Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and maintenance of houses were significant aspects of daily life, reflecting both practical needs and spiritual symbolism. The plastering of walls in houses is mentioned in the Scriptures, providing insight into ancient building practices and their theological implications.Biblical References The practice of plastering walls is specifically mentioned in the context of Levitical laws concerning cleanliness and holiness. In Leviticus 14:33-53, the Lord gives Moses and Aaron instructions regarding houses afflicted by mildew or mold, which could render them unclean. The passage outlines a detailed process for diagnosing and treating such conditions, including the removal of affected stones and the scraping and replastering of the house: "If the mildew reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house has been scraped and replastered, the priest is to go and examine it. If the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew; the house is unclean" (Leviticus 14:43-44). This passage highlights the importance of maintaining the physical and spiritual purity of one's dwelling, as the presence of mildew could symbolize deeper issues of impurity or sin. Cultural and Historical Context In ancient Israel, houses were typically constructed using materials such as stone, mudbrick, and wood. Plastering was a common technique used to finish walls, providing a smooth surface that could be whitewashed or painted. The plaster served not only an aesthetic purpose but also a protective one, helping to seal the walls against the elements and potential infestations. The process of replastering, as described in Leviticus, underscores the meticulous care required to maintain a household that adhered to the standards of cleanliness set forth by the Mosaic Law. This attention to detail reflects the broader biblical theme of holiness, where physical cleanliness often parallels spiritual purity. Theological Implications The laws concerning plastered walls in houses can be seen as an extension of the holiness code that permeates Levitical law. Just as the Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart for God, their dwellings were also to reflect this sanctity. The act of replastering a house, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the renewal and purification that God desires for His people. Moreover, the requirement for a priest to inspect and declare a house clean or unclean emphasizes the role of spiritual authority in guiding the community toward righteousness. It serves as a reminder that God's concern for His people extends to all aspects of life, including their living environments. In summary, the plastering of walls in biblical houses is more than a mere construction detail; it is a practice imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting the call to holiness and the importance of maintaining both physical and spiritual integrity in the lives of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Leviticus 14:42,43And they shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and he shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Effectual Calling The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. What do we Count them Worth? Against Embellishing the Body. A Discourse Naparima and Montserrat The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) The Nile and Egypt Church Fabrics and Services. On the Soul and the Resurrection. 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 |
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