In biblical geography and narrative, the direction "westwards" holds significant meaning, often symbolizing movement, transition, and divine guidance. The term "westwards" is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting both literal and metaphorical journeys.

Geographical Significance:

The land of Canaan, promised to the descendants of Abraham, is often described in terms of its geographical boundaries, with the Mediterranean Sea marking its western border. In Numbers 34:6 , God delineates the western boundary of the Promised Land: "Your western border will be the coastline of the Great Sea; this will be your boundary on the west."

Symbolic Movement:

Westward movement in the Bible can symbolize a journey towards God's promises. For instance, the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land involved moving westwards across the Sinai Peninsula. This journey was not just a physical relocation but also a spiritual pilgrimage towards the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.

Divine Guidance:

The direction westwards is also associated with divine guidance and providence. In the wilderness, the Israelites were led by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, guiding them in their westward journey towards Canaan (Exodus 13:21-22). This guidance underscores God's active role in directing His people towards their divinely appointed inheritance.

Prophetic Imagery:

In prophetic literature, westward movement can symbolize the spread of God's kingdom and influence. Isaiah 43:5-6 speaks of God's promise to gather His people from the east and the west: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east and gather you from the west. I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' and to the south, 'Do not hold them back.' Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth."

Cultural Context:

In ancient Near Eastern culture, directions held symbolic meanings. The west, associated with the setting sun, could symbolize the end of a journey or the completion of a cycle. However, in the biblical context, westward movement often signifies progress towards divine fulfillment rather than an end.

New Testament References:

While the New Testament does not frequently mention westward movement, the spread of the Gospel from Jerusalem to the western parts of the Roman Empire can be seen as a continuation of the biblical theme of westward expansion. The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, reflect this westward movement of the Gospel message.

In summary, the concept of "westwards" in the Bible encompasses both literal and symbolic dimensions, representing physical journeys, spiritual progress, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.(adv.) Toward the west; as, to ride or sail westward.

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... First, there was the southern road, which led from Jerusalem, by Bethlehem, to Hebron,
and thence westwards to Gaza, and eastwards into Arabia, whence also a ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

Amos
... reign, probably as late as 750 BC, for he knows, though he does not name, the Assyrians,
vi.14, and he finds in their irresistible progress westwards an answer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/amos.htm

Colonization.
... Christopher Columbus, a gallant Genoese mariner, and deeply religious man, was full
of the notion that by sailing westwards he might come round to India, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson xxxiii colonization.htm

Looking to the Hills
... 'I will lift up my eyes unto the hills'; away out yonder westwards, across the sands,
lie the lofty summits of my fatherland that draws me to itself. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/looking to the hills.htm

A Total Wreck, all Hands Saved
... Their coast had no safe harbours, and they seldom ventured on the Mediterranean.
To find Paul in a ship with its bow pointed westwards is significant. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a total wreck all hands.htm

Eden Lost and Restored
... Heaven lay about him in his infancy, but as he journeyed westwards its morning blush
faded into the light of common day"and only at eventide shall the sky ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/eden lost and restored.htm

Jesus at the Well of Sychar
... To the left (westwards), between Gerizim (on the south) and Ebal (on the north),
winds the valley of olive-clad Shechem, the modern Nablus, though that town is ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii jesus at the.htm

In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned
... Behind it, westwards, rise, terrace upon terrace, the stately mansions of the Upper
City, till, quite in the north-west corner of the old city, we reach the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter i in jerusalem when.htm

At the Feast of Tabernacles - First Discourse in the Temple
... Here, turning round and facing westwards to the Holy Place, they repeated: Our fathers,
who were in this place, they turned their backs on the Sanctuary of ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi at the feast.htm

The Promise.
... Some travelled westwards, and settling in China and India, became a rich and wealthy
people, but constantly losing more and more the recollection of the truth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson i the promise.htm

Westwards (6 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Westwards (6 Occurrences). ... Joshua 16:8 From Tappuah the
border went westwards to the torrent Kanah, and ended at the sea. ...
/w/westwards.htm - 8k

Torrent (49 Occurrences)
... and its coast. (DBY). Joshua 16:8 From Tappuah the border went westwards
to the torrent Kanah, and ended at the sea. This is the ...
/t/torrent.htm - 22k

Westward (35 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (adv.) Alt. of Westwards. 2. (a.) Lying toward
the west. 3. (n.) The western region or countries; the west. ...
/w/westward.htm - 19k

Wet (25 Occurrences)

/w/wet.htm - 15k

Northwards (4 Occurrences)
... Joshua 15:10 and the border turned from Baalah westwards toward mount Seir, and
passed toward the side of Har-jearim, that is, Chesalon, northwards, and went ...
/n/northwards.htm - 7k

Eastwards (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 and the border went forth westwards to Micmethath on the north; and
the border turned eastwards to Taanath-Shiloh, and passed by it eastwards to ...
/e/eastwards.htm - 7k

Marealah (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 19:11 and their border went up westwards, and to Marealah, and reached to
Dabbesheth, and reached to the torrent that is before Jokneam; (DBY). ...
/m/marealah.htm - 6k

Micmethath (2 Occurrences)
... Joshua 16:6 and the border went forth westwards to Micmethath on the north; and
the border turned eastwards to Taanath-Shiloh, and passed by it eastwards to ...
/m/micmethath.htm - 7k

Amead (1 Occurrence)
... Amead (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:26 and Allammelech, and Amead, and Mishal; and the
border reached to Carmel westwards, and to Shihor-libnath, (DBY). ...
/a/amead.htm - 6k

Sun-rising (14 Occurrences)
... Joshua 19:34 and the border turned westwards to Aznoth-Tabor, and went out from
thence to Hukkok, and reached to Zebulun on the south, and reached to Asher on ...
/s/sun-rising.htm - 10k

Westwards: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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