The concept of leaving home is a significant theme in the Bible, often associated with obedience to God's call, the pursuit of divine purpose, and the establishment of new beginnings. This theme is evident in the lives of several biblical figures who left their homes in response to God's direction, demonstrating faith and trust in His promises.

Abraham's Call to Leave Home

One of the most prominent examples of leaving home is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1-4 , God calls Abram (later named Abraham) to leave his country, his people, and his father's household to go to a land that God would show him. This act of obedience is foundational to the Abrahamic covenant, as God promises to make Abram into a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. Abraham's departure from his homeland is a testament to his faith and willingness to trust in God's plan, despite the uncertainties involved.

Jacob's Departure

Jacob's departure from home is another significant narrative. In Genesis 28:10-15 , Jacob leaves Beersheba and sets out for Haran to escape his brother Esau's wrath and to find a wife from his mother's family. During his journey, Jacob has a dream in which God reaffirms the covenant made with Abraham, promising him land, descendants, and blessings. Jacob's journey marks a transformative period in his life, leading to his eventual return as Israel, the father of the twelve tribes.

The Exodus

The Exodus is a monumental event in which the Israelites leave Egypt, their place of bondage, under the leadership of Moses. This departure is not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual journey towards freedom and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. In Exodus 12:31-32 , Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave after the tenth plague. The Exodus signifies God's deliverance and faithfulness, as He leads His people to the Promised Land.

Ruth's Commitment

Ruth's account provides a unique perspective on leaving home. After the death of her husband, Ruth chooses to leave her native Moab to accompany her mother-in-law Naomi back to Bethlehem. In Ruth 1:16-17 , Ruth's declaration of loyalty to Naomi and her God exemplifies a profound commitment that transcends familial and cultural boundaries. Ruth's decision ultimately leads to her becoming an ancestor of King David and, by extension, Jesus Christ.

The Prodigal Son

In the New Testament, the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates the theme of leaving home in a different light. The younger son demands his inheritance and leaves his father's house to pursue a life of indulgence. His eventual return, marked by repentance and reconciliation, highlights the themes of forgiveness and restoration. This parable underscores the spiritual journey of leaving sin and returning to the Father's embrace.

Jesus' Call to Discipleship

Jesus' call to His disciples often involved leaving their homes and livelihoods. In Matthew 4:18-22 , Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him, prompting them to leave their nets and boats. This act of leaving signifies a commitment to a new life of discipleship and mission. Jesus' invitation to leave everything and follow Him is a call to prioritize the kingdom of God above all else.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of leaving home encompasses a range of experiences, from physical relocation to spiritual transformation. It often involves a call to faith, obedience, and trust in God's promises, leading to new beginnings and the fulfillment of divine purposes.Ephesians 5:31
For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
Topicalbible.org

The Story of one Furlough (1908-1910)
... On one occasion, when about to leave home on a ten days' trip to Montreal and other
places, word came that the children's Sunday-school treat was to take place ...
/.../goforth/how i know god answers prayer/vii the story of one.htm

Forgiveness and Retribution.
... At last I felt that I must either become a Christian or leave home, and one day
I gathered a few things together and stole away from home without letting my ...
/.../moody/sowing and reaping/chapter vii forgiveness and retribution.htm

A Boy's Mistake --A Sad Reconciliation.
... One day they had a quarrel and the father was very angry, and so was the son; and
the father said he wished the boy would leave home and never come back. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/a boys mistakea sad reconciliation.htm

Electress Louisa
... As her father was then very ill with a protracted and fatal malady, she did not
however at once leave home, but nursed her father till his death, and then ...
/.../winkworth/christian singers of germany/electress louisa.htm

The Poor Debtor.
... They are so young.". "I know they are, Alice; too young to leave home. But"". The
tailor's voice became unsteady; he broke off in the middle of the sentence. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/the poor debtor.htm

Why they Leave Us
... I'd leave thine earthly courts and flee. ... Ask him, and he will tell you, "I want to
go home to see my father." The same is equally true, and possibly more so, if ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/why they leave us.htm

1870-1871. Workers' Meetings at Home of Industry --Training Home ...
... "We leave Marchmont accompanied ... One is still self-willed, having no mercy on himself,
a runaway from the home in which we had placed him, and was brought to us ...
/.../lowe/gods answers/chapter iii 1870-1871 workers meetings.htm

From John Yeardley's Conversion to the Commencement of his Public ...
... To attend a Monthly Meeting he would leave home on foot the Seventh-day before,
with John Bottomley, also a Friend and preacher, and at one time his servant ...
/.../chapter i from john yeardleys.htm

The Blossoming Desert.
... Doty and Talmage) have not a moment to spare from labor, for the holy brethren
there are many; and it is difficult for them to leave home. ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vii the blossoming desert.htm

Here we Might Leave the Subject, but we Cannot Forbear Adding Some ...
... 6. Here we might leave the subject, but we cannot forbear adding some further ... other
book; something, in fact, which, when duly received, comes home to their ...
/.../jerram/thoughts on a revelation/section 6 here we might.htm

How do you balance leave and cleave with honoring your parents? | GotQuestions.org

Why would God leave the 99 to find 1? | GotQuestions.org

Why should I not leave Christianity? | GotQuestions.org

Leave: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus