---
title: "The Prophet, the Well, and the Wardrobe: The Bible’s Call to Gentle Restoration"
description: When the prophet Jeremiah was thrown into an empty cistern, a compassionate man had mercy on him and pulled him out.
image: https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogHeader_02.11.jpg
---

- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about) 
    - [About Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
    - [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
    - [What We Believe](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/what-we-believe/)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [About Alistair](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
    - [Our Team](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-team/)
    - [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
    - [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/)
    - [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- [My Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/)
- [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/) ![Truth For Life ](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/logo-tag-k.svg)

- [Today](https://www.truthforlife.org/daily)
- Programs 
    - [Latest Program](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/latest-aired/)
    - [Archived Programs](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/archive/)
    - [Program Schedule](https://www.truthforlife.org/broadcasts/upcoming-broadcasts/)
    - [Subscribe and Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
    - [TFL Station Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
    - [Info for Broadcasters](https://www.truthforlife.org/radio-info/)
- Sermons 
    - [Latest Sermons](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/most-recent-sermons/)
    - Browse
    - [by Topic](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [by Series](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=series&per_page=25)
    - [by Scripture](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/scripture/)
    - [by Date](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?type=sermon)
    - [by Transcripts](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/?format=transcript)
- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- More 
    - [For Pastors & Churches](https://info.truthforlife.org/churches?from=blog)
    - [Subscribe & Connect](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
    - [Explore Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
    - [Get the App](https://www.truthforlife.org/apps)
    - [Alistair Begg Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/alistair-begg/archive/)
    - [C.H. Spurgeon Devotional](https://www.truthforlife.org/devotionals/spurgeon/archive/)
    - [Reading Plans](https://info.truthforlife.org/reading-plans)
    - [Online Bible (ESV)](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
    - [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)
    - [Follow Christ](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/)
- [Donate](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- [Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Find a Station](https://www.truthforlife.org/stationfinder/)
- [About](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/)
- [Events](https://www.truthforlife.org/events/)
- [Contact](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/)
- [Subscribe](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe/)
- [Store](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/)
- Donate 
    - [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
    - [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
    - [Ways to Give](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/ways-give/)
    - Truthpartner Info
    - [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner/)
    - [Update Truthpartner Info](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
    - [Truthpartner Resource Request](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/truthpartner/)
- ![Search](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-search.svg)
  
  Search

[![Library](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-library.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/library/) [![Cart](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-cart.svg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/store/cart) [Sign In](https://www.truthforlife.org/account/login/) ![Show Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-menu.svg) ![Hide Menu](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/responsive/icon-nav-close.svg)

#### Blog Latest Posts

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Daily Images (590)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/daily-images)
- [Weekly Wallpaper (406)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [Articles (400)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)
- [Monthly Resources (379)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [From the Archives (335)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/from-the-archives)
- [Ministry Updates (318)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Hymns and Worship (201)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg (152)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Begg's Blog (62)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Listener Stories (46)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)

### Archive

- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [October 2026 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)

see all

[Subscribe to Blog RSS Feed](http://feeds.feedburner.com/TruthForLifeBlog)

#### [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org) The Prophet, the Well, and the Wardrobe: The Bible’s Call to Gentle Restoration

# The Prophet, the Well, and the Wardrobe: The Bible’s Call to Gentle Restoration

Share

- [Twitter](http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?status=The%20Prophet,%20the%20Well,%20and%20the%20Wardrobe:%20The%20Bible’s%20Call%20to%20Gentle%20Restoration+/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration)
- [Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration)
- [WhatsApp](https://api.whatsapp.com/send?text=The%20Prophet,%20the%20Well,%20and%20the%20Wardrobe:%20The%20Bible’s%20Call%20to%20Gentle%20Restoration%20|%20/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration)
- [Email](mailto:username@example.com?subject=The%20Prophet,%20the%20Well,%20and%20the%20Wardrobe:%20The%20Bible’s%20Call%20to%20Gentle%20Restoration&body=/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration)

 February 11, 2026

## ![The Prophet, the Well, and the Wardrobe: The Bible’s Call to Gentle Restoration](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogHeader_02.11.jpg?width=1200&height=676&name=TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogHeader_02.11.jpg)

In his epistle, after a barbed warning against false teachers amid the congregation, Jude suddenly takes a gentler tone: “Have mercy on those who doubt” (v. 22). This is not so different from the Pauline admonitions about sinners: that for the fallen, we ought to “restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Gal. 6:1), and that “the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone …,  correcting his opponents with gentleness” (2 Tim. 2:24–25).

