Topical Bible: House: Architecture of Used As Place to Sleep

◄ House: Architecture of Used As Place to Sleep ►

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In biblical times, the architecture of houses served not only as a place of shelter but also as a place to sleep, reflecting the cultural and social norms of ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The design and construction of these dwellings were influenced by available materials, climate, and the socio-economic status of the inhabitants.

Materials and Construction:

Houses in biblical times were typically constructed using materials readily available in the region. In rural areas, mud bricks, stone, and wood were common. Mud bricks were often sun-dried and used for walls, while stone provided a more durable structure for those who could afford it. Roofs were usually flat and made of wooden beams covered with a mixture of clay and straw, which required regular maintenance to prevent leaks.

Design and Layout:

The typical house was modest in size, often consisting of a single room that served multiple purposes, including sleeping. Wealthier families might have had additional rooms or a second account. The single-room design facilitated communal living, with family members sleeping on mats or bedding that could be rolled up and stored during the day. In some cases, animals were also housed within the same structure, separated by a low wall or partition.

Biblical References:

The Bible provides several references to the architecture and use of houses as places to sleep. In the account of the Shunammite woman, we see an example of a house with an upper room: "Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can stay there" (2 Kings 4:10). This passage illustrates the practice of creating dedicated sleeping spaces for guests, reflecting hospitality customs of the time.

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to the architecture of houses in His teachings. In the parable of the wise and foolish builders, He emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation: "The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock" (Matthew 7:25). This metaphor highlights the significance of a well-constructed dwelling, both physically and spiritually.

Cultural and Social Aspects:

The architecture of houses as places to sleep also reflects the cultural and social dynamics of biblical times. The communal nature of sleeping arrangements fostered a sense of family unity and shared responsibility. Privacy was limited, and the close quarters necessitated cooperation and mutual respect among family members.

In some instances, houses served as places of refuge and safety. For example, Rahab's house in Jericho provided shelter for the Israelite spies (Joshua 2:1-6). This narrative underscores the role of houses as protective spaces, both physically and symbolically.

Overall, the architecture of houses in biblical times was a practical response to environmental and social conditions, serving as essential places for rest and refuge. The biblical narratives and teachings related to houses offer insights into the daily lives and spiritual lessons of the people of that era.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:8
And before they were laid down, she came up to them on the roof;
Nave's Topical Index

Acts 10:9
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew near to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
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Library

The Schoolboy of Madaura
... Of course, the Roman architecture could not have had on ... a grammarian, who kept a
boarding-house for the boys? ... annoyed this Roman citizen who was used to regard ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bertrand/saint augustin/v the schoolboy of madaura.htm

Travel. A Personal Experience.
... in the little room where he used to retire ... her orchestra, concert hall, and
opera-house; with her ... chronological order, copies of the architecture and sculpture ...
/.../ix travel a personal experience.htm

To the Rev. A. Brandram
... the most perfect specimen of Moorish architecture which is ... taken from him by the
Custom House officers with ... bear a surprising resemblance to those used by the ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev a brandram 17.htm

Westminster Abbey.
... directed"as by sorrow, when well used"by sentiment ... chastening and yet ennobling,
of such architecture, consecrated by ... the builder of the newest house outside ...
/.../kingsley/lectures delivered in america in 1874/lecture i westminster abbey.htm

Church Fabrics and Services.
... as a principal reviver of the ancient style of architecture. ... The Lower House of
Convocation in 1710 had issued ... party in the Church of England used sometimes to ...
/.../the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter x church fabrics and.htm

Strength Profaned and Lost
... 31. Then his brethren and all the house of his father ... The savage manners of the times
used the literal ... We need not discuss the probable architecture of Dagon's ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/strength profaned and lost.htm

The Axe at the Root --A Testimony against Puseyite Idolatry
... me go every morning to the steeple house and come ... of taste I have a great liking
for noble architecture. ... or our own majestic buildings still used for sacred ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/the axe at the roota.htm

Canons and Monks
... Their possessions in Western Europe were used as recruiting ... 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

The Best of All, God is with Us
... We do not believe in gorgeous architecture, nor in the expenditure ... When I used to
think of the possibility of my ... times when we have been in the house of prayer ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/the best of all god.htm

The Tabernacle of the Most High
... No musical or Esthetic accompaniments have ever been used. ... long sick and confined
to his house but who ... My notions of architecture are not worth much, because I ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the tabernacle of the most.htm