In biblical times, travel was a significant undertaking, often fraught with challenges and requiring careful preparation. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into the provisions that travelers carried with them to sustain their journey. These provisions were essential for survival and comfort, reflecting the practical needs of those who traversed the ancient landscapes.

Food and Water

One of the primary concerns for travelers was ensuring an adequate supply of food and water. In Genesis 42:25, we see Joseph providing his brothers with provisions for their journey: "Then Joseph gave orders to fill their bags with grain, to return each man’s silver to his sack, and to give them provisions for their journey. After this was done for them." This passage highlights the necessity of carrying food, particularly grain, which was a staple in the ancient Near East.

Water was equally crucial, especially in arid regions. In Exodus 17:1-7, the Israelites' journey through the desert illustrates the importance of water, as they grumbled against Moses due to the lack of it. The provision of water was often a divine intervention, as seen when God instructed Moses to strike the rock at Horeb to provide water for the people.

Clothing and Shelter

Travelers also needed appropriate clothing and shelter to protect against the elements. In Genesis 28:20, Jacob makes a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and watch over me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food to eat and clothes to wear." This indicates the necessity of clothing as a basic provision for travelers.

Shelter, while not always portable, was a consideration for those on long journeys. Tents were commonly used by nomadic groups, as seen in the life of Abraham, who "pitched his tent" as he traveled (Genesis 12:8). These temporary dwellings provided protection from the weather and a place to rest.

Money and Trade Goods

Travelers often carried money or trade goods to facilitate transactions along the way. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan provides for the injured man by giving the innkeeper two denarii, instructing him to care for the man (Luke 10:35). This illustrates the use of money to secure services and goods during travel.

In addition to currency, travelers might carry items for barter. Genesis 37:25 mentions a caravan of Ishmaelites carrying spices, balm, and myrrh to Egypt, indicating the practice of trading goods during journeys.

Protection and Companionship

Travel in ancient times could be perilous, with threats from bandits and wild animals. Travelers often carried weapons for protection. Nehemiah 4:17-18 describes the builders of Jerusalem's wall working with one hand and holding a weapon with the other, reflecting the need for vigilance and defense.

Companionship was another form of provision, offering safety in numbers and mutual support. Jesus sent out His disciples in pairs (Mark 6:7), emphasizing the importance of companionship in ministry and travel.

Spiritual Provisions

Finally, spiritual provisions were paramount for many travelers. Prayer and reliance on God's guidance were integral to their journeys. Psalm 121:8 offers assurance: "The LORD will watch over your coming and going, both now and forevermore." This spiritual provision underscored the belief that God was the ultimate provider and protector for those on the road.

In summary, travelers in biblical times carried a variety of provisions to meet their physical, economic, and spiritual needs. These preparations were essential for the successful completion of their journeys, reflecting a deep reliance on both practical resources and divine providence.Joshua 9:11,12
Why our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take victuals with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, We are your servants: therefore now make you a league with us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 19:19
Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for your handmaid, and for the young man which is with your servants: there is no want of any thing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

What we Should Believe Concerning the Transformations which Seem ...
... be in the habit of giving to such travellers as they ... the true God so as to make them
seem to ... along with other beasts of burden, had carried provisions for the ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 18 what we should believe.htm

Christ Predicts the Danger of the Disciples in their New Relations ...
... hasty and headlong of the Apostles, who carried a sword ... of defence, as two swords
among them would have ... and these were in common use among travellers in those ...
/.../section 271 christ predicts the.htm

Shod for the Road
... by the mention of the foot is carried on into ... the North Pole"any one that looked
upon them as they ... the day's march was over; but the travellers have their ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/shod for the road.htm

The Life of S. Hilarion.
... of water in the desert, to carry travellers who wished to ... upon the prow of the vessel
facing them with out ... strength to reach the vessel, but were carried to the ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the life of s hilarion.htm

Letter cxxv. To Rusticus.
... Thus travellers must be always armed and on the alert, and ... Do not be carried away
by some mad caprice and ... The charges we bring against them often come home to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxv to rusticus.htm

The Life of Christ.
... frankincense, and myrrh," [16:2] so that the poor travellers had providentially ... pass,
while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the life of.htm

Journey to Evora
... with robbers), and that these people carried arms for ... were truly horrible, and to
avoid them I mounted ... with his mules from accompanying some travellers, he had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/borrow/letters of george borrow/journey to evora.htm

Chapter xxi
... pottage (Genesis 25:30); 3 because, as travellers have remarked ... entire demand of
Sarah is to be carried out ... immediate necessities and even to lay them on Hagar's ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... of Jael the highways were unused, And travellers walked by ... trust was both able and
eager to deliver them. ... It was this trust and loyalty that carried the child ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... The travellers were now on the Steppes; they found ... Sederhoff accompanied them to
the third village, Astrachanka ... chief men, but the intercourse was carried on at ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

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