The term "sojournest" is an archaic English form of the verb "sojourn," which means to reside temporarily or to live as a stranger or traveler in a place that is not one's permanent home. In the context of the Bible, sojourning often refers to the experience of the Israelites and other biblical figures who lived temporarily in foreign lands, relying on God's guidance and provision.

Biblical Context

1. Abraham's Sojourning: Abraham is one of the earliest examples of a sojourner in the Bible. God called him to leave his homeland and journey to a land that He would show him. Genesis 12:1-4 records God's command to Abraham: "Go forth from your country, your people, and your father’s household to the land I will show you." Abraham's life as a sojourner is marked by his faith and obedience to God, as he lived in tents and moved through the land of Canaan, which was promised to his descendants.

2. Israelites in Egypt: The Israelites' sojourn in Egypt is a significant period in biblical history. Initially, they went to Egypt during a famine, as recorded in Genesis 47:4 : "We have come to sojourn in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants’ flocks, because the famine is severe in Canaan." Their temporary stay eventually turned into a period of bondage, from which God delivered them through Moses.

3. Exile and Return: The theme of sojourning continues with the Babylonian exile, where the Israelites lived as exiles in a foreign land. Jeremiah 29:4-7 contains God's instructions to the exiles: "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat their produce." Even in exile, they were to seek the welfare of the city where they sojourned, demonstrating God's sovereignty and care over His people, even in foreign lands.

4. New Testament Perspective: In the New Testament, the concept of sojourning takes on a spiritual dimension. Believers are described as sojourners and exiles in the world, reflecting their temporary status on earth and their citizenship in heaven. 1 Peter 2:11 exhorts Christians: "Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh, which war against your soul."

Theological Significance

The idea of sojourning in the Bible underscores the transient nature of human life and the call to live by faith. It highlights the dependence on God for provision and guidance, as well as the hope of a promised inheritance. For the Israelites, sojourning was a physical journey with spiritual implications, teaching them reliance on God and anticipation of His promises.

In the Christian life, sojourning is a metaphor for the believer's journey through the world, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly life and the eternal home awaiting in heaven. It calls for a life of faith, obedience, and holiness, as believers navigate a world that is not their ultimate home.

Chapter xxi
... with me or with my kith and kin; but according to the kindness that I have shown
to thee, do thou deal with me and with the land in which thou sojournest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

Sojournest (2 Occurrences)
...Sojournest (2 Occurrences). ... According to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou
shalt do to me, and to the land in which thou sojournest. (DBY). ...
/s/sojournest.htm - 7k

Sojourneth (27 Occurrences)

/s/sojourneth.htm - 15k

Sojourners (37 Occurrences)

/s/sojourners.htm - 18k

Grandson (14 Occurrences)
... grandson. According to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt
do to me, and to the land in which thou sojournest. (DBY). ...
/g/grandson.htm - 11k

Deceitfully (22 Occurrences)
... grandson. According to the kindness that I have done to thee, thou shalt
do to me, and to the land in which thou sojournest. (DBY). ...
/d/deceitfully.htm - 13k

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