In biblical times, travel was a significant aspect of life, whether for trade, pilgrimage, or migration. The phrase "halted at even" refers to the practice of travelers stopping their journey at evening time, a common occurrence due to the lack of artificial lighting and the need for rest and safety. This practice is reflected in various biblical narratives and provides insight into the daily life and customs of ancient peoples.

Biblical Context

The concept of halting at evening is illustrated in several passages throughout the Bible. One notable example is found in the account of Jacob. In Genesis 28:11 , it is recorded, "When Jacob reached a certain place, he spent the night there because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones from that place, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep." This passage highlights the natural rhythm of travel, dictated by the rising and setting of the sun.

Similarly, in the account of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt, the journey was often marked by stops at evening. Exodus 13:21-22 describes how the Lord guided them: "And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud to guide their way by day and in a pillar of fire to give them light by night, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place before the people." While this divine guidance allowed for travel at night, the natural inclination was to halt at evening when possible.

Cultural and Practical Considerations

Travel in ancient times was fraught with challenges, including rough terrain, bandits, and wild animals. Halting at evening provided travelers with the opportunity to set up camp, prepare meals, and rest. It also allowed for the establishment of a secure perimeter, as night travel increased the risk of encountering danger.

The practice of halting at evening also had social and communal aspects. Travelers often journeyed in groups for safety and companionship. Evening stops provided time for fellowship, sharing of accounts, and communal worship. This is reflected in the hospitality customs of the time, where travelers would seek lodging with locals or set up camp near a town or village.

Spiritual Significance

From a spiritual perspective, the act of halting at evening can be seen as a time for reflection and communion with God. The quiet and stillness of the evening provided an opportunity for prayer and meditation. Psalm 63:6 captures this sentiment: "When I remember You on my bed, I think of You through the watches of the night."

Moreover, the evening halt symbolizes a pause in the journey of life, a moment to rest in God's provision and protection. It serves as a reminder of the need for spiritual rest and reliance on God's guidance, as seen in the Israelites' dependence on the Lord during their wilderness journey.

Conclusion

The practice of travelers halting at evening is a rich theme in biblical literature, reflecting the practical, social, and spiritual dimensions of life in ancient times. It underscores the importance of rest, community, and reliance on divine guidance in the journey of life.Genesis 24:11
And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mission Tours.
... I do not remember our having had even a night alarm, though I ... My habit was, wherever
we halted, to make my way to the ... Some travellers take watchmen with them. ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiv mission tours.htm

Brother Hugh
... Even the king's son is crowned by Roger of York ... Among the travellers must have been
many noble postmen, who ... as they called it, when the office halted or was ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter ii brother hugh.htm

His Journey to South Russia.
... This evening they halted at a Tartar village, where the occupant of the ... the men in
the hut kept a watch upon the travellers; and the suspicions even of the ...
/.../chapter xix his journey to.htm

The Dark was Lifting as Vergilius Entered the Field of Mars. ...
... The troop halted. ... These travellers were people of leisure from the large cities,
wont to stretch ... whom you spoke, and what you said, and perhaps even what you ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 11 the dark was.htm

His First Continental Journey.
... smoked, and some of them did not even refrain from ... He accompanied the travellers
five miles out of the town ... The next place where they halted was Stuttgardt, to ...
/.../chapter vi his first continental.htm

The Fourth Continental Journey.
... on the 19th arrived at Amiens, where they halted for a ... probably remain totally unknown
to ordinary travellers, and perhaps ... and soon after LM died even this was ...
/.../chapter xv the fourth continental.htm

Christian Cemeteries.
... Travellers who so admired the syringes or crypts of the ... Specimens of filling are
even more rare than those of ... against the Persians, in 362, he halted for some ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vii christian cemeteries.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... were it not delivered safe and undiminished even of a ... We had halted and refreshed
ourselves and horses at ... The old man replied that two travellers had arrived ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... the more or less veracious tales of exiles and travellers. ... and their seat on horseback
was even less secure than ... At nightfall they halted in a village, or more ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... The itineraries of modern travellers mention a place called es ... At its very beginning,
and even before the ... Tiglath-pileser, and then having halted to receive the ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

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