Topical Bible: House: Architecture of Dedicated

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In the biblical context, the concept of a "house" often extends beyond a mere physical structure to embody spiritual and communal significance. The architecture of dedicated houses, particularly those devoted to worship and the presence of God, holds a prominent place in Scripture. These structures are not only places of gathering but also symbolize the dwelling place of God among His people.

The Tabernacle

The first significant dedicated house in the Bible is the Tabernacle, a portable sanctuary used by the Israelites during their wilderness journey. Detailed instructions for its construction are found in Exodus 25-31. The Tabernacle was a tent-like structure, meticulously designed with specific materials and dimensions, reflecting divine order and holiness. It served as the central place of worship and the location of the Ark of the Covenant, where God's presence was believed to dwell. Exodus 25:8-9 states, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings."

Solomon's Temple

The most renowned dedicated house in the Old Testament is Solomon's Temple, constructed in Jerusalem. King David initially conceived the idea, but it was his son Solomon who fulfilled the vision. The temple's construction is detailed in 1 Kings 6-7 and 2 Chronicles 3-4. It was a magnificent structure, built with cedar, gold, and precious stones, symbolizing the glory and majesty of God. The temple served as the permanent dwelling place for the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship. In 1 Kings 8:10-11 , it is recorded, "And when the priests came out of the Holy Place, the cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand there to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD."

The Second Temple

After the destruction of Solomon's Temple by the Babylonians, the Second Temple was constructed upon the return of the Jewish exiles. Initiated by Zerubbabel and later expanded by Herod the Great, this temple is described in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Though less grand than Solomon's Temple, it was significant for restoring Jewish worship and identity. Haggai 2:9 prophesies, "The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former, says the LORD of Hosts. And in this place I will provide peace, declares the LORD of Hosts."

The New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the concept of a dedicated house evolves with the coming of Christ. Jesus Himself is seen as the ultimate temple, the embodiment of God's presence on earth. John 2:19-21 records Jesus saying, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." He was speaking of His body, indicating that the physical temple was a foreshadowing of His redemptive work.

Furthermore, the early Christian community is described as the spiritual house of God. Believers are referred to as living stones being built into a spiritual house, as seen in 1 Peter 2:5 : "You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ."

Symbolism and Significance

The architecture of dedicated houses in the Bible is rich with symbolism. These structures represent God's desire to dwell among His people and the call for holiness and reverence in worship. They serve as reminders of God's covenant, His faithfulness, and the ultimate fulfillment of His presence through Jesus Christ. The physical and spiritual dimensions of these houses underscore the integral relationship between God and His people throughout biblical history.

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Deuteronomy 20:5
And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, What man is there that has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle, and another man dedicate it.
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Psalm 30:1
I will extol you, O LORD; for you have lifted me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.
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Library

Of the Building of this Temple
... of any hammer, or other instrument of architecture; but as ... into two parts, he made
the inner house of twenty ... He also dedicated for the most secret place, whose ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 of the building.htm

Hugh the Builder
... It is evident from records and architecture alike that the ... of Hugh to the beauty
of God's house." The dying ... Baptist, for we wish this to be dedicated by our ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

Synagogues: their Origin, Structure and Outward Arrangements
... as if to make doubt impossible, its architecture is evidently ... instances a room in
a private house had been ... could not be resold, but were regarded as dedicated. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 16 synagogues their origin.htm

The Ascent of the Body
... Increase of rooms in architecture can be effected in ... The ventilation of the
house"respiration"has been ... all have played their part and dedicated their gift ...
/.../drummond/the lowell lectures on the ascent of man/chapter i the ascent of.htm

Canons and Monks
... Jerusalem was a reorganisation of a hospital dedicated to St ... to the Abbot of the
Cluniac house of St ... their chapels, and even the grotesque architecture of their ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter v canons and monks.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... and high above the heavy mass of architecture, resting upon ... shape of a three-leaved
clover) dedicated, probably, to ... of the word, the church was the House of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

Index.
... Hispellum, temple dedicated to Constantine, 22. ... Senate house, 163. ... of Jupiter Optimus
Maximus, 56, 80, 84; literature, 84 n; architecture of the old temple, 86 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lanciani/pagan and christian rome/index 2.htm

The Westminster Assembly.
... on 'Divorce,' which he had dedicated in complimentary ... sepulchres,' where the Upper
House of Convocation ... The medi??val architecture formed a striking contrast ...
/.../ 93 the westminster assembly.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... of Jehovah in the place which was dedicated to his ... would never be refreshed, for
it is an empty house. Fair may be the architecture of the structure, but empty ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... the atrium of the old Flavian house, was discovered ... One of them, dedicated to S.
Petronilla, was destroyed ... The architecture of the building, so similar to the ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm