Athanasius, and his ...
... He was again obliged for the same reason to flee for his life; and he set sail up
the Nile [1307] with the design of retreating to the further districts of ...
/.../chapter x divers machinations of the.htm

The Egyptians in Phoenicia.
... hands in the form of a cross, with unterrified and untrembling mind, engaged earnestly
in prayer to God, and not in the least going back or retreating from the ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter vii the egyptians in phoenicia.htm

Retreating (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Retreat. Multi-Version Concordance
Retreating (1 Occurrence). Jeremiah 46:5 Why have I seen it? ...
/r/retreating.htm - 6k

Kishon (6 Occurrences)
... "When the Kishon was at its height, it would be, partly on account of its quicksands,
as impassable as the ocean itself to a retreating army." (see DEBORAH.). ...
/k/kishon.htm - 12k

Retreated (1 Occurrence)

/r/retreated.htm - 6k

Retreats (1 Occurrence)

/r/retreats.htm - 6k

Arad (5 Occurrences)
... The king of Arad "fought against Israel and took of them prisoners" when they were
retreating from the confines of Edom (Numbers 21:1; 33:40; Judges 1:16). ...
/a/arad.htm - 10k

Bethhoron (12 Occurrences)
... Here the Syrian general Seron was defeated by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees
3:13-24), and six years later Nicanor, retreating from Jerusalem, was here defeated ...
/b/bethhoron.htm - 30k

Beth-horon (12 Occurrences)
... Here the Syrian general Seron was defeated by Judas Maccabeus (1 Maccabees
3:13-24), and six years later Nicanor, retreating from Jerusalem, was here defeated ...
/b/beth-horon.htm - 30k

Elamites (2 Occurrences)
... The Assyrians came up with the Elamites at Der, but Te-umman feared to join issue
there, and retreating, took up a strong position near his capital, Susa, with ...
/e/elamites.htm - 39k

Elam (24 Occurrences)
... The Assyrians came up with the Elamites at Der, but Te-umman feared to join issue
there, and retreating, took up a strong position near his capital, Susa, with ...
/e/elam.htm - 48k

Retreating: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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