Topical Encyclopedia The concept of houses and dwellings is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life in ancient times. From the earliest chapters of Genesis, the significance of a dwelling place is evident, as it serves not only as a shelter but also as a symbol of familial and communal stability.In Genesis 4:17, we find one of the earliest references to city-building, where Cain "built a city and named it after his son Enoch." This implies the existence of structured dwellings and the development of early urban life. The construction of cities and houses is indicative of humanity's desire for permanence and security, even in the aftermath of the Fall. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are often depicted as dwelling in tents, reflecting their nomadic lifestyle. Genesis 12:8 describes Abraham pitching his tent between Bethel and Ai, illustrating the temporary nature of his dwelling as he journeyed in obedience to God's call. Despite their transient homes, these patriarchs were promised a land where their descendants would eventually settle and build permanent houses (Genesis 15:18-21). In the Mosaic Law, the significance of houses is further emphasized. Deuteronomy 6:9 instructs the Israelites to write God's commandments on the doorposts of their houses, symbolizing the centrality of God's Word in daily life. The Passover narrative in Exodus 12 also highlights the importance of the household, as each family was to mark their doorposts with the blood of the lamb, ensuring their protection during the final plague in Egypt. The construction of the Temple in Jerusalem under King Solomon marked a pivotal moment in the history of Israelite architecture. While not a house in the domestic sense, the Temple was considered the house of God, a place where His presence dwelled among His people. 1 Kings 6 provides a detailed account of its construction, underscoring the importance of a sacred dwelling place for worship and community identity. In the New Testament, houses continue to play a significant role in the life of early Christians. The house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, served as a meeting place for believers (Acts 12:12). The early church often gathered in homes for worship, teaching, and fellowship, as seen in Acts 2:46: "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart." The metaphorical use of "house" in Scripture also conveys spiritual truths. Jesus speaks of building one's house on the rock as a metaphor for a life founded on His teachings (Matthew 7:24-25). The Apostle Paul refers to believers as God's household, emphasizing the communal and familial aspects of the faith (Ephesians 2:19). Throughout the biblical narrative, houses are more than mere physical structures; they represent the intersection of the divine and human, the temporal and eternal. They are places of refuge, worship, and community, reflecting the enduring human need for a place to belong and the divine promise of a heavenly dwelling. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 12:1Now the LORD had said to Abram, Get you out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house, to a land that I will show you: Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 19:3 Library How Heretics, Craftily Cite Obscure Passages in Ancient Writers in ... The Jews Make all Ready for the War; and Simon, the Son of Gioras ... Epilogue. On the Person of the Father and the Son Infancy and Youth of Jesus --His First Impressions. Philo's Account of the Ascetics of Egypt. Westminster Abbey. Making the Man. Carthago Veneris Argument: the Impious Temerity of Theodorus, Diagoras, and ... Resources What is a house blessing? Is a house blessing biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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