Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, including the regions described in the Bible, houses were typically constructed with flat roofs. These roofs were an integral part of daily life and held both practical and symbolic significance. The flat roofs were often covered with a layer of weak grass, which would grow temporarily during the rainy season but wither quickly under the scorching sun.Construction and Use of Flat Roofs The construction of flat roofs involved laying beams across the walls of the house, which were then covered with a mixture of clay, straw, and other materials to create a solid surface. This surface was often used for various domestic activities, including drying produce, storing goods, and even sleeping during hot nights. The flat roof also served as a place for social gatherings and private reflection. In the Bible, the flat roof is mentioned in several contexts. For instance, in Deuteronomy 22:8 , the Israelites were commanded to build a parapet around their roofs to prevent anyone from falling off, indicating the roof's frequent use as a living space: "When you build a new house, you are to construct a parapet around your roof, so that you do not bring bloodguilt on your house if someone falls from it." Symbolism and Imagery The weak grass that often grew on these roofs is used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate the fleeting nature of life and the futility of human endeavors without God. In Psalm 129:6 , the psalmist writes, "May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow." This imagery underscores the transience of those who oppose God's people, likening them to grass that sprouts quickly but lacks the depth and nourishment to thrive. Cultural and Religious Practices Flat roofs also played a role in religious practices. In 2 Kings 23:12 , King Josiah is noted for removing the altars that previous kings of Judah had erected on the roofs, as part of his reforms to restore true worship: "He pulled down the altars that the kings of Judah had erected on the roof near the upper chamber of Ahaz." This highlights the use of rooftops as places of worship, albeit sometimes for idolatrous practices. Historical Context The use of flat roofs was not unique to Israel but was common throughout the ancient Near East. The climate and available building materials made flat roofs a practical choice. The weak grass that grew on these roofs was a natural occurrence, as seeds carried by the wind would take root in the soil and clay mixture. However, the grass's inability to sustain itself without consistent moisture served as a vivid reminder of the region's arid conditions and the dependence on seasonal rains. In summary, the flat roofs of ancient houses, often covered with weak grass, were a significant feature of daily life in biblical times. They provided a functional space for various activities and carried rich symbolic meaning within the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 129:6,7Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which wither before it grows up: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library A Letter from a West Indian Cottage Ornee Naparima and Montserrat Down the Islands Outward Bound The Northern Mountains Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | 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 |