In the biblical narrative, the theme of travel is recurrent, often accompanied by the poignant emotions of parting and the sorrow of separation. The lives of many biblical figures were marked by journeys that necessitated leaving behind loved ones, often with a heavy heart. This theme underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the deep bonds of fellowship among believers.

Abraham and Lot
One of the earliest instances of sorrowful parting is seen in the relationship between Abraham and Lot. In Genesis 13, due to strife between their herdsmen, Abraham and Lot decided to separate to maintain peace. Although the decision was amicable, the separation was significant, as they were family and had journeyed together from Ur to Canaan. The emotional weight of this parting is implied in the narrative, highlighting the cost of following God's call.

Paul and the Ephesian Elders
The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys are replete with instances of sorrowful farewells. A particularly moving account is found in Acts 20:36-38, where Paul bids farewell to the Ephesian elders. The passage reads: "When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship" . This scene captures the deep affection and spiritual bond between Paul and the believers, as well as the pain of parting in the service of the Gospel.

Ruth and Naomi
The account of Ruth and Naomi in the Book of Ruth also illustrates the sorrow of separation. After the death of her husband and sons, Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem from Moab. Her daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, initially set out with her. Naomi urges them to return to their own families, leading to a tearful farewell with Orpah. Ruth, however, clings to Naomi, expressing her loyalty with the famous words: "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God" (Ruth 1:16). This narrative highlights the sorrow of parting but also the steadfastness of love and commitment.

David and Jonathan
The friendship between David and Jonathan is another poignant example. In 1 Samuel 20, Jonathan helps David escape from King Saul's wrath. Their parting is marked by deep sorrow and mutual affection. "Then they kissed each other and wept together—but David wept the most" (1 Samuel 20:41). This farewell underscores the profound bond between the two men, rooted in their shared faith and loyalty.

Jesus and His Disciples
The ultimate example of sorrowful parting is found in the relationship between Jesus and His disciples. Before His crucifixion, Jesus prepares His disciples for His departure, promising the coming of the Holy Spirit as a Comforter. In John 16:6, Jesus acknowledges their sorrow: "Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things" . Despite the impending separation, Jesus assures them of His continued presence through the Spirit, offering hope amidst their grief.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of travel and the sorrow of parting serve as reminders of the temporary nature of earthly relationships and the eternal hope found in Christ. These narratives encourage believers to cherish their spiritual bonds and to find comfort in the promise of eternal reunion in the presence of God.Acts 20:37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 21:6
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Treatise vii. On the Mortality.
... often has it been revealed, how frequently and manifestly ... from us, they precede us
as travellers, as navigators ... is hastening to return to his friends would not ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise vii on the mortality.htm

On the Resurrection of Christ from the Dead.
... indeed - although by no means so frequently or clearly ... have silenced Peter; if His
friends, they would ... literal eating, but as representing travellers, and in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvi on the resurrection.htm

The Life of Christ.
... 16:2] so that the poor travellers had providentially ... move the affections"they consisted
frequently of doubtful ... performed in the presence of friends and foes. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... On the 29th of September 1813, Overberg took the daughter ... her turn she left it
unimpaired to her friends. ... 1819, the blood first flowed less frequently from her ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

Carey's College
... raptures." It was Help to Zion's Travellers; being an ... his gifts by speaking to a
few friends in a ... at Hackleton all the week, and frequently preaching elsewhere ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter i careys college.htm

The Gentle Boy
... Farewell, friends in mine ... up to their original source, but most frequently they appeared ...
his thoughts, by a natural association, to homeless travellers on such ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the gentle boy.htm

Heb. 4:14 Our Profession
... frictions and collisions with relatives, friends, and neighbours ... and take damage,
like the travellers through the ... two chapters ought to be frequently studied by ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xii heb 4 14 our.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... of a guest house for passing travellers where they ... for sins;" [2882] and "make to
yourselves friends of the ... not be exalted, and warned her frequently by the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Lord Jesus Christ, and were frequently favoured with ... Travellers who write from their
easy chairs what ... Observe, dear friends, that these were choice favourites ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... sleep to fall upon Adam, and he slept: and he took one of ... "Therefore shall a man
leave his father ... no shame: Let men stand where God hath set them, and there is ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

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