Topical Bible: House: Architecture of Painted

◄ House: Architecture of Painted ►

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In biblical times, the architecture of houses varied significantly based on region, climate, and available materials. One notable aspect of some ancient dwellings was the use of painted decorations, which served both aesthetic and symbolic purposes. While the Bible does not provide extensive details on the practice of painting houses, archaeological findings and historical context offer insights into this aspect of ancient architecture.

Cultural and Historical Context

The ancient Near East, including the regions of Israel and Judah, was influenced by various cultures such as the Egyptians, Canaanites, and later the Assyrians and Babylonians. These cultures often adorned their structures with painted decorations, ranging from simple geometric patterns to elaborate frescoes depicting religious or mythological scenes. The Israelites, while distinct in their religious practices, were not isolated from these cultural influences.

Biblical References and Symbolism

While the Bible does not explicitly mention the painting of houses, it does reference the use of color and decoration in sacred spaces. For example, the Tabernacle and later the Temple in Jerusalem were adorned with richly colored fabrics and gold, as described in Exodus 26 and 1 Kings 6. These decorations were not merely ornamental but carried deep symbolic meanings, reflecting the glory and holiness of God.

In Ezekiel 23:14, there is a mention of wall paintings: "But she increased her prostitution, remembering the days of her youth when she was a prostitute in the land of Egypt. She lusted after their lovers, whose genitals were like those of donkeys and whose emission was like that of horses." This passage, while metaphorical, indicates the presence of painted images in foreign lands, which the Israelites would have been aware of.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological excavations in regions such as Jericho, Megiddo, and Lachish have uncovered remnants of painted plaster and decorative motifs in domestic and public buildings. These findings suggest that painting was a common practice, used to enhance the visual appeal of structures and convey cultural or religious narratives.

Religious and Ethical Considerations

From a religious perspective, the Israelites were cautioned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, which often included the depiction of deities and mythological scenes in art. The Second Commandment explicitly forbids the creation of graven images (Exodus 20:4), which would have influenced the extent and nature of any painted decorations within Israelite homes.

However, the use of color and artistic expression was not entirely prohibited. The emphasis was on ensuring that such expressions did not lead to idolatry or detract from the worship of Yahweh. The beauty and craftsmanship of the Tabernacle and Temple serve as examples of how art and decoration could be used to honor God.

Conclusion

The architecture of painted houses in biblical times reflects a blend of cultural influences and religious principles. While direct references in Scripture are limited, the historical and archaeological context provides a richer understanding of how the Israelites may have approached the decoration of their dwellings, balancing aesthetic expression with their covenantal obligations to God.

Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 22:14
That said, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cuts him out windows; and it is paneled with cedar, and painted with vermilion.
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Ezekiel 8:10,12
So I went in and saw; and behold every form of creeping things, and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed on the wall round about.
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Library

Hugh the Builder
... It is evident from records and architecture alike that the ... of Hugh to the beauty
of God's house." The dying ... So many figures has nature painted there that if art ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... her orchestra, concert hall, and opera-house; with her ... and Sir Christopher Wren in
architecture,"the works of ... No panorama that man has painted can equal the ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

What was Heard in the Basilica of Peace
... and high above the heavy mass of architecture, resting upon ... of the word, the church
was the House of God ... Their cheeks are painted, their eyelashes and eyebrows ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/ii what was heard in.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... me go every morning to the steeple house and come ... he might be pleased with thy painted
windows ... a cathedral with all its magnificence of architecture, and think ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Westminster Abbey.
... chastening and yet ennobling, of such architecture, consecrated by ... as to the builder
of the newest house outside ... And how a play-game of a painted stone Contents ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture i westminster abbey.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... long sick and confined to his house but who ... ancient Hebrews may have carried their
architecture from some ... will give that." Churchmen give painted windows, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm

The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley
... partly filled with quaint Dutch painted glass of ... into that dark and slightly mysterious
house and hear ... late medieval and modern papal architecture, push aside ...
/.../manning/the hymns of wesley and watts five papers/the recall to religion in.htm

Under Ban of the Ritual
... the token of the royal blood of his mother's house. ... "Hath the sun shone on architecture
or sculpture ... These were elaborate and beautiful, painted and paneled ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ii under ban of.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... a principal reviver of the ancient style of architecture. ... was regarded rather as
a consecrated house under the ... and a small corner cupboard painted, carved, and ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Imperial Tombs.
... the atrium of the old Flavian house, was discovered ... The architecture of the building,
so similar to the ... story of the emperor Constantine was painted in ancient ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter iv imperial tombs.htm