Bible Dictionary
Highway
A highway was a prepared or raised public road. Scripture uses the image of a highway for the return of God’s people and the coming of the Lord, while Roman rule later brought substantial roads to Palestine.
Definition
A highway was a prepared or raised road intended for public use. In the biblical setting, where substantial roads were generally absent, the word could describe a specially prepared route for a large movement of people or a royal procession.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses the preparation of a highway as a figure for the return of the captives and the advent of the Messiah. The image emphasizes removing obstacles and preparing a clear way for God’s people or the coming King.
Historical Background
Most roads in Palestine were paths rather than engineered public roads. During Roman rule, several substantial highways were constructed for carts and chariots, as in other regions governed by Rome.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A raised road for public use. Such roads were not found in Palestine; hence the force of the language used to describe the return of the captives and the advent of the Messiah (Isa. 11:16; 35:8; 40:3; 62:10) under the figure of the preparation of a grand thoroughfare for their march. During their possession of Palestine the Romans constructed several important highways, as they did in all countries which they ruled.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>hi'-wa.</p><p>See ROAD; WAY.</p>