Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the concept of a "day's journey" was a common measure of distance, reflecting the typical distance a person or group could travel in a single day on foot. This measure is often estimated to be approximately eighteen to twenty miles, depending on the terrain and the traveler's condition. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Bible, providing insight into the daily life and travel practices of ancient peoples.The notion of a day's journey is first encountered in the Old Testament. For instance, in Genesis 30:36, Laban sets a distance of a three days' journey between himself and Jacob, indicating a significant separation. Similarly, in Exodus 3:18, God instructs Moses to request Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to go a three days' journey into the wilderness to sacrifice to the Lord. This distance underscores the need for a substantial separation from Egypt to worship freely. In 1 Kings 19:4, the prophet Elijah travels a day's journey into the wilderness after fleeing from Jezebel. The passage states, "But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a broom tree. And he asked that he might die, saying, 'It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my fathers.'" . Here, the day's journey signifies a retreat into solitude and a place of encounter with God, highlighting the physical and spiritual dimensions of such a journey. The New Testament also reflects the concept of a day's journey. In Luke 2:44, when Jesus' parents realize He is missing, they have already traveled a day's journey from Jerusalem: "Thinking He was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began to look for Him among their relatives and friends." . This passage illustrates the communal nature of travel during biblical times, as well as the distances families would cover in a day. The estimation of eighteen to twenty miles for a day's journey is based on the average walking speed and endurance of individuals in ancient times. This distance would vary depending on factors such as the traveler's age, health, the presence of animals or children, and the nature of the terrain. In more challenging landscapes, such as mountainous regions or deserts, the distance covered in a day might be less. Understanding the concept of a day's journey provides valuable context for interpreting biblical narratives. It sheds light on the logistics of travel, the separation between locations, and the time required for journeys mentioned in Scripture. This measure of distance also emphasizes the endurance and resilience of biblical figures who undertook long journeys, often under difficult circumstances, to fulfill God's purposes or seek His presence. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 3:18And they shall listen to your voice: and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt, and you shall say to him, The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us: and now let us go, we beseech you, three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Kings 19:4 Jonah 3:4 Library The Country of Jericho, and the Situation of the City. The Maritime Itinerant. Opening Thoughts. The Northern Mountains His Journey to South Russia. The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Abraham's Four Surrenders The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes Prayers Answered From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive Resources What is the National Day of Prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the day of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org What is the Day-Age Theory? | GotQuestions.org Day: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Gladness Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day of Good Tidings Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Day Which the Lord Has Made Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Good Day Day: A Time of Festivity Called A: Solemn Day Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Adversity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Anger Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Calamity Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Darkness Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Destruction Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Evil Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Slaughter Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of The Lord Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Trouble Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Vengeance Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Visitation Day: A Time of Judgment Called a Day of Wrath Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of God's Power Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Redemption Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Salvation Day: A Time of Mercy Called a Day of Visitation Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Break of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Decline of Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Evening Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Morning Day: Artificial, Divided Into: Noon Day: Artificial, the Time of the Sun's Continuance Above The Day: Day's Journey, Eighteen or Twenty Miles Day: Divided Into Twelve Hours Day: Judgment: A Figure of Spiritual Illumination Day: Judgment: Called the Day of the Lord Day: Later Subdivided Into Twelve Hours Day: Made for the Glory of God Day: Natural, from Evening to Evening Day: Proclaims the Glory of God Day: Sabbath Day's Journey, About Two-Thousand Paces Day: Six Working Days Ordained Day: Sometimes Divided Into Four Parts Day: Succession of, Secured by Covenant Day: Th Sixth Day of the Week Called Preparation Day Day: The First Day of the Week Called the Lord's Day Day: Time of, Ascertained by the Dial Day: Times of Adversity Called Day of the Lord Related Terms Preparation-day (1 Occurrence) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) Kibrothhattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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