Topical Encyclopedia
In the context of the Bible, the concept of being "isolated" can refer to both physical separation and spiritual or emotional solitude. Throughout Scripture, instances of isolation are depicted in various forms, often serving as a backdrop for divine encounters, personal reflection, or spiritual growth.
Old Testament Instances1.
Elijah: The prophet Elijah experienced isolation when he fled to the wilderness to escape Queen Jezebel's wrath. In
1 Kings 19:4, Elijah "went a day's journey into the wilderness" and sat under a broom tree, expressing his despair. This period of isolation became a time for divine intervention, as God provided for him and spoke to him in a gentle whisper (
1 Kings 19:12-13).
2.
Moses: Moses spent significant time in isolation during his life. After fleeing Egypt, he lived in Midian for forty years as a shepherd (
Exodus 2:15-22). Later, he ascended Mount Sinai alone to receive the Ten Commandments from God (
Exodus 24:12-18). These periods of solitude were pivotal for Moses' preparation and leadership.
3.
David: Before becoming king, David experienced isolation while hiding from King Saul. In the wilderness, David wrote many psalms expressing his feelings of loneliness and his reliance on God.
Psalm 25:16 captures this sentiment: "Turn to me and be gracious, for I am lonely and afflicted."
New Testament Instances1.
Jesus: Jesus often sought isolation for prayer and communion with the Father. In
Mark 1:35 , it is noted, "Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." His time in the wilderness for forty days, where He was tempted by Satan (
Matthew 4:1-11), also highlights the significance of isolation in His ministry.
2.
John the Baptist: Known for his ascetic lifestyle, John the Baptist lived in the wilderness, preaching repentance and baptizing those who came to him (
Matthew 3:1-4). His isolation from society underscored his prophetic role and dedication to God's calling.
3.
Paul: The Apostle Paul experienced isolation during his ministry, notably during his imprisonment. In
2 Timothy 4:16-17 , Paul writes, "At my first defense, no one stood with me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me." His letters from prison reflect his perseverance and faith despite physical isolation.
Spiritual ImplicationsIsolation in the Bible often serves as a catalyst for spiritual growth and divine revelation. It is during these times of solitude that individuals encounter God in profound ways, receive guidance, and are strengthened in their faith. The Bible encourages believers to seek God in solitude, as seen in
Psalm 46:10 : "Be still, and know that I am God."
Community and FellowshipWhile isolation can be a time for personal reflection and spiritual renewal, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among believers.
Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." This balance between solitude and community is essential for a healthy spiritual life.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
imp. & p. p.) of Isolate.
2. (a.) Placed or standing alone; detached; separated from others.
Greek
4074. Petros -- "a stone" or "a boulder," Peter, one of the twelve...... 4074 ("small stone") then stands in contrast to 4073 ("cliff, boulder," ). "4074 ()
is an
isolated rock and 4073 () is a cliff" (, 3, 100).
...2050. eremosis -- a making desolate
... devastation. 2050 (from 2049 , "lay waste, make destitute, barren") --
(desecration) that results from being cut off (isolated). Word...
2049. eremoo -- to desolate
... Cognate: 2049 (from 2048 , "wilderness, desolate area") -- make desolate,isolated
(left alone); lay waste, destroy (leave abandoned, deserted)....
Strong's Hebrew
909. badad -- to be separate,isolated... 908, 909. badad. 910 . to be separate,
isolated. Transliteration: badad Phonetic
Spelling: (baw-dad') Short Definition: shoots. Word Origin a prim.
...1219. batsar -- to cut off, make inaccessible, enclose
... A primitive root; to clip off; specifically (as denominative from batsiyr) to gather
grapes; also to beisolated (ie Inaccessible by height or fortification...
6550. parosh -- a flea
... flea. Probably from para' and ash; a flea (as theisolated insect) -- flea. see
HEBREW para'. see HEBREW ash. 6549, 6550. parosh. 6551 . Strong's Numbers.
910. badad -- isolation, separation
... Word Origin from badad Definition isolation, separation NASB Word Usage alone (6),
apart (1),isolated (1), itself (1), lonely (1), secluded (1)....
Library
Chapter xlvi
... First of all, a distinct and separate consciousness of being a nation by itself
was begotten and nourished by beingisolated in Egypt....
The Tables Turned: the Questioners Questioned
... The lawyer probably only desired to raise a discussion as to the relative
worth ofisolated precepts. Jesus goes deep down below...
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... 66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. WISDOM SERIES. IN FOUR VOLUMES. THE PROVERBS. A Miscellany
of Sayings and Poems embodyingIsolated Observations of Life. ECCLESIASTICUS...
The Signs of Discipleship. (Matt. , vii. , 22. ) --Requisites, viz...
...Isolated efforts may continue after the prime cause is destroyed; there may
be life-like convulsions when life has departed forever....
Positive Element. --Teleological Aim of Miracles.
... We might dispute with these theories in reference toisolated facts, on historical
and exegetical grounds; but the question of miracles, as such, rises into a...
Apparent Discrepancies, and Mode of Removing Them.
... It has been already said, that miracles can be correctly understood, not when viewed
asisolated facts, but in connexion with the whole circle of Divine...
The Group in Matt. xiii.
... In Matthew's narrative, the first specimen of that peculiar pictorial method which
characterized the teaching of our Lord, is not anisolated parable occurring...
On the Opinion of Dionysius.
... But it would be better for them, whenisolated, and perceiving that under examination
they were at a loss and put to silence on all sides, rather to have...
Preface to the Second and Third Editions.
... In truth, it has throughout been my aim to present, not one nor anotherisolated
statement or aspect of Rabbinism, but its general teaching and tendency....
Book iv. The Earlier Books of this Treatise, Written Some Time Ago...
... their confession of God the Father, certain attributes are dwelt upon as peculiarly
and inalienably His own, is that He may be left inisolated possession of...
Thesaurus
Isolated (1 Occurrence)... 1. (imp. & pp) of Isolate. 2. (a.) Placed or standing alone; detached; separated
from others. Multi-Version Concordance
Isolated (1 Occurrence).
...Isolation (7 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) The act of isolating, or the state of beingisolated;
insulation; separation; loneliness. Multi-Version Concordance...
Mountain (298 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A large mass of earth and rock, rising above the common level of the earth
or adjacent land; earth and rock forming anisolated peak or a ridge; an...
Isolate (9 Occurrences)
Simeon (48 Occurrences)
... In 1 Chronicles 4:39 mention is made of certainisolated exploits of Simeonites
at GEDOR (which see), against the MEUNIM (which see), and at Mt....
Mount (311 Occurrences)
... Theisolated peak of Tabor rises from the elevated plain of Esdraelon, which, in
the south, is shut in by hills spreading over the greater part of Samaria....
Zion (169 Occurrences)
... sites suited for settlement in early Canaanite times were all, if we may judge from
a number of them now known, of this nature-a rocky spurisolated on three...
Negeb (37 Occurrences)
... The direction of the valleys East or West, the general dryness, and the character
of the inhabitants have always made it a more or lessisolated region without...
Negev (39 Occurrences)
... The direction of the valleys East or West, the general dryness, and the character
of the inhabitants have always made it a more or lessisolated region without...
Nest (22 Occurrences)
... traitors; a nest of bugs. 4. (n.) An aggregated mass of any ore or mineral,
in anisolated state, within a rock. 5. (n.) A collection of...
Resources
What is the difference between Microevolution and Macroevolution? | GotQuestions.orgHow does my personal, private sin affect others? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Lutheran Church, and what do Lutherans believe? | GotQuestions.orgIsolated: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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