KING JAMES 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 (Isaiah 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.

HIGHWA'Y, noun A public road; a way open to all passengers; so called, either because it is a great or public road, or because the earth was raised to form a dry path. Highways open a communication from one city or town to another.

1. Course; road; train of action.

HIGHWA'YMAN, noun One who robs on the public road, or lurks in the highway for the purpose of robbing.

Figurative; General references
Proverbs 16:17; Isaiah 11:16; Isaiah 35:8-10; Isaiah 40:3-4; Matthew 3:3; Matthew 7:13-14
Roads; Way

Though during the sway of the Romans over Palestine they made a few substantial roads for their carts and chariots, yet for the most of the time, as today, the Jews had nothing such as we call roads, but only footpaths through which animals walk in single file. These are never cared for, no repairs are made or obstacles removed. This fact brings into striking prominence the figure of repairing a highway for the return Of the captives, or the coming of the great King. On special occasions kings had roads prepared for the progress of their armies, or their own going from place to place.

ED.