Topical Bible: House: Built Into City Walls

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In ancient biblical times, the construction of houses within city walls was a strategic and practical architectural choice. This practice is notably illustrated in the account of Rahab in the Book of Joshua. Houses built into city walls served both residential and defensive purposes, providing inhabitants with security and a vantage point over the surrounding area.

Rahab's House in Jericho

One of the most prominent examples of a house built into city walls is found in the account of Rahab, a resident of Jericho. In Joshua 2:15, it is recorded, "Then she let them down by a rope through the window, for her house was in the wall; she lived in the wall." Rahab's house was strategically located within the wall of Jericho, allowing her to assist the Israelite spies by providing them a means of escape. This positioning not only highlights the architectural practices of the time but also underscores the providential role Rahab played in the Israelite conquest of Jericho.

Architectural and Strategic Significance

Houses built into city walls were common in ancient fortified cities. These structures were often part of the outer defense system, with walls thick enough to accommodate living spaces. The integration of residential buildings into city walls provided several advantages:

1. Defense and Security: The walls offered protection against invaders, making these houses some of the safest dwellings in the city. Residents could quickly retreat into the city or observe approaching threats from their elevated position.

2. Space Efficiency: In densely populated cities, building into the walls maximized available space. This was particularly important in cities with limited room for expansion due to geographical constraints.

3. Economic and Social Status: Living in a house built into the city wall could signify a certain level of status or importance, as these locations were often reserved for individuals with specific roles or connections within the city.

Biblical and Theological Implications

The account of Rahab and her house in the wall of Jericho carries significant theological implications. Rahab's faith and actions led to her inclusion in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, as noted in Matthew 1:5. Her account exemplifies God's grace and the inclusion of Gentiles into His redemptive plan. The physical structure of her house, built into the city wall, becomes a symbol of refuge and salvation, as it provided a means for the spies' escape and ultimately contributed to the fall of Jericho.

In summary, houses built into city walls in biblical times were not only architectural features but also played crucial roles in the narratives and theological themes of the Bible. The account of Rahab serves as a testament to the multifaceted significance of these structures in the ancient world.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 2:15
Then she let them down by a cord through the window: for her house was on the town wall, and she dwelled on the wall.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

How Solomon Fortified the City of Jerusalem, and Built Great ...
... 4. Moreover, the king built many ships in the ... and Ethiopia; [16] she was inquisitive
into philosophy, and ... was beyond measure astonished at the house which was ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how solomon fortified.htm

Psalm CXXII.
... lively stones, are built up a spiritual house;" [5430] that ... hands, that they may
be built perfect into the structure ... is the "Jerusalem that is being built as a ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxxii.htm

A Nation that was Born in a Day.
... she let them down by a rope through a window (for her house was built on the ... the
Jordan ceased to flow, and parted while they passed over into the land ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xiv a nation that.htm

Temples Built by Constantine the Great; the City Called by his ...
... He constructed another council house which they call senate; he ... the most remarkable
church was that built in a ... For some who had fallen into fearful reverses or ...
/.../chapter iii temples built by constantine.htm

The Story of Jonah.
... It was built soon after the flood, but was still at ... away from their sins, for He
could look into their hearts ... walls, and made for himself a little house of the ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiii the story of.htm

'Over against his House'
... The priests repaired every one over against his house.'. ... Bricks and mortar built
up into ecclesiastical forms are not ... to get the godless classes into any church ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/over against his house.htm

The Description of Jerusalem.
... There was also built over that cloister another tower, parted into magnificent rooms ...
This was now converted to a house, wherein Simon exercised his ...
/.../chapter 4 the description of.htm

The Girdle of the City. Nehemiah 3
... river, somewhat sloping, bends towards the north into the valley ... of David, another
pool, and the House of the ... the turning of this corner, Herod built the most ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 26 the girdle of.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... To this was joined another house that was built for his ... out of the dialect of the
Phoenicians into the Greek ... down the ancient temples, he both built the temple ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... khans, these places were open, and generally built in a ... and showing its Roman
origin"as a house of public ... the day of Herod's death (2 Shebet) into an annual ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm