In the context of the Bible, "withdrawing" often refers to the act of retreating or stepping back, either physically, emotionally, or spiritually. This concept can be seen in various narratives and teachings throughout Scripture, where individuals or groups withdraw for purposes such as prayer, reflection, or avoidance of conflict.

Biblical Instances of Withdrawing:

1. Jesus Withdrawing for Prayer:
One of the most notable examples of withdrawing in the Bible is Jesus Christ Himself. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently withdrew from the crowds and even His disciples to spend time in prayer and communion with the Father. In Luke 5:16, it is recorded, "Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray." This withdrawal was not an act of avoidance but a deliberate choice to seek solitude for spiritual renewal and guidance.

2. Avoidance of Conflict:
There are instances where withdrawing is used as a means to avoid unnecessary conflict or danger. In John 6:15, after the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus perceives that the crowd intends to make Him king by force. In response, He withdraws to a mountain by Himself. This act of withdrawing demonstrates wisdom in avoiding a situation that could derail His mission.

3. Paul and Barnabas:
In the Acts of the Apostles, Paul and Barnabas also demonstrate the principle of withdrawing when faced with opposition. In Acts 14:5-6, when a violent attempt was made against them by both Gentiles and Jews, they became aware of it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe. Their withdrawal was strategic, allowing them to continue their missionary work elsewhere.

4. Spiritual Reflection and Renewal:
Withdrawing can also be seen as a time for spiritual reflection and renewal. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah withdrew to Mount Horeb after a period of intense ministry and personal crisis. In 1 Kings 19:4, Elijah goes a day's journey into the wilderness and sits under a broom tree, expressing his despair. This withdrawal leads to a divine encounter where God provides for him and gives him new direction.

Theological Implications:

Withdrawing, as depicted in the Bible, is not merely an act of retreat but often serves a greater purpose in the believer's life. It can be a time for seeking God's presence, gaining clarity, and preparing for future ministry. The act of withdrawing underscores the importance of balance between engagement with the world and solitude with God.

Practical Applications:

For believers today, the biblical principle of withdrawing can be applied in various ways. It encourages the practice of setting aside time for personal prayer and reflection, especially in a world filled with constant noise and activity. It also highlights the importance of discerning when to step back from situations that may lead to conflict or hinder one's spiritual journey.

In summary, withdrawing in the biblical sense is a multifaceted concept that serves as a tool for spiritual growth, protection, and preparation. It is a practice that, when done with intention and purpose, aligns the believer more closely with God's will and direction.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Withdraw.

As his Lungs were Affected, He Meditates Withdrawing Himself from ...
... Book IX. Chapter II."As His Lungs Were Affected, He Meditates Withdrawing
Himself from Public Favour. 2. And it seemed good to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/chapter ii as his lungs were.htm

But I have Said that These Men Would have Been Unable to Find ...
... matter on which they have laid their forgers' hands should be inserted in this Apology,
lest they should think that I am intentionally withdrawing it from ...
/.../17 but i have said.htm

Whether an Accusation is Rendered Unjust by Calumny, Collusion or ...
... Objection 3: Further, it is stated by the same authority that "evasion consists
in withdrawing altogether from an accusation." But this can be done without ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether an accusation is rendered.htm

Yet Let no one Ask, "How was it That...
... it is wrong to judge of what is morally excellent, or, on the other hand, of what
is evil, by the standard of the senses; but that, by withdrawing the mind ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter vii yet let no.htm

The Thirty ??ons are not Typified by the Fact that Christ was ...
... Then, again, withdrawing Himself [from Jud??a], He is found in Samaria; on which
occasion, too, He conversed with the Samaritan woman, and while at a distance ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxii the thirty aeons are.htm

The Case of the Christian under the Hiding of God's Face.
... 1. The phrase scriptural."2. It signifies the withdrawing the tokens of the divine
favor."3 chiefly as to spiritual considerations."4. This may become ...
/.../the rise and progress of religion in the soul/chapter xxiv the case of.htm

Whether the Aureole Differs from the Fruit?
... Now the spiritual seed which is sown in us is the Word of God: wherefore the more
a person is transformed into a spiritual nature by withdrawing from carnal ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the aureole differs from.htm

Twenty-First Proposition of Arminius
... and with certainty moving or impelling the cause, in its own nature, free and
contingent, to the act of sin, or else withholding or withdrawing that which was ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 3/twenty-first proposition of arminius.htm

On the First Sin of the First Man
... This Divine permission is not the denial or the withdrawing of the grace necessary
and sufficient for fulfilling the law; (Isaiah 5:4;) for if a permission of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 7 on the first.htm

The Saint Ceases not to Pray. Prayer the Way to Recover what is ...
... nothing in the whole world which requires greater courage than plotting treason
against the King, knowing that He knows it, and yet never withdrawing from His ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter viii the saint ceases.htm

Withdrawing (3 Occurrences)
... n.) of Withdraw. Multi-Version Concordance Withdrawing (3 Occurrences). Luke 5:16
and he was withdrawing himself in the desert places and was praying. (YLT). ...
/w/withdrawing.htm - 7k

Retreat (10 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of retiring or withdrawing one's
self, especially from what is dangerous or disagreeable. ...
/r/retreat.htm - 10k

Withdrawn (28 Occurrences)

/w/withdrawn.htm - 15k

Leave (341 Occurrences)
... 10. (v.) To put; to place; to deposit; to deliver; to commit; to submit -- with
a sense of withdrawing one's self from; as, leave your hat in the hall; we left ...
/l/leave.htm - 35k

Grab (2 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An instrument for clutching objects for the purpose of raising them; --
specially applied to devices for withdrawing drills, etc., from artesian and ...
/g/grab.htm - 7k

Withdraweth (3 Occurrences)

/w/withdraweth.htm - 7k

Withdraw (52 Occurrences)
... Galatians 2:12 for before the coming of certain from James, with the nations he
was eating, and when they came, he was withdrawing and separating himself ...
/w/withdraw.htm - 22k

Alienation (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A withdrawing or estrangement, as of
the affections. 2. (n.) Mental alienation; derangement of ...
/a/alienation.htm - 7k

Seclusion (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) Separation from society or connection; a withdrawing;
privacy; as, to live in seclusion. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/seclusion.htm - 6k

Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
... It is evident therefore that the post-resurrection-body of Jesus was one that had
the power of materializing itself to natural senses, or withdrawing itself at ...
/s/spiritual.htm - 51k

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Withdrawing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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