Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, the architecture of houses often included flat roofs, which served multiple practical purposes. These flat roofs were not only functional but also held cultural and social significance in biblical times. The Bible provides several references to the use of flat roofs, highlighting their role in daily life and religious practices.The flat roofs of houses in biblical times were commonly used for various activities, including exercise and leisure. The design of these roofs allowed for an open space that was easily accessible and provided a private area for household members. In the warm climate of the region, the flat roof offered a cool and breezy environment, making it an ideal location for physical activities and relaxation. One of the notable references to the use of flat roofs is found in the account of King David. In 2 Samuel 11:2 , it is written: "One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman." This passage illustrates how the flat roof served as a place for walking and observing the surroundings, indicating its use for exercise and contemplation. The flat roofs also provided a space for social gatherings and communal activities. In the New Testament, the book of Acts describes a significant event that took place on a rooftop. Acts 10:9 states: "The next day, as the men were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray at about the sixth hour." This account of Peter's rooftop prayer highlights the roof as a place of solitude and spiritual exercise, where one could engage in prayer and meditation away from the distractions of daily life. Furthermore, the flat roofs were sometimes used for religious observances and rituals. In Deuteronomy 22:8 , the law instructs: "When you build a new house, you are to construct a parapet around your roof, so that you do not bring the guilt of bloodshed on your house if someone falls from it." This command underscores the importance of the roof as a frequented area, necessitating safety measures to prevent accidents during its use for various activities, including exercise. The cultural context of the Bible reveals that the flat roofs of houses were integral to the lifestyle of the people, providing a versatile space for exercise, prayer, and social interaction. These rooftops were more than just architectural features; they were essential components of daily life, reflecting the practical and spiritual dimensions of biblical living. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 11:2And it came to pass in an evening, that David arose from off his bed, and walked on the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look on. Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 4:29 Library The Conversion of Cornelius. Christ Heals a Paralytic at Capernaum, and the Pharisees Accuse ... The Political Constitution of Egypt Under Ban of the Ritual Chaldaean Civilization The First Theban Empire The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Last Days of the Old Eastern World 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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