Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Context:In biblical terms, refreshment refers to the renewal of strength, spirit, or vitality, often provided by God or through His creation. It encompasses both physical and spiritual rejuvenation, offering relief from weariness and burdens. The concept of refreshment is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating God's provision and care for His people.
Old Testament References:The Old Testament frequently depicts refreshment as a divine gift. In
Exodus 23:12, the Sabbath is instituted as a day of rest and refreshment: "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 linked to rest and the observance of God's commandments.
In
Psalm 23:2-3, David speaks of God's provision: "He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name." The imagery of green pastures and quiet waters symbolizes peace and restoration, highlighting God's role as the Shepherd who refreshes the soul.
New Testament References:The New Testament continues the theme of refreshment, often emphasizing spiritual renewal. In
Acts 3:19-20, Peter calls for repentance and promises divine refreshment: "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, and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you." Here, refreshment is associated with repentance and the presence of the Lord, offering a foretaste of eternal rest.
In
Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus extends an invitation to those who are weary: "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." This passage underscores the spiritual refreshment found in Christ, who offers rest to the weary and burdened.
Practical Application:The biblical concept of refreshment encourages believers to seek rest and renewal in God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of the Sabbath and the need for spiritual rejuvenation through prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. The Scriptures invite Christians to find their ultimate refreshment in Christ, who provides peace and rest for the soul.
Symbolism and Imagery:Throughout the Bible, refreshment is often symbolized by water, rest, and nourishment. These symbols convey the idea of God's sustaining power and His ability to restore and renew. The imagery of living water, as seen in
John 4:14, where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrates the eternal refreshment that comes from a relationship with Him: "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life."
Conclusion:The theme of refreshment in the Bible is a testament to God's care and provision for His people. It calls believers to find rest in Him, both physically and spiritually, and to trust in His ability to renew and restore. Through the practice of Sabbath rest, repentance, and reliance on Christ, Christians are invited to experience the refreshment that only God can provide.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of refreshing, or the state of being refreshed; restoration of strength, spirit, vigor, or liveliness; relief after suffering; new life or animation after depression.
2. (n.) That which refreshes; means of restoration or reanimation; especially, an article of food or drink.
Greek
372. anapausis -- cessation, rest... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anapausis Phonetic Spelling: (an-ap'-ow-
sis) Short Definition: rest, cessation from labor,
refreshment Definition: rest
...403. anapsuxis -- a recovery of breath, a refreshing
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: anapsuxis Phonetic Spelling:
(an-aps'-ook-sis) Short Definition: refreshing,refreshment Definition: a...
Strong's Hebrew
8250. shiqquy -- a drink... Definition: drink. Word Origin from shaqah Definition a drink NASB Word Usage
drink (2),
refreshment (1). drink, marrow. From shaqah
...Library
Of the Time and Measure ofRefreshment.
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XXIII. Of the time and measure
ofrefreshment. So then we should keep the observance of...
A Question on the Right Measure of Abstinence andRefreshment.
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XVIII. A question on the right
measure of abstinence andrefreshment. Germanus: What...
Whether the Eucharist is one Sacrament or Several?
... And so this sacrament is said to be one. Because it is ordained for spiritual
refreshment, which is conformed to corporealrefreshment....
Philippians iv. 14-Oct
... Not because I hadrefreshment, but because ye advanced; for this is my
refreshment. Wherefore he also saith "greatly"; since this...
The Soul's Corporeality Demonstrated Out of the Gospels.
... For whatever is incorporeal is incapable of being kept and guarded in any way;
it is also exempt from either punishment orrefreshment....
Whether Grace is Bestowed through this Sacrament?
... Objection 2: Further, this sacrament is given as a spiritualrefreshment.
But spiritualrefreshment seems to belong to the use of...
Beauty for Ashes
... May times of revival be also seasons of refreshing. In times of great toil and eminent
service much extrarefreshment may with wisdom be dealt out....
The Rivers of God
... III. Take, again, another aspect of this same thought, which suggests to
us God's presence as our truerefreshment and satisfaction....
Mission Tours.
... In our own country, under the pressure of life, many hail the release from toil
and therefreshment of spirit promised by the annual summer trip....
The Praying Christ
... What a day it had been of hard toil, as well as of exhausting sympathy! And what
was Hisrefreshment?... That was Christ'srefreshment after His toil....
Thesaurus
Refreshment (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Refreshment (3 Occurrences).
... (YLT). Job 32:20 I speak,
and there is
refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer. (YLT).
...Bait (3 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) A portion of food or drink, as arefreshment taken on a journey; also, a
stop for rest andrefreshment. 4. (n.) A light or hasty luncheon....
Bathing (9 Occurrences)
... washing of the feet (Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24 Judges 19:24 1 Samuel 25:41 2
Samuel 11:8 Songs 5:3, etc.), and bathing of the body forrefreshment; but the...
Rock (176 Occurrences)
... Paul applies the rock smitten in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6 Numbers 20:11) to Christ
as the source of living water for spiritualrefreshment (1 Corinthians 10...
Bath (13 Occurrences)
... washing of the feet (Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24 Judges 19:24 1 Samuel 25:41 2
Samuel 11:8 Songs 5:3, etc.), and bathing of the body forrefreshment; but the...
Refreshing (6 Occurrences)
Pool (25 Occurrences)
... parched ground." "The mirage shall become a pool", ie, the mock-lake of the burning
desert shall become a real lake, "the pledge ofrefreshment and joy." The...
Noon (30 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Hence, the highest point; culmination. 4. (a.) Belonging to midday; occurring
at midday; meridional. 5. (vi) To take rest andrefreshment at noon. Int....
Gladness (83 Occurrences)
... to pass, in the spirit of 'sadness from' God being on Saul, that David hath taken
the harp, and played with his hand, and Saul hathrefreshment and gladness...
Waters (386 Occurrences)
... became as water" (Joshua 7:5); of transitoriness, "Thou shalt remember it as waters
that are passed away" (Job 11:16); ofrefreshment, "as streams of water in...
Resources
What does the Bible say about burnout? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the value of solitude? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the water of life? | GotQuestions.orgRefreshment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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