Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the architecture of houses, particularly the design of doors, was influenced by practical considerations, including safety and security. The doors of ancient houses were often constructed to be low and small, serving as a protective measure against potential threats.Design and Functionality The design of doors in ancient Israelite homes was primarily utilitarian. A low and small door minimized the risk of intrusion by making it difficult for invaders to enter quickly or easily. This architectural feature is reflected in various biblical narratives and archaeological findings, which suggest that such doors were common in residential structures. Biblical References While the Bible does not explicitly describe the dimensions of doors in ancient homes, several passages imply the importance of secure entryways. In the account of the Passover in Exodus, the Israelites were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb to protect their households from the plague (Exodus 12:7). This act underscores the significance of the door as a boundary between safety and danger. In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the "door" in John 10:9 , symbolizing protection and the way to salvation. This metaphor highlights the cultural understanding of doors as gateways to safety and security. Cultural Context The construction of low and small doors can also be understood within the broader cultural context of the ancient Near East. Houses were often built with security in mind, as communities faced threats from both human and animal intruders. A smaller door would require a person to stoop or crouch to enter, slowing down any potential attacker and giving the inhabitants time to react. Archaeological Evidence Archaeological excavations in regions such as Israel and Palestine have uncovered residential structures with doorways that align with the biblical descriptions of modest and secure entryways. These findings support the notion that the design of doors was a deliberate choice to enhance the safety of the household. Symbolism and Spiritual Implications The concept of a door as a protective barrier carries spiritual implications throughout Scripture. In Revelation 3:20 , Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." This imagery conveys the idea of Christ seeking entry into the hearts of believers, emphasizing the door as a point of decision and transition. In summary, the design of low and small doors in biblical times was a practical response to the need for security and safety. This architectural feature is woven into the fabric of biblical narratives, symbolizing protection, transition, and the presence of God as the ultimate guardian of His people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 17:19He loves transgression that loves strife: and he that exalts his gate seeks destruction. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Rivers of God Jewish Homes The Outbreak at Benares. Sargon of Assyria (722-705 BC ) Reclaiming a Church to Meet a New Age Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ... The Third Continental Journey. His Journey to South Russia. The Political Constitution of Egypt The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire 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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