In biblical times, roadways played a crucial role in the movement of people, goods, and ideas across the ancient Near East. The concept of a roadway is often used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures, symbolizing paths of righteousness, divine guidance, and the journey of faith.

Historical Context

The roadways of the ancient world were primarily dirt paths, with some major routes paved with stones. The Roman Empire, known for its extensive network of roads, facilitated travel and communication across vast distances. These roads were vital for trade, military movements, and the spread of the Gospel in the New Testament era.

Biblical References

1. Old Testament

· Isaiah 40:3: "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.'" This passage highlights the preparation of a spiritual roadway for the coming of the Lord, emphasizing repentance and readiness for divine intervention.

· Proverbs 16:17: "The highway of the upright leads away from evil; he who guards his way protects his life." Here, the roadway is a metaphor for the moral and ethical path that leads to life and safety, contrasting with the way of the wicked.

2. New Testament

· Matthew 3:3: "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’'" John the Baptist's ministry is described as preparing the roadway for Jesus, calling people to repentance and spiritual readiness.

· Acts 9:2: "And requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem." The term "the Way" refers to the early Christian movement, symbolizing the new spiritual path established by Christ.

Symbolism and Themes

· Guidance and Direction: Roadways in the Bible often symbolize divine guidance. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating how God's Word illuminates the believer's journey.

· Righteousness and Justice: The concept of a straight path is frequently associated with righteousness and justice. Proverbs 3:6 encourages believers to "acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight."

· Pilgrimage and Journey: The Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a significant biblical narrative involving roadways. This journey symbolizes the spiritual pilgrimage of believers toward their heavenly home.

Cultural and Theological Insights

In the biblical worldview, roadways are not merely physical paths but are imbued with spiritual significance. They represent the journey of faith, the pursuit of holiness, and the mission of spreading the Gospel. The imagery of roadways underscores the importance of following God's direction and remaining steadfast on the path of righteousness.

The metaphor of a roadway also serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the ultimate destination of believers. As pilgrims on a journey, Christians are called to walk in the ways of the Lord, trusting in His guidance and provision along the way.(n.) A road; especially, the part traveled by carriages.1870. derek -- way, road, distance, journey, manner
... 1), journey (37), line (1), manner (4), mission (2), path (4), pathless* (2), pathway
(1), pathway* (1), practice (1), road (30), roads (5), roadway (2), safely ...
/hebrew/1870.htm - 6k

Imperial Caesar
... After a moment's fascinated gaze at the roadway to see if the pilgrims passing had
seen what he had done, he whirled about, mounted his horse and galloped ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter vii imperial caesar.htm

The Traitors
... The hoofs of his fat little horse were patched with wet sand of the roadway
and there was no dust on the prince's modest raiment. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xxxviii the traitors.htm

Crossing the Hellespont.
... These omissions did not interfere with the use of the bridge, as the
superstructure and the roadway above was continued over them. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/xerxes/chapter v crossing the hellespont.htm

The Hilltops --Experiences of Gladness and Glory
... But there is a hilltop roadway of exhilarating air and outlook for him who has
been through the valley. The valley is only part of the way. ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/4 the hilltopsexperiences of gladness.htm

Off to vienna
... Great highways cut Europe from end to end; though there were tracts in Stanislaus'
country where the roadway was only the broad steppe, where the grasses waved ...
/.../chapter iv off to vienna.htm

By the Wayside
... But the Maccabee climbed out of the roadway and, finding a sheltered spot behind
a boulder, kicked together some of the dead weeds and twigs and set fire to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter v by the wayside.htm

Chapter twelve
... And the Rectangle from its windows, its saloon steps, its filthy sidewalk, gutter
and roadway, paused, and with undisguised wonder stared at the two girls. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twelve.htm

At Masaarah
... There was no sound of his steps on the rough roadway of the valley and though she
watched eagerly from her hiding-place, she did not see him pass. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Believe --Love --Obey.
... fully answered. Thomas' question helps Jesus to turn them away from thinking
of a roadway of clay and sand to a Man. Philip's helps ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/believeloveobey.htm

In his Own Image.
... And He doesn't. And then because they were friends, He and they, they were eager
to serve, and willing even to suffer, to walk a red-marked roadway for Him ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on johns gospel/in his own image.htm

Roadway (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) A road; especially, the part traveled by
carriages. Multi-Version Concordance Roadway (2 Occurrences). ...
/r/roadway.htm - 7k

Roam (7 Occurrences)

/r/roam.htm - 8k

Gabbatha (1 Occurrence)
... This paved area is in places roughened for a roadway, and in other places
is marked with incised designs for Roman games of chance. ...
/g/gabbatha.htm - 8k

Road-side (2 Occurrences)
Road-side. Roadside, Road-side. Roadway . Multi-Version Concordance Road-side
(2 Occurrences). ... (WEY). Roadside, Road-side. Roadway . Reference Bible.
/r/road-side.htm - 7k

Embankment (1 Occurrence)
... structure of earth, gravel, etc., raised to prevent water from overflowing a level
tract of country, to retain water in a reservoir, or to carry a roadway, etc ...
/e/embankment.htm - 7k

Pitch (25 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To set, face, or pave with rubble or undressed stones, as an embankment
or a roadway. 8. (vt) To fix or set the tone of; as, to pitch a tune. ...
/p/pitch.htm - 18k

Brake (80 Occurrences)
... motion by friction, as of a carriage or railway car, by the pressure of rubbers
against the wheels, or of clogs or ratchets against the track or roadway, or of ...
/b/brake.htm - 34k

Babel (3 Occurrences)
... Within Babylon itself he made a roadway from Du-azaga, the place where the fates
were declared, to Aa-ibur-sabu, Babylon's festival-street, which lay by the ...
/b/babel.htm - 63k

Babylon (270 Occurrences)
... Within Babylon itself he made a roadway from Du-azaga, the place where the fates
were declared, to Aa-ibur-sabu, Babylon's festival-street, which lay by the ...
/b/babylon.htm - 93k

Roadway: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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