In the context of the Bible, the term "withdraws" can refer to both physical and spiritual actions, often indicating a retreat or separation for various reasons. This concept is seen throughout Scripture, where individuals, groups, or even God Himself withdraws for purposes ranging from seeking solitude to executing judgment.

1. Jesus' Withdrawal for Solitude and Prayer

One of the most notable examples of withdrawal in the New Testament is Jesus Christ's frequent retreats to solitary places for prayer and communion with the Father. In the Gospel of Luke, it is recorded, "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray" (Luke 5:16). This withdrawal underscores the importance of solitude and prayer in maintaining a close relationship with God and preparing for ministry.

2. Withdrawal from Sin and Evil

The Bible also speaks of withdrawal in the context of separating oneself from sin and evil influences. In 2 Corinthians 6:17, believers are instructed, "Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you" . This call to withdraw emphasizes the need for holiness and purity in the life of a believer, encouraging a distinct separation from worldly practices that are contrary to God's will.

3. God's Withdrawal as Judgment

Scripture also describes instances where God withdraws His presence as a form of judgment or discipline. In Hosea 5:6, it is written, "They will go with their flocks and herds to seek the LORD, but they will not find Him; He has withdrawn Himself from them" . This withdrawal serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of persistent disobedience and the importance of seeking God earnestly.

4. Withdrawal for Strategic Purposes

In the Old Testament, there are accounts of strategic withdrawals during times of conflict. For example, in Joshua 8:15, "Joshua and all Israel let themselves be beaten back before them, and they fled toward the wilderness" . This tactical withdrawal was part of a larger strategy to defeat the city of Ai, demonstrating that withdrawal can be a wise and necessary action in certain circumstances.

5. Personal Withdrawal for Reflection and Repentance

The Bible encourages personal withdrawal for the purpose of reflection and repentance. In Psalm 4:4, it is advised, "Be angry, yet do not sin; on your bed, search your heart and be still" . This type of withdrawal allows individuals to examine their hearts, seek forgiveness, and realign themselves with God's purposes.

6. Withdrawal from Fellowship

The New Testament also addresses the concept of withdrawing from fellowship with those who persist in sin. In 1 Corinthians 5:11, Paul instructs, "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat" . This withdrawal serves to maintain the purity and integrity of the Christian community.

In summary, the concept of withdrawal in the Bible encompasses a range of actions and motivations, from seeking spiritual renewal to executing divine judgment. It highlights the importance of discernment, holiness, and strategic action in the life of believers.622. asaph -- to gather, remove
... gathered (1), take (3), take my away (1), take away (2), taken away (5), took (1),
victims (1), wane (1), withdraw (3), withdrawn (1), withdraws (1), withdrew ...
/hebrew/622.htm - 6k

When God Withdraws Himself
... TALK TWENTY-SIX. WHEN GOD WITHDRAWS HIMSELF. ... If God apparently withdraws from us,
it is only because he sees that we need to be left alone for a season. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-six when god withdraws.htm

The Second Thing. --Why God, after Rejoicing the Heart, Often ...
... CHAPTER IX. The Second Thing."Why God, After Rejoicing The Heart, Often Withdraws
Himself From His Friends, By Which His True Presence is Made Known. ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/chapter ix the second thing why.htm

That a Schism must not be Made, Even Although He who Withdraws ...
... Third Book. 86. That a schism must not be made, even although he who withdraws
should remain in one faith, and in the same tradition. ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/86 that a schism must.htm

Why, when all Will to be Blessed, that is Rather Chosen by which ...
... Book XIII. Chapter 6."Why, When All Will to Be Blessed, that is Rather Chosen
by Which One Withdraws from Being So. 9. Since, then ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 6 why when all will.htm

Divine Things are the More Clearly Manifested to Him who Withdraws ...
... Book VII. Chapter X."Divine Things are the More Clearly Manifested to
Him Who Withdraws into the Recesses of His Heart. 16. And ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter x divine things are the.htm

Commandment Fifth. Of Sadness of Heart, and of Patience.
... The tender Spirit, then, not being accustomed to dwell with the wicked spirit, nor
with hardness, withdraws from such a man, and seeks to dwell with meekness ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/commandment fifth of sadness of.htm

The Twentieth Chapter: the Love of Solitude and Silence
... a flood of tears with which to bathe and cleanse herself nightly, that she may become
the more intimate with her Creator the farther she withdraws from all the ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the twentieth chapter the love.htm

The Withdrawal of Jesus.
... wicked and those who feast along with him to be regular and pleasing to them, were
irregular and out of tune, if truth be umpire, then Jesus withdraws from the ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/23 the withdrawal of jesus.htm

Is the Soul Wounded when the Body is Wounded?
... How, then, can your opinion be correct, that "when the limbs of the body are cut
off, the soul withdraws itself from the stroke, and after condensation retires ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 27 is the soul wounded.htm

Whether Sorrow is Caused by the Loss of Good or by the Presence of ...
... to something suitable to nature; while withdrawal is of itself directed to something
contrary to nature; thus a heavy body, of itself, withdraws from a higher ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether sorrow is caused by.htm

Withdraws (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Withdraws (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 17:13 Moreover,
if he withdraw himself into a city, then shall all Israel ...
/w/withdraws.htm - 6k

Withdrawn (28 Occurrences)

/w/withdrawn.htm - 15k

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)

/w/withdrew.htm - 22k

Retirement (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A place of seclusion or privacy; a place to which one withdraws or retreats;
a private abode. Multi-Version Concordance Retirement (1 Occurrence). ...
/r/retirement.htm - 7k

Conscience (36 Occurrences)
... of companions; it may contradict the decrees of principalities and powers or the
voices of the multitude; yet conscience in no way withdraws or modifies its ...
/c/conscience.htm - 37k

Face (780 Occurrences)
... If God "hides his face" He withdraws His presence, His favor (Deuteronomy 32:20
Job 34:29 Psalm 13:1; Psalm 30:7; Psalm 143:7; Isaiah 54:8 Jeremiah 33:5 ...
/f/face.htm - 47k

Magus
... Simon Magus withdraws to Tyre and then to Sidon. Peter follows Simon from place
to place, counteracting his sorceries, and instructing the people. ...
/m/magus.htm - 23k

Life (6001 Occurrences)
... from God. When God sends forth His spirit, things are created, and live;
when He withdraws that spirit they die (Psalm 104:30). "In ...
/l/life.htm - 51k

Simon (75 Occurrences)
... Simon Magus withdraws to Tyre and then to Sidon. Peter follows Simon from place
to place, counteracting his sorceries, and instructing the people. ...
/s/simon.htm - 91k

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