Definition and Context
Lingering refers to the act of delaying or hesitating to act or move forward. In a biblical context, it often implies a reluctance to obey God's commands promptly or a hesitation that can lead to negative consequences. The concept of lingering is illustrated in several biblical narratives, where it serves as a cautionary element against procrastination or indecision in spiritual matters.

Biblical Instances

1. Lot's Hesitation
One of the most notable examples of lingering in the Bible is found in the account of Lot during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 19:16 , it is recorded, "But when he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them." Lot's hesitation, or lingering, almost cost him and his family their lives. This incident underscores the importance of immediate obedience to divine instructions.

2. Israelites in the Wilderness
The Israelites' journey through the wilderness is another example where lingering had significant consequences. Their reluctance and lack of faith led to a prolonged stay in the desert. Numbers 14:33 states, "Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and bear the brunt of your unfaithfulness until your bodies lie scattered in the wilderness." The Israelites' hesitation to trust in God's promise resulted in a generation missing out on entering the Promised Land.

3. Procrastination in Spiritual Matters
The New Testament also addresses the theme of lingering in the context of spiritual readiness. In the parable of the ten virgins, Jesus warns against spiritual procrastination. Matthew 25:5 says, "When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep." The unprepared virgins' delay in securing oil for their lamps resulted in their exclusion from the wedding feast, symbolizing the importance of being prepared for Christ's return.

Theological Implications

Lingering is often associated with a lack of faith or trust in God's timing and promises. It can be seen as a spiritual weakness that hinders one's relationship with God and can lead to missed opportunities for blessing and growth. The Bible encourages believers to act promptly and decisively in response to God's commands, as seen in James 4:17 : "Therefore, whoever knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin."

Practical Applications

For believers, the concept of lingering serves as a reminder to be vigilant and proactive in their faith journey. It encourages immediate obedience to God's word and a readiness to act according to His will. Lingering can be overcome by cultivating a heart of trust and reliance on God's promises, seeking His guidance through prayer, and being attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion
While the Bible provides examples of the dangers of lingering, it also offers hope and guidance for overcoming this tendency. By understanding the consequences of hesitation and embracing a life of prompt obedience, believers can align themselves more closely with God's purposes and experience the fullness of His blessings.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Linger.

2. (a.) Delaying.

3. (a.) Drawn out in time; remaining long; protracted; as, a lingering disease.

But Celsus, Lingering Over Matters which He Does not Understand...
... Chapter XVIII. But Celsus, lingering over matters which he does not understand?
But Celsus, lingering over matters which he does ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xviii but celsus lingering.htm

Troubles of Lingering at the Crossing
... CHAPTER FOUR TROUBLES OF LINGERING AT THE CROSSING. TROUBLES OF LINGERING
AT THE CROSSING Some time ago I consecrated to God for ...
/.../berry/adventures in the land of canaan/chapter four troubles of lingering.htm

The Swift Destroyer
... There are four clearly marked stages in the story: the lingering of Lot in the doomed
city, and the friendly force which dragged him from it; the prayer of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift destroyer.htm

Sixth Tractate. Perception and Memory.
... Memory is not to be explained as the retaining of information in virtue of the
lingering of an impression which in fact was never made; the two things stand or ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/sixth tractate perception and memory.htm

The Grave of the Dead John and the Grave of the Living Jesus
... The earliest visitors to the sepulchre leave it, not with the lingering sorrow of
those who have no more that they can do, but with the quick, buoyant step of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the grave of the dead.htm

The Entire Soul Being Indivisible Remains to the Last Act of ...
... moments. Where, however, the death is a lingering one, the soul abandons
its position in the way in which it is itself abandoned. ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter liii the entire soul being.htm

My Children have Been Slain
... 14. The torment of fire, though it be for one hour, O my Lord,"in lingering
thirst, is a lingering death, and a subtle punishment. 15. ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn x my children have.htm

What Doest Thou Here?
... of Horeb was not the place in which God expected to find such a servant as Elijah,
and that there should be no indefinite tarrying, no lingering without an aim ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/vi what doest thou here.htm

Not Far and not In
... The two most familiar and fatal of these are:". (a) Procrastination. (b) Lingering
love of the world. III. Such men cannot continue near. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/not far and not in.htm

Law and Grace.
... I pity those who are always hanging around Sinai, hoping to get life there. I
have an old friend in Chicago who is always lingering at Sinai. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/sovereign grace/chapter v law and grace.htm

Lingering (2 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Delaying. 3. (a.) Drawn out in time; remaining long; protracted; as, a
lingering disease. Multi-Version Concordance Lingering (2 Occurrences). ...
/l/lingering.htm - 7k

Long (2810 Occurrences)
... long book. 3. (superl.) Slow in passing; causing weariness by length or
duration; lingering; as, long hours of watching. 4. (superl ...
/l/long.htm - 8k

Lingers (1 Occurrence)

/l/lingers.htm - 6k

Lingereth (2 Occurrences)

/l/lingereth.htm - 7k

Linger (7 Occurrences)
... 2. (vt) To protract; to draw out. 3. (vt) To spend or pass in a lingering manner; --
with out; as, to linger out one's days on a sick bed. ...
/l/linger.htm - 8k

Delay (47 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A putting off or deferring; procrastination;
lingering inactivity; stop; detention; hindrance. ...
/d/delay.htm - 21k

Malady (3 Occurrences)
... human body; an ailment, a chronic disorder, or indisposition, proceeding from impaired,
defective, or morbid organic functions; especially, a lingering or deep ...
/m/malady.htm - 7k

Perizzites (23 Occurrences)
... Still lingering in the land, however, they were reduced to servitude by Solomon
(1 Kings 9:20). Multi-Version Concordance Perizzites (23 Occurrences). ...
/p/perizzites.htm - 15k

Chronic (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Relating to time; according to time. 2. (a.)
Continuing for a long time; lingering; habitual. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/c/chronic.htm - 7k

Urim (8 Occurrences)
... It is difficult to tell just how much, if anything, of a lingering tradition is
reflected in the view that the Urim and Thummim and stones of the breast-plate ...
/u/urim.htm - 21k

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