Jude understood that there is a difference between those who are convinced and those who are not. There are convinced sinners, and there are convinced believers—and between them are those who are undecided, those who are doubting what’s right, those playing with fire, and those who have polluted themselves with sin. Where repentance is possible, then, the godly leader is to seek restoration with all possible gentleness, even as he remains wary of the twin dangers of temptation’s flame and sin’s corruption ([Jude 23](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Jude%201:23/)).

## A Story of Danger and Restoration

[Jeremiah 38](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible/Jeremiah%2038/) doesn’t speak directly to this question of restoring the sinner. Nevertheless, as it portrays the restoration of a battered human body, it suggests to us how we should think of that important spiritual task.

As a prophet of doom who confronted sin and pronounced judgment, Jeremiah was understandably unpopular with the authorities in Jerusalem. Eventually, things got so bad that some of the king’s officials set out to silence him: “They took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king’s son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud” (Jer. 38:6).

In the court was an Ethiopian, Ebed-melech, who took up Jeremiah’s cause. Convincing the king to show mercy, he took thirty men with him to lift Jeremiah out:

> Ebed-melech took the men with him and went to the house of the king, to a wardrobe in the storehouse, and took from there old rags and worn-out clothes, which he let down to Jeremiah in the cistern by ropes. Then Ebed-melech the Ethiopian said to Jeremiah, “Put the rags and clothes between your armpits and the ropes.” Jeremiah did so. Then they drew Jeremiah up with ropes and lifted him out of the cistern. (38:11–13)

Ebed-melech, seeing the bodily peril Jeremiah was in, had mercy on him and pulled him out of the well while showing concern for the toll the procedure might have on the prophet’s body.

## A Picture of Gentleness

One can imagine the conversation as Ebed-melech led the party not to the well but to the wardrobe. “Wait a minute!” someone might have said. “Jeremiah’s in a pit. Why are we going to the wardrobe?” And Ebed-melech perhaps responded, “Trust me.”

We might equally imagine Ebed-melech’s words to the prophet: “Jeremiah, we’re throwing you down a rope. But make sure that the rags are there to protect your armpits from the ropes—because when we pull you out, we don’t want to hurt you. We want to bring you out firmly, but we want to bring you out safely.”

Many pastors and Christian leaders, in their zeal to see sinners restored, rush directly to the well, as it were, bypassing the wardrobe. “We have to get the ropes down there!” they say to themselves. “We have to get him out *now*, quickly!” But such a sense of urgency may end up doing more harm than good. We need to be careful that in pulling people out of the mud, we don’t end up pulling their arms off!

Of course, there is the opposite danger too. Some Christian leaders are tempted to simply throw some rags down the well: “Wipe yourself down, Jeremiah. Clean yourself up a bit, and make the most of it. We won’t throw you a rope. We wouldn’t want to hurt you!”

The proper answer takes both dangers into account: “Jeremiah cannot stay in the well, or he will die there. But if we are not careful, we will only hurt him further as we take him out. We must remove him—yet we must make every effort to remove him gently.”

## Saving the Sinner

James tells us, “Whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (5:20). Sin and repentance are a matter of life and death. We cannot leave people in their sin.

But neither does the Bible give us leeway to treat the sinner with contempt. Our heart is to be the same as our Savior’s: “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench” (Matt. 12:20). We restore sinners knowing that eternity is at stake. It may be necessary, even, to “\[snatch\] them out of the fire” (Jude 23) or, as with a frantic drowning man, to keep our distance until it is safe to step in. Yet in mercy, we ought never to show contempt for the doubter and the sinner as we lead them to repentance. We restore them, *and* we do so gently, because they are precious before God.

