Topical Bible: Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built

◄ Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical tradition, the dedication of houses, particularly when newly built, holds significant spiritual and cultural importance. This practice is rooted in the understanding that all things, including one's dwelling, are ultimately under the sovereignty of God and should be consecrated to Him.

Biblical Precedents

The concept of dedicating a house is seen in various passages throughout the Scriptures. In Deuteronomy 20:5, the law provides an exemption from military service for a man who has built a new house but has not yet dedicated it: "The officers shall say to the army: ‘Has anyone built a new house and not dedicated it? Let him go home, or he may die in battle and someone else may dedicate it.’" . This indicates the importance of dedicating a house as a significant life event, warranting a pause from even the most pressing duties.

Spiritual Significance

The dedication of a house is more than a mere ritual; it is an acknowledgment of God's provision and a request for His blessing and protection over the home and its inhabitants. It is an act of setting apart the dwelling for God's purposes, inviting His presence to dwell within. This practice reflects the broader biblical theme of dedicating all aspects of life to God, recognizing His lordship over every domain.

Ceremonial Aspects

While the Bible does not prescribe a specific ceremony for the dedication of a house, it is often accompanied by prayer, thanksgiving, and sometimes the reading of Scripture. The dedication may include prayers for the household's spiritual well-being, the safety and prosperity of its members, and the home's use as a place of hospitality and ministry.

Historical and Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, the dedication of a house would have been a communal event, involving family, friends, and possibly the local religious leaders. It was an opportunity to publicly acknowledge God's role in providing the home and to seek His continued favor. This practice is consistent with the broader biblical principle of dedicating significant life events and possessions to God, as seen in the dedication of the Temple (1 Kings 8) and other sacred spaces.

Modern Application

Today, many Christians continue the tradition of dedicating their homes, often through a house blessing ceremony. This may involve inviting a pastor or spiritual leader to lead the dedication, offering prayers, and sometimes anointing the home with oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit's presence. The dedication serves as a reminder of the home's purpose as a place of refuge, worship, and service to God and others.

In summary, the dedication of houses when built is a biblically rooted practice that underscores the importance of acknowledging God's provision and seeking His blessing on one's dwelling. It is an expression of faith and commitment to living a life oriented towards God's purposes.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 20:5
And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 30:1
I will extol you, O LORD; for you have lifted me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Index i. Of Subjects
... Abtalion, saying of, i.128. Academics, subjects of study in, i.232; ... Dedication of
the Temple, Feast of, i.121; ... Houses, Jewish, large and small, i.501, 502. ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Death of Arcadius, and Government of Theodosius The
... she took God, the priests, and all the subjects of the Roman empire as witnesses
to her self-dedication. ... for any one to say; and how many houses of prayer ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of sozomenus/chapter i death of arcadius and.htm

Altar and Temple
... of the Exodus, and from the dedication of Solomon's ... up a church before they had built
themselves houses. ... when they pull different ways, and subjects are torn ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... the writer of this [Nathan Bangs] preached the dedication sermon in ... of the Methodists
are the happy subjects of this ... This was one of the first houses that were ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm

the life of constantine
... Chapter XXXIX.--The Treasury must restore Lands, Gardens, and Houses to the ... at Nic??a
was held in the Twentieth, the Dedication of the ... INDEX OF SUBJECTS. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pamphilius/the life of constantine/

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued)
... they could marry, they could acquire houses and lands ... betray any indecision in command,
his subjects will become ... to preside in person at its dedication on one ...
/.../chapter ithe eighteenth theban dynastycontinued.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... his answer, [3585]487; secured subjects free worship ... Houses, restoration of,
[3836]509, [3837]510. ... Jerusalem, improvements in, [3853]419; dedication of church ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

Letter cxxx. To Demetrias.
... that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses." [3626] She ... extent of her wealth and
power, subjects which others ... From the time of your dedication to perpetual ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxx to demetrias.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... and twenty-six years after its dedication by Horatius ... a depth of twenty feet between
houses of very ... Hermaphrodite and Salmace, and other subjects engraved by ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... this means legitimatized his usurpation in the eyes of his subjects. ... the city of
Bel and the four houses of the ... have come to light, but the dedication of one ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm