Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and adornment of houses were often reflective of the wealth and status of their inhabitants. The term "goodly houses" is used in Scripture to describe the opulent and well-furnished homes of the affluent. These houses were not only places of residence but also symbols of prosperity and divine blessing.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 8:12-14 : "Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." This passage warns the Israelites of the spiritual dangers associated with wealth and comfort. The "fine houses" symbolize the material blessings that could lead to pride and forgetfulness of God's providence. 2. Amos 3:15 : "I will tear down the winter house along with the summer house; the houses of ivory will be destroyed, and the great houses will come to an end," declares the LORD. Here, the prophet Amos speaks against the opulence and excess of the wealthy in Israel. The mention of "houses of ivory" and "great houses" highlights the luxurious lifestyle that had led to moral and spiritual decay. 3. Isaiah 5:8-9 : "Woe to those who add house to house and join field to field until no place is left and you live alone in the land. I heard the LORD of Hosts declare: 'Surely many houses will become desolate, great mansions left unoccupied.'" This passage criticizes the greed and covetousness of those who accumulate wealth at the expense of others, leading to social injustice and eventual desolation. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Israel, houses of the rich were often constructed with high-quality materials such as stone and wood, and adorned with luxurious items like ivory, gold, and fine fabrics. These homes might include multiple rooms, courtyards, and even separate structures for different seasons, as indicated by the reference to "winter" and "summer" houses in Amos 3:15. The architecture and decoration of these houses were influenced by neighboring cultures, including the Canaanites, Egyptians, and later, the Assyrians and Babylonians. Wealthy individuals often employed skilled artisans to create intricate designs and furnishings, showcasing their status and sophistication. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the Bible presents a nuanced view of wealth and material possessions. While prosperity is sometimes seen as a sign of God's blessing, there is a consistent warning against the spiritual dangers of wealth. The construction of "goodly houses" can lead to pride, self-reliance, and a departure from reliance on God. The prophets frequently admonished the wealthy for their excesses and the social injustices that often accompanied their lifestyles. The biblical narrative encourages believers to maintain a heart of gratitude and humility, recognizing that all blessings come from God. The focus is on using one's resources for the glory of God and the benefit of others, rather than for self-indulgence and ostentation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 8:12Lest when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and dwelled therein; Torrey's Topical Textbook Library National Wealth Sermon on the Mount Continued Its Woes in Strict Agreement with ... The First Season The Pearl. Blessed is He who came Down Tenth Commandment Prefatory Notice. Matt. xxviii. 11-14. "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. Separating the Precious from the Vile 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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