---

*This article was adapted from the sermon [“Remembering and Keeping”](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/remembering-and-keeping/) by Alistair Begg.*

*[![Wisdom for Ministry](https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/2026%20Blog%20CTAs/02.11%20TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogCTA.jpg?width=800&height=334&name=02.11%20TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogCTA.jpg)](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/lectures-and-sermons-for-pastors-and-students/)*

 

---

Topics: [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

##### **Copyright © 2026 , Truth For Life**. All rights reserved.

 Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

### Get Weekly Updates

### Recent Posts

### Blog Topics

- [Ministry Updates](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/ministry-updates)
- [Monthly Resources](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/monthly-resources)
- [Weekly Wallpaper](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-wallpaper)
- [From the Archives](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/weekly-sermons)
- [Hymns and Worship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/hymns-and-worship)
- [Letters From Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/letters-from-alistair-begg)
- [Listener Stories](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/listener-stories)
- [Begg's Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/beggs-blog)
- [Articles](https://blog.truthforlife.org/topic/articles)

### Archive

- [October 2026 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/10)
- [September 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/09)
- [August 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/08)
- [July 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/07)
- [June 2026 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/06)
- [May 2026 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/05)
- [April 2026 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/04)
- [March 2026 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/03)
- [February 2026 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/02)
- [January 2026 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2026/01)
- [December 2025 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/12)
- [November 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/11)
- [October 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/10)
- [September 2025 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/09)
- [August 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/08)
- [July 2025 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/07)
- [June 2025 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/06)
- [May 2025 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/05)
- [April 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/04)
- [March 2025 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/03)
- [February 2025 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/02)
- [January 2025 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2025/01)
- [December 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/12)
- [November 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/11)
- [October 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/10)
- [September 2024 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/09)
- [August 2024 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/08)
- [July 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/07)
- [June 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/06)
- [May 2024 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/05)
- [April 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/04)
- [March 2024 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/03)
- [February 2024 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/02)
- [January 2024 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2024/01)
- [December 2023 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/12)
- [November 2023 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/11)
- [October 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/10)
- [September 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/09)
- [August 2023 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/08)
- [July 2023 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/07)
- [June 2023 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/06)
- [May 2023 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/05)
- [April 2023 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/04)
- [March 2023 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/03)
- [February 2023 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/02)
- [January 2023 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2023/01)
- [December 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/12)
- [November 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/11)
- [October 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/10)
- [September 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/09)
- [August 2022 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/08)
- [July 2022 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/07)
- [June 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/06)
- [May 2022 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/05)
- [April 2022 (14)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/04)
- [March 2022 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/03)
- [February 2022 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/02)
- [January 2022 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2022/01)
- [December 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/12)
- [November 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/11)
- [October 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/10)
- [September 2021 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/09)
- [August 2021 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/08)
- [July 2021 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/07)
- [June 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/06)
- [May 2021 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/05)
- [April 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/04)
- [March 2021 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/03)
- [February 2021 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/02)
- [January 2021 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2021/01)
- [December 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/12)
- [November 2020 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/11)
- [October 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/10)
- [September 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/09)
- [August 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/08)
- [July 2020 (23)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/07)
- [June 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/06)
- [May 2020 (21)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/05)
- [April 2020 (38)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/04)
- [March 2020 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/03)
- [February 2020 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/02)
- [January 2020 (20)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2020/01)
- [December 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/12)
- [November 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/11)
- [October 2019 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/10)
- [September 2019 (15)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/09)
- [August 2019 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/08)
- [July 2019 (18)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/07)
- [June 2019 (27)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/06)
- [May 2019 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/05)
- [April 2019 (17)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/04)
- [March 2019 (9)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/03)
- [February 2019 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/02)
- [January 2019 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2019/01)
- [December 2018 (25)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/12)
- [November 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/11)
- [October 2018 (8)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/10)
- [September 2018 (7)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/09)
- [August 2018 (24)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/08)
- [July 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/07)
- [June 2018 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/06)
- [May 2018 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/05)
- [April 2018 (12)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/04)
- [March 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/03)
- [February 2018 (19)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/02)
- [January 2018 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2018/01)
- [December 2017 (16)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/12)
- [November 2017 (10)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/11)
- [October 2017 (11)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/10)
- [September 2017 (13)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/09)
- [August 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/08)
- [July 2017 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/07)
- [June 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/06)
- [May 2017 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/05)
- [April 2017 (35)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/04)
- [March 2017 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/03)
- [February 2017 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/02)
- [January 2017 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2017/01)
- [December 2016 (45)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/12)
- [November 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/11)
- [October 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/10)
- [September 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/09)
- [August 2016 (43)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/08)
- [July 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/07)
- [June 2016 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/06)
- [May 2016 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/05)
- [April 2016 (29)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/04)
- [March 2016 (30)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/03)
- [February 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/02)
- [January 2016 (26)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2016/01)
- [December 2015 (34)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/12)
- [November 2015 (32)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/11)
- [October 2015 (39)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/10)
- [September 2015 (31)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/09)
- [August 2015 (33)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/08)
- [July 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/07)
- [June 2015 (36)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/06)
- [May 2015 (28)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/05)
- [April 2015 (5)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/04)
- [March 2015 (3)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/03)
- [February 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/02)
- [January 2015 (2)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2015/01)
- [February 2013 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2013/02)
- [November 2009 (1)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/archive/2009/11)

