Topical Bible: Foundation: Laid For: Houses

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the concept of laying a foundation for a house was not only a practical necessity but also carried significant spiritual symbolism. The foundation of a house was crucial for its stability and longevity, reflecting the importance of a solid base in both physical and spiritual matters.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several references to the importance of a strong foundation. In the construction of the Temple, Solomon's attention to the foundation is noted. 1 Kings 5:17 states, "And the king commanded them to quarry large, costly stones to lay the foundation of the temple with dressed stones." This highlights the care and precision involved in laying a foundation for a sacred structure, emphasizing the need for strength and durability.

Isaiah 28:16 offers a prophetic insight into the spiritual significance of a foundation: "So this is what the Lord GOD says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken.'" Here, the foundation is not merely physical but also a metaphor for faith and trust in God, with the cornerstone representing the Messiah.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Jesus uses the metaphor of a foundation to teach about the importance of obedience to His words. In Matthew 7:24-25 , He says, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." This parable underscores the necessity of a strong spiritual foundation based on adherence to Christ's teachings.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of foundations in a spiritual context. In 1 Corinthians 3:11 , he writes, "For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Paul emphasizes that Christ Himself is the ultimate foundation for the believer's life, underscoring the centrality of Jesus in the Christian faith.

Symbolism and Application

The laying of a foundation for a house in biblical times was a task that required careful planning and execution. Spiritually, it symbolizes the need for a firm grounding in faith and doctrine. Just as a house requires a solid foundation to withstand external pressures, so too does a believer need a strong spiritual foundation to endure life's challenges.

The Bible consistently uses the imagery of a foundation to convey the importance of stability, strength, and resilience. Whether in the context of a physical building or a spiritual life, the foundation is crucial. It is a reminder that what is unseen and beneath the surface often determines the strength and integrity of what is visible.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 6:48
He is like a man which built an house, and dig deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently on that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded on a rock.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Two Houses
... wish to bring before you the two foundations, the two houses, the one ... up the same
thought when he says, 'Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the two houses.htm

The Life of Mr. John Dickson.
... other ministers, wherein they were charged with holding conventicles in houses and
in ... and since we left our building on that excellent foundation laid by our ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 13.htm

Commendation of those who had Laid Aside the Practice of Swearing. ...
... the management of their affairs, they shut up the court-houses and council ... the corners
of the earth." [1420] And again: "He hath laid the foundation of it ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ix commendation of those.htm

On Laying the Foundation of the New Chapel, Near the City-Road ...
... Fourth Series Sermon 132 On Laying the Foundation of the ... convenient, to call upon
them at their own houses. ... present case; no stress has been laid on anything ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 132 on laying the.htm

Three Condensed Parables
... built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation ... is like a man that, without
a foundation, built an ... the beam, the good and bad trees, the houses on the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/three condensed parables.htm

Altar and Temple
... lots and set to putting up a church before they had built themselves houses. ... some
seven months were spent in preparation, and then the foundation was laid. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/altar and temple.htm

Methodist Book Concern
... With this broad foundation laid, and these wise plans devised ... on the principles which
had been laid down by ... down, and four neat dwelling houses were erected in ...
/.../chapter 16 methodist book concern.htm

The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... that hath foundations, a city that is compacted together, a city that has its families
and houses and companies ... Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the friend whose years do.htm

Ezra-Nehemiah
... 4:9 says, "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation ... assuming that the laying
of the foundation in 536 ... been attending to their own houses and neglecting ...
/.../mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/ezra-nehemiah.htm

Leaven
... the preliminary to the Passover Feast was the purging of the houses of the ... of the
Church can ever be efficiently done except upon the foundation laid of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/leaven.htm