In biblical times, thoroughfares played a crucial role in the daily life, commerce, and communication of ancient societies. These routes, often referred to as highways, roads, or paths, facilitated travel and trade across regions, connecting cities, towns, and villages. The Bible contains numerous references to thoroughfares, highlighting their significance in both practical and spiritual contexts.

Old Testament References

Thoroughfares are frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, often in the context of travel and trade. For instance, the "King's Highway" is a notable ancient route mentioned in Numbers 20:17 and 21:22, which was a major north-south trade route east of the Jordan River. This road was significant for the Israelites during their journey to the Promised Land. In Numbers 20:17 , Moses requests passage through Edom, saying, "Please let us pass through your land. We will not pass through any field or vineyard or drink water from any 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."

Isaiah 40:3 speaks of preparing a way for the Lord, using the imagery of a highway: "A voice of one calling: 'Prepare the way for the LORD in the wilderness; make a straight highway for our God in the desert.'" This passage is often interpreted prophetically, pointing to the coming of John the Baptist and the preparation for the ministry of Jesus Christ.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, thoroughfares continue to hold importance, particularly in the context of the spread of the Gospel. The Roman Empire's extensive network of roads facilitated the rapid dissemination of Christian teachings. The Apostle Paul, for example, utilized these roads extensively during his missionary journeys. Acts 9:2 mentions the road to Damascus, where Saul (later Paul) experienced his dramatic conversion: "and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem."

Jesus Himself used the imagery of roads and paths in His teachings. In Matthew 7:13-14 , He contrasts the broad road leading to destruction with the narrow path leading to life: "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Thoroughfares in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings, representing the journey of life, spiritual progress, and the choices individuals make. The concept of a "straight path" is frequently used to denote righteousness and obedience to God's will. Proverbs 3:6 advises, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."

Moreover, thoroughfares can symbolize the way of salvation and the mission of the Church. The early Christians referred to their faith as "The Way" (Acts 9:2), emphasizing the path of following Christ. This metaphor underscores the transformative journey of faith and the call to walk in the footsteps of Jesus.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near East, thoroughfares were vital for economic and military purposes. They enabled the movement of armies, the exchange of goods, and the spread of ideas. The construction and maintenance of roads were often state responsibilities, reflecting the importance of these routes for the stability and prosperity of a nation.

In summary, thoroughfares in the Bible are more than mere physical roads; they are rich with spiritual and symbolic meaning, illustrating the journey of faith, the spread of the Gospel, and the choices that define one's relationship with God.

Come Rest Awhile
... across the water. Here they would be away from the thoroughfares of travel,
and the bustle and agitation of the city. The scenes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 38 come rest awhile.htm

Results of Transgression
... He took advantage of the opportunities to be found along the great thoroughfares
of travel. ... The thoroughfares of travel have multiplied a thousandfold. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 4 results of transgression.htm

At the Foot of the Bamboos
... It fronted one of the main thoroughfares of the city. ... Besides this, they go to other
thoroughfares frequently and preach the Gospel as well as they are able. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/v at the foot of.htm

The Procession of Sorrow
... Behold, my King is not without his crown"alas, a crown of thorns set with
ruby drops of blood! Will your thoroughfares be thronged? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 9 1863/the procession of sorrow.htm

Palestine Eighteen Centuries Ago
... its timber cut down, its olive- and vine-clad terraces crumbled into dust, its villages
stricken with poverty and squalor, its thoroughfares insecure and ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 1 palestine eighteen centuries.htm

Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History ...
... Its hills were white with marble and green with gardens, and traced and spotted
and flecked with gold; its thoroughfares were bright with color"white, purple ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 2 those days it.htm

It was Near the Middle Hour of the Night. ...
... It was near the middle hour of the night. Many, just out of banquet-hall, theatre,
and circus, thronged the main thoroughfares of the capital. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 8 it was near.htm

Essay vi. "The Way of Ancient Ordinance, Though it Winds, is yet ...
... the distress was so general and so severe, that a large proportion of the lower
classes became mendicants, and one of the greatest thoroughfares of Valetta ...
/.../coleridge/confessions of an inquiring spirit etc/essay vi the way of.htm

Chrysostom as Deacon, Priest and Preacher at Antioch. AD 381-398.
... side were paved with red granite. Innumerable lanterns illuminated the main
thoroughfares at night. The city was supplied with good ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/chapter vi chrysostom as deacon priest.htm

John Shows a Logical Order
... From thence he went with his disciples and the crowds of pilgrims, who then thronged
the thoroughfares, along the winding route that led through the mountain ...
/.../the new testament commentary vol iii john/john shows a logical order.htm

Thoroughfares (1 Occurrence)
...Thoroughfares (1 Occurrence). Matthew 22:9 go therefore into the thoroughfares of
the highways, and as many as ye shall find invite to the wedding feast. ...
/t/thoroughfares.htm - 6k

Thorough (7 Occurrences)

/t/thorough.htm - 9k

Thoroughly (48 Occurrences)

/t/thoroughly.htm - 20k

Architecture
... method; narrow, tortuous alleys broken into by projections, founded at the will
of each individual builder, served as main thoroughfares (Bible Sidelights, 95 ...
/a/architecture.htm - 28k

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