see all

### Marks of an Effective Church

[The Apostles' Teaching](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-effective-church-apostles-teaching) [Fellowship](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-of-an-effective-church-fellowship) [Devotion to the Sacraments](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-the-sacraments) [Prayer](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-prayer) [Mutual Care](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-mutual-care) [A Worshiping Community](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-worshiping-community) [Continuous Evangelism](https://blog.truthforlife.org/characteristics-effective-church-continuous-evangelism)

### The Fruit of the Spirit

[The Root of Our Holiness: Introducing the Fruit of the Spirit](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-root-of-our-holiness-introducing-the-fruit-of-the-spirit) [Love](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-love-part-2-of-9) [Joy in a Broken World](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-joy-in-a-broken-world) [Peace in a World of Conflict](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-peace-in-a-world-of-conflict) [Perfect Patience for the Least Deserving](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-perfect-patience-for-the-least-deserving) [Eternal Goodness and Everyday Kindness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-eternal-goodness-and-everyday-kindness) [God’s Faithfulness and Ours](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gods-faithfulness-and-ours) [Gentleness Isn’t a Weakness](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-gentleness-isnt-a-weakness) [Self-Control](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-fruit-of-the-spirit-self-control)

[Back to top](https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration#top)

- [Home](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

##### Connect with us

PO Box 398000   
Cleveland , OH 44139

By Phone (888) 588-7884

- [Contact Us Form](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/contact-us/support-form/)
- [TFL Finder](https://www.truthforlife.org/station-finder/)

##### Welcome

- [Our Mission](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/our-mission/)
- [FAQs](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Alistair Begg](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/about-alistair-begg/)
- [The Gospel](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory)
- [Where Do I Start?](https://www.truthforlife.org/thestory#wherestart)

##### Our Resources

- [Blog](https://blog.truthforlife.org/)
- [Sermon Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/sermon/)
- [Series Archive](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/series/)
- [Topics](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/topics/)
- [Devotionals](https://www.truthforlife.org/resources/daily-devotionals/)
- [Add Devotional to Your Website](https://www.truthforlife.org/syndicate/request/)
- [Bible](https://www.truthforlife.org/bible)
- [Connect with TFL](https://www.truthforlife.org/subscribe)
- [Books by Alistair Begg](https://blog.truthforlife.org/books-by-alistair-begg)

##### Donate

- [Donate Online](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/)
- [Stewardship](https://www.truthforlife.org/donate/stewardship/)
- [Become a Truthpartner](https://www.truthforlife.org/become-a-truthpartner)

##### Insights Delivered to Your Inbox

Truth For Life is the teaching ministry of Alistair Begg and is committed to teaching the Bible with clarity and relevance so that unbelievers will be converted, believers will be established, and local churches will be strengthened.

- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-twitter.svg)](http://www.twitter.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-facebook.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/truthforlife1/)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-instagram.svg)](http://instagram.com/alistair_begg_truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-tiktok.svg)](https://www.tiktok.com/@truthforlife)
- [![](https://www.truthforlife.org/static/images/_svgs/icon-rss.svg)](https://blog.truthforlife.org/subscribe/#mobile)

 Truth For Life is a qualified 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

 © 1994 - 2026 Truth For Life. All Rights Reserved. [Policies](https://www.truthforlife.org/about/policies/) | [Site Map](https://www.truthforlife.org/sitemap/)

[Truth For Life](https://www.truthforlife.org/)

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "TFL",
    "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/author/tfl"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2026-02-17T18:03:41.328Z",
  "datePublished" : "2026-02-11T06:00:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "The Prophet, the Well, and the Wardrobe: The Bible’s Call to Gentle Restoration",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hubfs/_Blog_Images/2026%20Blog%20Images/TheProphetTheWellAndTheWardrobe%20_BlogHeader_02.11.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/the-prophet-the-well-and-the-wardrobe-the-bibles-call-to-gentle-restoration",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.truthforlife.org/hs-fs/file-2577538209-jpg/truthforlife-201502/logo_wt2x.jpg"
    },
    "name" : "Truth For Life"
  }
}
```