Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the theme of urgency and speed in travel is often highlighted in the context of fulfilling divine missions or delivering critical messages. The Bible provides several instances where individuals traveled with great speed to accomplish tasks of significant importance, reflecting the urgency and dedication required in their missions.1. Abraham's Servant: In Genesis 24, Abraham's servant is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. The servant's journey to Mesopotamia is marked by a sense of urgency, as he prays for success and quickly identifies Rebekah as the chosen bride. His swift actions underscore the importance of his mission in continuing Abraham's lineage. Genesis 24:17 states, "So the servant ran to meet her and said, 'Please let me have a little water from your jar.'" 2. David and Goliath: In 1 Samuel 17, David's encounter with Goliath is prefaced by his rapid journey to the battlefield. Sent by his father Jesse to deliver provisions to his brothers, David's swift arrival and immediate engagement with Goliath demonstrate his zeal and readiness to serve God's purpose. 1 Samuel 17:48 records, "As the Philistine started forward to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him." 3. Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: In Acts 8, Philip is directed by an angel of the Lord to go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza. Upon encountering the Ethiopian eunuch, Philip runs to the chariot to explain the Scriptures, leading to the eunuch's conversion and baptism. Acts 8:30 states, "Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. 'Do you understand what you are reading?' Philip asked." 4. Peter and John at the Empty Tomb: In John 20, upon hearing from Mary Magdalene that the tomb of Jesus was empty, Peter and John run to the tomb to verify her report. Their haste reflects the profound significance of the resurrection event. John 20:4 notes, "The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first." 5. Paul's Missionary Journeys: Throughout the Acts of the Apostles, the Apostle Paul is depicted as traveling extensively and often with urgency to spread the Gospel. His journeys, marked by both physical and spiritual speed, highlight his commitment to the Great Commission. Acts 20:16 mentions, "Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost." These examples illustrate the biblical principle that when God calls individuals to a task, they often respond with immediate and decisive action. The urgency in their travel underscores the importance of their missions and their dedication to fulfilling God's will. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 8:10And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries: Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 9:25 Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusSubtopics Travellers for Security often Left the Highways Travellers of Distinction: Before Setting out Gave Employment to Their Servants Travellers of Distinction: Frequently Extorted Provisions by the Way Travellers of Distinction: Generally Attended by Running Footmen Travellers of Distinction: Generally Performed Their Journey in Great State Travellers of Distinction: Often Preceded by Heralds to Have the Roads Prepared Travellers of Distinction: Rode in Chariots Travellers of Distinction: Rode on Asses, Camels Travellers were Frequently Asked Whence They Came and Whither They Went Travellers: After a Long Journey, Described Travellers: Called Way-Faring Men Travellers: Carried With Them: Presents for Those Who Entertained Them Travellers: Carried With Them: Provender for Their Beasts of Burden Travellers: Carried With Them: Provisions for the Way Travellers: Carried With Them: Skins Filled With Water, Wine Travellers: Ceasing of, Threatened As a Calamity Travellers: Estimated the Length of Their Journey by the Number of Days Travellers: Friends of Frequently Commended Them to Protection of God Travellers: Friends of Frequently Took Leave of Them With Sorrow Travellers: Friends of Often Sent Them Away With Music Travellers: Friends of Often Supplied Them With Provision Travellers: Friends of Sometimes Accompanied Them a Short Way Travellers: Generally Commenced Their Journey Early in the Morning Travellers: Generally Halted at Wells or Streams Travellers: Generally Rested at Noon Travellers: Generally Treated With Great Hospitality Travellers: Often Collected Together and Formed Caravans Travellers: Often Engaged Persons Acquainted With the Country As Guides Travellers: Often Travelled on Foot Travellers: On Errands Requiring Despatch: Saluted No Man by the Way Travellers: On Errands Requiring Despatch: Went With Great Speed Travellers: On Foot, How Attired Travellers: Preparations Made By, Alluded To Travellers: Protected by Those Who Entertained Them Travellers: Strangers Civil To Travellers: Tesserae Hospitales or Pledges of Hospitality, Alluded To Travellers: The Caravanserai or Public Inn for Noticed Travellers: The Jews Prohibited from Taking Long Journeys on the Sabbath Related Terms |