Topical Encyclopedia The term "highway" in biblical times often referred to a major road or route used for travel and trade. One of the most significant highways mentioned in the Bible is the "King's Highway." This ancient route played a crucial role in the history and development of the regions it traversed, serving as a vital artery for commerce, communication, and military movements.Biblical References The King's Highway is first mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 20:17 , Moses sends messengers to the king of Edom, requesting passage through his territory: "Please let us pass through your land. We will not cut through any field or vineyard, nor drink any water from a well. We will stay on the King's Highway; we will not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory." This request highlights the highway's importance as a direct and established route. Again, in Numbers 21:22 , the Israelites make a similar request to Sihon, king of the Amorites: "Let us pass through your land; we will not turn aside into any field or vineyard, nor drink water from any well. We will follow the King's Highway until we have passed through your territory." The refusal of these requests led to significant conflicts, underscoring the strategic importance of controlling such a route. Historical and Geographical Context The King's Highway was a major north-south trade route that extended from Egypt through the Sinai Peninsula, across the Transjordan, and into Mesopotamia. It passed through key regions such as Edom, Moab, Ammon, and Bashan. This route facilitated the movement of goods, people, and armies, making it a critical component of the ancient Near Eastern infrastructure. Control over the King's Highway was highly coveted due to its economic and military significance. Nations and city-states along the route often sought to exert influence over it, as it provided access to trade networks and resources. The highway's strategic value is evident in the biblical narratives, where access to it often led to diplomatic negotiations or military confrontations. Spiritual and Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the King's Highway can be seen as a symbol of God's providence and guidance. The Israelites' journey along this route was part of their divinely ordained path to the Promised Land. Despite the challenges and opposition they faced, God's faithfulness in leading His people is evident throughout their travels. Moreover, the highway serves as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of believers. Just as the Israelites sought a direct path to their destination, Christians are called to walk the "straight and narrow" path in their spiritual lives, seeking God's guidance and remaining faithful to His commands. In summary, the King's Highway was more than just a physical road; it was a significant element in the biblical narrative, representing both the practical realities of ancient travel and the deeper spiritual journey of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Numbers 20:17Let us pass, I pray you, through your country: we will not pass through the fields, or through the vineyards, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the king's high way, we will not turn to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your borders. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... Matt. xxii. 1-14. The Royal Marriage Feast. The Third Day in Pasion-Week - the Last Series of Parables: to the ... Sennacherib (705-681 BC ) The Authority and Utility of the Scriptures Another Royal Procession The Pilgrim's Progress Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Christ Resources Who was Deborah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.org Who was Shamgar? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Highways of Facilities for the Restoration of the Jews Highways of the Way of Holiness Highways: (Broad) of the Way to Destruction Highways: (Made in the Deserts) of Facilities for the Spread of The Highways: (Narrow) of the Way of Life Highways: All Obstructions Removed From, Before Persons of Distinction Highways: Beggars Sat by Sides of Highways: By-Paths More Secure in Times of Danger Highways: Called the King's Highway Highways: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Highways: Infested With: Robbers Highways: Infested With: Serpents Highways: Infested With: Wild Beasts Highways: Made to all Cities of Refuge Highways: Marked out by Heaps of Stones Highways: Often Made in Deserts Highways: Roads for Public Use Related Terms |
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