Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "refreshes" in the Bible is often associated with renewal, rest, and the revitalization of the spirit, body, and soul. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, illustrating God's provision and care for His people, as well as the mutual encouragement believers are to provide one another.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, the idea of refreshment is frequently linked to God's provision of physical sustenance and rest. For instance, in
Exodus 23:12, the Sabbath is instituted as a day of rest: "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 tied to the observance of the Sabbath, emphasizing the importance of rest for all of creation.
Psalm 23:3 speaks to spiritual refreshment: "He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name." This verse highlights the Lord as the Shepherd who refreshes and restores the soul, guiding His people in righteousness.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, refreshment often takes on a spiritual dimension, though physical refreshment is not excluded. In
Acts 3:19, Peter calls for repentance so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord: "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." This passage links spiritual renewal with repentance and the presence of God.
The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of refreshment in the context of fellowship and mutual encouragement among believers. In
Romans 15:32, he expresses his desire to visit the Roman Christians: "so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed." Similarly, in
1 Corinthians 16:18, Paul commends Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus for refreshing his spirit: "For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men."
Proverbs and Wisdom LiteratureThe Book of Proverbs also addresses the theme of refreshment, often in the context of wise living and generosity.
Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb underscores the reciprocal nature of refreshment, suggesting that those who provide refreshment to others will themselves be renewed.
Theological ImplicationsTheologically, the concept of refreshment in the Bible points to God's desire for His people to experience rest and renewal, both physically and spiritually. It reflects the holistic care of God for His creation and the importance of community and fellowship among believers. Refreshment is not merely a physical necessity but a spiritual practice that aligns with God's design for human flourishing.
In summary, the biblical theme of refreshment encompasses rest, renewal, and encouragement, serving as a reminder of God's provision and the mutual support believers are to offer one another. Through both divine intervention and human fellowship, refreshment is a gift that sustains and revitalizes the faithful.
Strong's Hebrew
7725. shub -- to turn back, return... 1), put back (1), rebuilt* (2), recall (2), recalls* (1), receded (1), recompense
(1), recompense* (1), recompensed (4), recovered (4),
refreshes (1), refund (3
...Library
Whether the Aureole Differs from the Fruit?
... For the material fruit has sweetness whereby itrefreshes so far as it is used by
man: again it is the last thing to which the operation of nature attains...
Of the Conformity of Our Will to that Will of God's which is...
... and lightens the hardship of the way; even so the sacred lover finds such sweetness
in the commandments, that nothing so much eases andrefreshes him, as the...
1 Cor. Iii. 18, 19
... or things present, or things to come, all are yours; and ye are Christ's and Christ
is God's." For because he had handled them sharply, herefreshes them again...
Fragment ii. Therefore You Ought to Strive to the Utmost of Your...
... For there is nothing which so wellrefreshes a man who is wearied out with weighty
cares as the seasonable cheerfulness and benign patience of an intimate...
The Wailing of Risca
... Beautiful for situation, surrounded by lofty mountains, pierced by romantic valleys,
the breathing of its airrefreshes the body, and the sight of the eyes...
Love of Religion, a New Nature.
... it. To be alive with Christ, is to be so minded, that the atmosphere of
heavenrefreshes, enlivens, stimulates, invigorates us....
Letter i. The Christian's Mark.
... He directed her attention away from the water which can only quench animal
thirst, to that living water whichrefreshes the soul....
As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by...
... But when the rich manrefreshes [254] the poor, and assists him in his necessities,
believing that what he does to the poor man will be able to find its reward...
The Epistle to Philemon
... customary blessing, and a thanksgiving of the apostle for the charity of Philemon,
for the increase of which Paul hopes, because it greatlyrefreshes the saints...
"Pan, Pan is Dead"
... CHAPTER XXIII "Pan, Pan is Dead". "If there is one thing thatrefreshes my soul
above all others, it is that I shall behold the Redeemer gloriously triumphant...
Thesaurus
Refreshes (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Refreshes (3 Occurrences). Proverbs 11:25 He who gives
blessing will be made fat, but the curser will himself be cursed. (See NIV).
...Refreshed (16 Occurrences)
Refresheth (2 Occurrences)
Refreshment (3 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) That whichrefreshes; means of restoration or reanimation; especially,
an article of food or drink. Multi-Version Concordance...
Refresh (18 Occurrences)
... spirit, animation, or the like, to; to relieve from fatigue or depression; to
reinvigorate; to enliven anew; to reanimate; as, sleeprefreshes the body and the...
Dew (35 Occurrences)
... The song of Moses says, "My speech shall distill as the dew" (Deuteronomy
32:2). "A cloud of dew" (Isaiah 18:4)refreshes the harvesters....
Cold (25 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger
to those who send him; for herefreshes the soul of his masters....
Snow (25 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger
to those who send him; for herefreshes the soul of his masters....
Masters (59 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger
to those who send him; for herefreshes the soul of his masters....
Resources
What is emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the greatest promises in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can I become a more cheerful giver? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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