Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the concept of "retreat" can be understood both literally and spiritually. It involves withdrawing for the purpose of rest, reflection, or seeking divine guidance. Throughout Scripture, retreat is depicted as a necessary practice for renewal and communion with God.Old Testament Instances 1. Moses on Mount Sinai: One of the most significant retreats in the Old Testament is Moses' time on Mount Sinai. Moses withdrew from the people to receive the Law from God. Exodus 24:12 states, "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Come up to Me on the mountain and stay here, so that I may give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.'" This retreat was pivotal for the establishment of the covenant between God and Israel. 2. Elijah at Horeb: After his confrontation with the prophets of Baal, Elijah retreated to Mount Horeb. In 1 Kings 19:11-12 , God reveals Himself to Elijah not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This retreat was a time of renewal and recommissioning for Elijah. New Testament Examples 1. Jesus' Solitude: Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray and seek the Father’s guidance. In Mark 1:35 , it is recorded, "Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray." These retreats were essential for His ministry, providing strength and clarity. 2. The Disciples' Rest: Jesus also encouraged His disciples to retreat for rest. In Mark 6:31 , He said, "Come with Me privately to a solitary place, and let us rest for a while." This highlights the importance of physical and spiritual rest in the life of a believer. Spiritual Significance Retreats in the Bible often serve as times of preparation, reflection, and transformation. They are moments when individuals draw closer to God, receive instruction, and gain strength for their mission. The practice of retreat underscores the necessity of stepping away from daily distractions to focus on spiritual growth and renewal. Practical Application For contemporary believers, the concept of retreat can be applied through personal times of prayer, meditation, and study of Scripture. It can also involve participating in organized retreats or quiet days designed for spiritual reflection and renewal. The biblical model encourages believers to regularly seek solitude with God to deepen their relationship with Him and to gain insight and strength for their daily lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of retiring or withdrawing one's self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable.2. (n.) The place to which anyone retires; a place or privacy or safety; a refuge; an asylum. 3. (n.) The retiring of an army or body of men from the face of an enemy, or from any ground occupied to a greater distance from the enemy, or from an advanced position. 4. (n.) The withdrawing of a ship or fleet from an enemy for the purpose of avoiding an engagement or escaping after defeat. 5. (n.) A signal given in the army or navy, by the beat of a drum or the sounding of trumpet or bugle, at sunset (when the roll is called), or for retiring from action. 6. (n.) A special season of solitude and silence to engage in religious exercises. 7. (n.) A period of several days of withdrawal from society to a religious house for exclusive occupation in the duties of devotion; as, to appoint or observe a retreat. 8. (v. i.) To make a retreat; to retire from any position or place; to withdraw; as, the defeated army retreated from the field. Greek 5298. hupochoreo -- to go back, retire ... Verb Transliteration: hupochoreo Phonetic Spelling: (hoop-okh-o-reh'-o) Short Definition: I withdraw, retire Definition: I withdraw, retire, go back, retreat. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5298.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5074. nadad -- to retreat, flee, depart, stray, wander, flutter... nadad. 5075 . to retreat, flee, depart, stray, wander, flutter. Transliteration: nadad Phonetic Spelling: (naw-dad') Short Definition: fled. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/5074.htm - 6k 4869. misgab -- a secure height, retreat, stronghold 7725. shub -- to turn back, return 4499. menusah -- flight 7585. sheol -- underworld (place to which people descend at death) 4498. manos -- flight, place of escape or refuge 4583. maon -- dwelling, habitation 5472. sug -- to move away, backslide 5253. nasag -- departing away, remove, take hold, turn away 7734. sug -- turn back Library Cii the Retreat Retreat. LM Retreat. LM Retreat. LM A Retreat, or a Rout? A Cool Retreat. (Written During Her Retreat Before Receiving the Habit. ) January ... (During Her Retreat Before Profession) September 4, 1890 Simon's Retreat. (Written During Her Retreat Before Profession. ) Thesaurus Retreat (10 Occurrences)... A period of several days of withdrawal from society to a religious house for exclusive occupation in the duties of devotion; as, to appoint or observe a retreat... /r/retreat.htm - 10k Retire (6 Occurrences) Draw (212 Occurrences) Battle (282 Occurrences) Bethhoron (12 Occurrences) Beth-horon (12 Occurrences) Nineveh (23 Occurrences) Nest (22 Occurrences) Jerusalem (782 Occurrences) Withdraw (52 Occurrences) Resources Who is the king of the North in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the king of the South in Daniel 11? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of Jonah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Retreat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Retreat (10 Occurrences)Luke 9:10 Judges 20:32 2 Samuel 11:15 2 Kings 19:23 Job 41:25 Psalms 74:21 Psalms 104:22 Proverbs 30:30 Isaiah 33:16 Daniel 11:9 Subtopics Related Terms |