Topics

Travellers

The Bible addresses the realities of traveling in ancient times, including the dangers faced by journeymen and the importance of hospitality toward travelers. Scripture provides guidance on safe travel practices and the spiritual lessons learned through journeys of faith.

Overview

Travel in biblical times was often dangerous and unpredictable, involving long distances, uncertain conditions, and potential encounters with hostile forces. The Old Testament records numerous journeys of God's people, from Abraham's migrations to Israel's wilderness wanderings. New Testament believers also traveled extensively to spread the gospel, facing hardships that tested their faith and dependence on God.

Key Scriptures

"The highway shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it" (Isaiah 35:8, ESV). "Jacob heard that the sons of Laban had said, 'Jacob has taken all that was our father's, and from what was our father's he has gained all this wealth'" (Genesis 31:23, ESV). "So they set out from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor" (Genesis 35:16, ESV).

Application

Consider how your own spiritual journey mirrors the biblical traveler's dependence on God's protection and provision, and extend genuine hospitality to those passing through your community as a reflection of Christ's love.

Scripture References 40
Full Topical Reference List 122 total — Nave's Topical Bible

After a long journey, described

Before setting out gave employment, &c to their servants

Called way-faring men

Ceasing of, threatened as a calamity

Estimated the length of their journey by the number of days which it occupied

For security often left the highways

Frequently commended them to protection of God

Frequently took leave of them with sorrow

Generally commenced their journey early in the morning

Generally performed their journey in great state

Halted at even

Often collected together and formed caravans

Often engaged persons acquainted with the country as guides

Often preceded by heralds, &c to have the roads prepared

Often sent them away with music

Often supplied them with provision

On foot, how attired

Preparations made by, alluded to

Provender for their beasts of burden

Saluted no man by the way

Skins filled with water, wine, &c

Sometimes accompanied them a short way

Tesserae hospitales or pledges of hospitality, alluded to

The caravanserai or public inn for noticed

The Jews prohibited from taking long journeys on the Sabbath

Went with great speed

Were frequently asked whence they came and whither they went