Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: In biblical terms, refreshment refers to the renewal of strength, spirit, or vitality, often provided by God or through His creation. It encompasses both physical and spiritual rejuvenation, offering relief from weariness and burdens. The concept of refreshment is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's provision and care for His people. Old Testament References: The Old Testament frequently depicts refreshment as a divine gift. In Exodus 23:12, the Sabbath is instituted as a day of rest and refreshment: "For six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day you must cease, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your maidservant and the foreigner may be refreshed." Here, refreshment is linked to rest and the observance of God's commandments. In Psalm 23:2-3, David speaks of God's provision: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name." The imagery of green pastures and quiet waters symbolizes peace and restoration, highlighting God's role as the Shepherd who refreshes the soul. New Testament References: The New Testament continues the theme of refreshment, often emphasizing spiritual renewal. In Acts 3:19-20, Peter calls for repentance and promises divine refreshment: "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you." Here, refreshment is associated with repentance and the presence of the Lord, offering a foretaste of eternal rest. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to those who are weary: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage underscores the spiritual refreshment found in Christ, who offers rest to the weary and burdened. Practical Application: The biblical concept of refreshment encourages believers to seek rest and renewal in God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the Sabbath and the need for spiritual rejuvenation through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. The Scriptures invite Christians to find their ultimate refreshment in Christ, who provides peace and rest for the soul. Symbolism and Imagery: Throughout the Bible, refreshment is often symbolized by water, rest, and nourishment. These symbols convey the idea of God's sustaining power and His ability to restore and renew. The imagery of living water, as seen in John 4:14, where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrates the eternal refreshment that comes from a relationship with Him: "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." Conclusion: The theme of refreshment in the Bible is a testament to God's care and provision for His people. It calls believers to find rest in Him, both physically and spiritually, and to trust in His ability to renew and restore. Through the practice of Sabbath rest, repentance, and reliance on Christ, Christians are invited to experience the refreshment that only God can provide. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of refreshing, or the state of being refreshed; restoration of strength, spirit, vigor, or liveliness; relief after suffering; new life or animation after depression.2. (n.) That which refreshes; means of restoration or reanimation; especially, an article of food or drink. Greek 372. anapausis -- cessation, rest ... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anapausis Phonetic Spelling: (an-ap'-ow- sis) Short Definition: rest, cessation from labor, refreshment Definition: rest ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/372.htm - 6k 403. anapsuxis -- a recovery of breath, a refreshing Strong's Hebrew 8250. shiqquy -- a drink... Definition: drink. Word Origin from shaqah Definition a drink NASB Word Usage drink (2), refreshment (1). drink, marrow. From shaqah ... /hebrew/8250.htm - 6k Library Of the Time and Measure of Refreshment. A Question on the Right Measure of Abstinence and Refreshment. Whether the Eucharist is one Sacrament or Several? Philippians iv. 14-Oct The Soul's Corporeality Demonstrated Out of the Gospels. Whether Grace is Bestowed through this Sacrament? Beauty for Ashes The Rivers of God Mission Tours. The Praying Christ Thesaurus Refreshment (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Refreshment (3 Occurrences). ... (YLT). Job 32:20 I speak, and there is refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer. (YLT). ... /r/refreshment.htm - 7k Bait (3 Occurrences) Bathing (9 Occurrences) Rock (176 Occurrences) Bath (13 Occurrences) Refreshing (6 Occurrences) Pool (25 Occurrences) Noon (30 Occurrences) Gladness (83 Occurrences) Waters (386 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about burnout? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the value of solitude? | GotQuestions.org What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.org Refreshment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Refreshment (3 Occurrences)1 Samuel 16:23 Job 32:20 Proverbs 3:8 Subtopics Related Terms Unintentionally (20 Occurrences) Ramoth-gilead (20 Occurrences) Misrephothmaim (2 Occurrences) |