Definition and Context:
The term "cross-ways" refers to intersections or crossroads, places where two or more roads meet. In biblical times, these locations were significant for travel, trade, and communication. They often served as gathering points for people and were sometimes associated with decision-making or pivotal moments in one's journey. The concept of cross-ways can also symbolize choices or paths in life, reflecting moral or spiritual decisions.

Biblical References:
While the specific term "cross-ways" is not directly mentioned in the Berean Standard Bible, the concept is present in various passages that discuss roads, paths, and ways. For example, in Jeremiah 6:16 , the prophet calls the people to consider the ancient paths: "This is what the LORD says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.' But they said, 'We will not walk in it.'"

This passage highlights the spiritual significance of crossroads as places of decision, urging the faithful to choose the path of righteousness and obedience to God.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
Cross-ways in the Bible often symbolize moments of choice and the need for discernment. They represent the intersection of different paths, each leading to different outcomes. The imagery of crossroads is used to convey the importance of seeking divine guidance and wisdom when faced with life's decisions.

Proverbs 3:5-6 underscores this theme: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Here, the emphasis is on trusting God to guide one's path, especially at life's crossroads.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
In ancient Israel, cross-ways were not only practical locations for travel but also places where messages could be disseminated quickly. They were strategic points for communication and trade, often bustling with activity. The presence of cross-ways in biblical narratives underscores their role as critical junctures in both physical and spiritual journeys.

Moral and Spiritual Lessons:
The concept of cross-ways serves as a metaphor for the choices believers face in their spiritual walk. It encourages reflection on the direction of one's life and the importance of aligning with God's will. The call to choose the "ancient paths" is a reminder of the enduring wisdom found in God's Word and the necessity of obedience to His commands.

In summary, while the term "cross-ways" itself may not appear frequently in the Bible, its thematic presence is significant. It serves as a powerful symbol of decision-making, guidance, and the pursuit of righteousness in the believer's journey.

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... the years of his life in quietness, gentleness, and righteousness, the righteous
one was exceeding hospitable; for, pitching his tent in the cross-ways at the ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Modern Library of the World's Best Books
... Stories 98 MAUROIS, ANDRE Disraeli 46 McFEE, WILLIAM Casuals of the Sea 195 MELVILLE,
HERMAN Moby Dick 119 MEREDITH, GEORGE Diana of the Crossways 14 MEREDITH ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/modern library of the worlds.htm

Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions.
... did not perhaps much differ from what it is to-day.[3] We see the streets where
he played when a child, in the stony paths or little crossways which separate ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/renan/the life of jesus/chapter ii infancy and youth.htm

John i. 11
... It is strange that He, who is God and King, is not ashamed of men who are vile,
beggars, and of no repute, but brings even them of the cross ways to that table ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily x john i 11.htm

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
... no foolish surgeon, who would close up a wound with proud flesh in it; but he will
take the lances, and cut, and cut, and cut again crossways, and he will lay ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the sweet uses of adversity.htm

The Call of Abraham
... You sometimes see in a factory the wheels running some this way, and some the other,
and some crossways, and they seem to be playing all sorts of anticks, but ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

The Synoptists.
... It is not easy to find a way through the labyrinth of the Synoptic question, with
all its by-ways and cross-ways, turns and windings, which at first make the ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 79 the synoptists.htm

The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ...
... on the nation, and the burning of their city - God's army being, in this instance,
the Romans - and, finally, the direction to go into the crossways to invite ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter v the third day.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 2. <. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Cross-ways (1 Occurrence)
Cross-ways. Cross-way, Cross-ways. Crouch . Multi-Version Concordance
Cross-ways (1 Occurrence). Matthew 22:9 be going ...
/c/cross-ways.htm - 6k

Crouch (7 Occurrences)

/c/crouch.htm - 8k

Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences)
... YLT). Matthew 22:9 be going, then, on to the cross-ways, and as many as
ye may find, call ye to the marriage-feasts. (YLT). Matthew ...
/m/marriage-feasts.htm - 10k

Cross-way (1 Occurrence)
Cross-way. Crossway, Cross-way. Cross-ways . Multi-Version Concordance
Cross-way (1 Occurrence). ... (WBS). Crossway, Cross-way. Cross-ways . Reference
/c/cross-way.htm - 6k

Anyone (514 Occurrences)
... NIV). Matthew 22:9 be going, then, on to the cross-ways, and as many as ye
may find, call ye to the marriage-feasts. (See NIV). Matthew ...
/a/anyone.htm - 33k

What is the meaning of the cross? | GotQuestions.org

What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to “in all your ways acknowledge Him” in Proverbs 3:6? | GotQuestions.org

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