Topical Bible: Highways: Figurative

◄ Highways: Figurative ►

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In biblical literature, the term "highways" often carries a figurative meaning, symbolizing the paths of life, spiritual journeys, or the way of righteousness. The imagery of highways is used to convey ideas of preparation, accessibility, and divine guidance.

Preparation and Divine Pathways

The concept of highways as a means of preparation is vividly illustrated in the prophetic writings of Isaiah. In Isaiah 40:3, the voice calling in the wilderness to "prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God" signifies the preparation of the heart and the removal of obstacles for the coming of the Lord. This passage is often associated with John the Baptist's ministry, as he prepared the way for Jesus Christ, emphasizing repentance and spiritual readiness.

Accessibility and Inclusivity

Highways also symbolize the accessibility of God's salvation and the inclusivity of His call. Isaiah 35:8 speaks of a "highway" called the Way of Holiness, where "the unclean will not travel it; only those who walk in the Way—and fools will not stray onto it" . This highway represents the path of righteousness and holiness, accessible to those who seek God and follow His commandments. It underscores the idea that God's way is open to all who choose to walk in obedience and faith.

Divine Guidance and Protection

The imagery of highways further conveys the notion of divine guidance and protection. In Proverbs 16:17, it is written, "The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life" . Here, the highway represents the moral and ethical path that leads away from sin and towards life. It highlights the protective nature of walking in God's ways, suggesting that adherence to divine principles offers safety and security.

Spiritual Journey and Pilgrimage

The metaphor of highways is also used to describe the spiritual journey and pilgrimage of believers. In Psalm 84:5, the psalmist declares, "Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage" . The journey to Zion, often depicted as a pilgrimage on a highway, symbolizes the believer's spiritual journey towards God, marked by faith, perseverance, and hope.

Restoration and Return

In the context of restoration and return, highways are depicted as the routes by which God's people return to Him. Isaiah 11:16 speaks of a highway for the remnant of His people, reminiscent of the exodus from Egypt. This imagery conveys the promise of redemption and the restoration of God's people, emphasizing His faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant promises.

In summary, the figurative use of highways in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of spiritual preparation, accessibility to God's grace, divine guidance, the believer's journey, and the promise of restoration. Through these images, the Scriptures invite believers to walk in the ways of the Lord, ensuring a path that leads to life and blessing.

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Proverbs 16:17
The highway of the upright is to depart from evil: he that keeps his way preserves his soul.
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Isaiah 11:16
And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.
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Isaiah 35:8-10
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.
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Isaiah 40:3,4
The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.
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Matthew 3:3
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare you the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
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Matthew 7:13,14
Enter you in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
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Library

The Royal Marriage Feast.
... So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all, as many ...
group in which the message sent was an invitation, not figurative but literal ...
/.../arnot/the parables of our lord/xii the royal marriage feast.htm

Two Ways of Despising God's Feast
... So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all ... and terrible]
weeping and gnashing of teeth"awful though figurative expressions for ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/two ways of despising gods.htm

The Shepherd King of Israel
... Here is the figurative expression of the great evangelical principle, that ... sweet
meadows, sometimes limping along sharp-flinted, dusty highways, sometimes high ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/the shepherd king of israel.htm

The Leaven.
... Of these, as far as I know, the different and opposite figurative significations
of ... the sound of praise for sin forgiven has risen in the highways and market ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/iv the leaven.htm

Concerning the Power of the Civil Magistrate in Matters Purely ...
... we can far better argue from the analogy betwixt the figurative and carnal ... the Lord,
preaching and propagating the truth in maketplaces, highways, streets, and ...
/.../proposition xiv concerning the power.htm

The Holy City; Or, the New Jerusalem:
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the holy city or the.htm