The concept of "homewards" in the Bible often symbolizes a spiritual journey or return to one's origins, both physically and metaphorically. It reflects the human longing for a place of belonging, rest, and ultimate reunion with God. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the believer's journey towards their heavenly home.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of returning home is frequently associated with the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. After years of slavery in Egypt, God led His people homewards to Canaan, a land He had promised to their forefathers. This journey is emblematic of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. In Exodus 3:8 , God declares, "I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey."

The theme of exile and return is also prominent. The Babylonian exile was a period of profound loss and longing for the Israelites. Yet, God promised restoration and a return homewards. Jeremiah 29:14 states, "I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore you from captivity and gather you from all the nations and places to which I have banished you, declares the LORD. I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of homewards takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, provides the way for believers to return to their heavenly home. In John 14:2-3 , Jesus comforts His disciples with the promise of an eternal home: "In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am."

The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of the Christian life as a journey homewards. In Philippians 3:20 , he writes, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ." This verse underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the believer's ultimate destination.

Spiritual Implications

The journey homewards is not merely a physical return but a spiritual pilgrimage. It involves repentance, faith, and a continual turning towards God. The parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32 beautifully illustrates this spiritual return. The wayward son, after squandering his inheritance, decides to return homewards to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. This parable highlights God's grace and readiness to forgive those who turn back to Him.

Eschatological Hope

The Bible concludes with the ultimate homewards journey in the book of Revelation. The vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:2-4 offers a glimpse of the final homecoming for believers: "I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.'"

This eschatological vision provides hope and assurance for Christians, affirming that their journey homewards will culminate in eternal communion with God.(adv.) Toward home; in the direction of one's house, town, or country.

"We must Increase, but I must Decrease. "
... And when the crowds of Passover pilgrims were dispersing homewards, He also left
the city with his disciples, and began a missionary tour throughout the land ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ix we must increase but.htm

The Death of Saint James.
... Their armour being packed up and carried on their war-steeds, they now, as pilgrims,
journeyed homewards; but all who met them knew full well what they had been ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter eighteen the death of.htm

The Death of Saint Anthony.
... knights ended their martial career, Saint Anthony, with his faithful follower, Niccolo,
likewise, for the same reason, resolved to turn his face homewards. ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nineteen the death of.htm

Jesus in the Temple.
... When the feast was ended, as they returned homewards, Joseph and Mary discovered
that Jesus was missing; but supposing Him to have been somewhere among the ...
/.../anonymous/mother stories from the new testament/jesus in the temple.htm

The Secret
... Lovest thou the blessed Lord?". "Yea," she said, "Full well I love Him,. For I know
He loveth me.". Gladly then he sped him homewards. Far across the purple sea ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/the secret.htm

The Missionary on the Sea Shore.
... Or with our heart's-blood dye the distant wave,. Or with glad hopes, upon thy billows
borne,. Homewards return; Whether to death or life our course leads on". ...
/.../borthwick/hymns from the land of luther/the missionary on the sea.htm

The Kingdom of God.
... And render all things new. Then all the glory shall return. That we had lost of
yore,. Long severed souls shall homewards yearn. And cleave to Thee once more; ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/the kingdom of god.htm

Decrees of the Second General Council. Maximus, the Cynical ...
... After these transactions, the council was dissolved, and each of the bishops
returned homewards. Footnotes: [1532] Soc. v. 8; cf. ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter ix decrees of the second.htm

Monks of Palestine: Hesycas, Epiphanius, who was Afterwards in ...
... It is related that the brothers were once journeying homewards, when Malachion was
suddenly snatched away and became invisible; soon afterwards, however, he ...
/.../chapter xxxii monks of palestine hesycas.htm

The Father of Constantine Allows the Name of Christ to be Extended ...
... When the Argonauts fled from ??etes, they returned homewards by a different route,
crossed the sea of Scythia, sailed through some of the rivers there, and so ...
/.../chapter vi the father of constantine.htm

Homewards (1 Occurrence)
...Homewards (1 Occurrence). Isaiah 14:17 that made the world as a wilderness, and
overthrew the cities thereof; that dismissed not his prisoners homewards? (DBY). ...
/h/homewards.htm - 6k

Hometown (9 Occurrences)

/h/hometown.htm - 8k

Homicide (1 Occurrence)

/h/homicide.htm - 10k

Dismissed (22 Occurrences)
... (See NAS NIV). Isaiah 14:17 that made the world as a wilderness, and overthrew the
cities thereof; that dismissed not his prisoners homewards? (DBY). ...
/d/dismissed.htm - 12k

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