In the context of biblical themes, the concept of "retake" can be understood as the act of reclaiming or recovering something that was lost or taken away. This idea is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, where God often intervenes to restore His people or their possessions. The notion of retaking is closely associated with themes of redemption, restoration, and divine intervention.

Old Testament Context

1. The Promised Land: One of the most significant examples of retaking in the Old Testament is the Israelites' conquest of Canaan. After their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the wilderness, the Israelites, under Joshua's leadership, retook the land promised to their forefathers. This event is detailed in the Book of Joshua, where God commands Joshua to lead the people in reclaiming the land (Joshua 1:2-6).

2. David and the Amalekites: Another instance of retaking is found in the account of David at Ziklag. When the Amalekites raided Ziklag and took captives, David sought the Lord's guidance and was instructed to pursue and overtake the raiders. David successfully retook all that was lost, as recorded in 1 Samuel 30:8, 18-19 : "And David inquired of the LORD, 'Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?' 'Pursue them,' the LORD replied, 'for you will surely overtake them and rescue the captives.' ... So David recovered everything the Amalekites had taken."

New Testament Context

1. Spiritual Restoration: In the New Testament, the concept of retaking is often spiritual rather than physical. Jesus Christ's mission is seen as a divine retaking of humanity from the bondage of sin. Through His death and resurrection, believers are reclaimed and restored to a right relationship with God. Colossians 1:13-14 states, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

2. Parables of Restoration: Jesus' parables often illustrate the theme of retaking or reclaiming what is lost. The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) depicts a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to retake the one that is lost, symbolizing God's relentless pursuit of sinners to bring them back into His fold.

Theological Implications

The theme of retake in the Bible underscores God's sovereignty and His commitment to restoring what is rightfully His. It reflects His justice, mercy, and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The act of retaking is not merely a physical reclaiming but also a spiritual renewal, emphasizing the transformative power of God's intervention in the lives of His people.

Practical Application

Believers are encouraged to trust in God's ability to restore and retake what has been lost in their lives, whether it be relationships, spiritual fervor, or peace. The biblical examples of retaking serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the hope of redemption through Christ. Christians are called to participate in God's mission by sharing the message of salvation, thereby aiding in the spiritual retaking of souls for the Kingdom of God.1. (v. t.) To take or receive again.

2. (v. t.) To take from a captor; to recapture; as, to retake a ship or prisoners.

The Belief of the Resurrection of Our Lord from the Dead...
... And when men look for Him to come from heaven as the judge of quick and dead, it
strikes great terror into the careless, so that they retake themselves to ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books/chapter 14 the belief of.htm

The Righteousness of Works Improperly Inferred from Rewards.
... And the knowledge of this doctrine is necessary to Christians; for how should they
retake themselves to Christ, unless they perceived that they had fallen from ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the righteousness of.htm

The "Little Knife" Insurrection
... at Amoy. At present everything is quiet. Three weeks ago another attempt
was made by the Mandarins to retake Amoy. They landed a ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vi the little knife insurrection.htm

Guelf and Ghibelline. (ii)
... Moreover, in Italy Frederick's cause was gaining ground, until the revolt of Parma
and the failure of his efforts to retake it ended in the complete rout of ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter xv guelf and ghibelline.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... The material loss to the Persians was inconsiderable, for even the Cyclades remained
under their authority; Miltiades, who endeavoured to retake them, met with ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... When we seek for salvation, life, and a blessed immortality, to him also must we
retake ourselves, since he alone is the fountain of life and the anchor of ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... of the divine judgment, that they might fall down and humble themselves before him
whom they had offended, and, with true repentance, retake themselves to the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties.
... persons. It is not from fictitious dread that they deprecate his anger, and
yet they retake themselves to him with tranquil confidence. ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 2 of faith the.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... Therefore, as often as we are afflicted with pestilence, or war, or famine, or any
other calamity whatsoever, if it is our duty to retake ourselves to mourning ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Promises of the Law and the Gospel Reconciled.
... such integrity. If there is none, they must perish from the presence of
God, or retake themselves to the asylum of mercy. Still ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 the promises of.htm

Retake (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To take or receive again. 2. (vt) To take from a captor; to recapture;
as, to retake a ship or prisoners. ...Retake (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/retake.htm - 7k

Retains (2 Occurrences)

/r/retains.htm - 6k

Recover (37 Occurrences)
... re-kuv'-er: "Recover" has (1) the transitive meaning of "to retake" or "regain"
(anything); and (2) the intransitive sense of "to regain health" or "become well ...
/r/recover.htm - 21k

Retaliate (1 Occurrence)

/r/retaliate.htm - 6k

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Retake: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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