Topical Bible: House: Built of Wood

◄ House: Built of Wood ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, houses constructed of wood were less common than those made of stone or mud bricks, particularly in the regions of Israel and surrounding areas where stone was more readily available. However, wood was still an important material in the construction of various structures, including elements of houses, due to its availability and versatility.

Biblical References and Context

The use of wood in construction is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible. One of the most notable references is the construction of Solomon's Temple, which, while primarily built of stone, incorporated significant amounts of wood. In 1 Kings 6:9, it is recorded, "So he built the house and finished it, and he covered the house with beams and boards of cedar." This indicates the use of cedar wood, a prized material for its durability and pleasant aroma, in the construction of the temple's roof and interior.

Another significant mention of wood in construction is found in the building of the palace of Solomon. In 1 Kings 7:2-3, it is described, "He built the House of the Forest of Lebanon; its length was a hundred cubits, its width fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits, with four rows of cedar pillars and cedar beams upon the pillars." This passage highlights the extensive use of cedar wood, which was imported from Lebanon, a region renowned for its quality timber.

Symbolism and Significance

Wood, particularly cedar, held symbolic significance in the biblical narrative. It was often associated with strength, beauty, and longevity. The use of cedar in sacred and royal buildings underscored the importance and sanctity of these structures. The choice of wood for certain elements of construction also reflected the wealth and resources available to the builders, as importing wood from regions like Lebanon required significant investment and effort.

Practical Considerations

While wood was a valuable resource, its use in house construction was often limited by practical considerations. The arid climate of the Near East made stone a more durable and fire-resistant choice for primary construction. However, wood was frequently used for roofs, doors, and interior paneling, where its lighter weight and ease of shaping were advantageous.

In addition to cedar, other types of wood mentioned in the Bible include cypress and olive wood. For example, in 1 Kings 6:15, it is noted that Solomon "lined the walls of the house on the inside with boards of cedar; from the floor of the house to the ceiling, he covered them on the inside with wood, and he covered the floor of the house with boards of cypress."

Cultural and Historical Insights

The use of wood in biblical architecture provides insights into the cultural and economic exchanges of the time. The procurement of timber from Lebanon and other regions indicates a network of trade and diplomacy. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and trade expertise, played a crucial role in supplying timber to Israel, as seen in the alliance between King Solomon and King Hiram of Tyre (1 Kings 5:8-10).

In summary, while houses built entirely of wood were not the norm in biblical Israel, wood played a crucial role in the construction of significant buildings and elements within houses. Its use reflects both the practical needs and the symbolic meanings attributed to this versatile material in the biblical narrative.

Nave's Topical Index

Songs 1:17
The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters of fir.
Nave's Topical Index

Isaiah 9:10
The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycomores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether Venial Sins are Suitably Designated as "Wood, Hay, and ...
... of the house, and can be burnt, while the house is saved ... 1: Venial sins are not said
to be built upon the ... It is not said that everyone who builds wood, hay and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether venial sins are suitably.htm

The Building of the Golden House.
... in stone and wood that when the temple was built there was ... fit into its place, and
each piece of wood to fit ... The house was not like any that we have ever seen. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxvi the building of.htm

How Solomon Built Himself a Royal Palace, Very Costly and Splendid ...
... To this was joined another house that was built for ... He, moreover, built other edifices
for pleasure; as also ... entirely of white stone, and cedar wood, and gold ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 5 how solomon built.htm

Psalm XCVI.
... But he who buildeth a house, rooteth up the wood; and for this reason it was said,
"While the house was being built, after the captivity." [4428] For men were ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xcvi.htm

His First School. The School-House. The Teacher. The Order of ...
... Stones laid with mud mortar were built in this corner, extending several feet each
way, and wood nearly as long as the breadth of the house would be filled in. ...
/.../chapter ii his first school.htm

That Haggai's Prophecy, in which He Said that the Glory of the ...
... of God is more glorious than that first one which was constructed of wood and stone ...
as to be cast out from the feast, but would point out the house built up of ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 48 that haggais prophecy in.htm

The Temple of Solomon did not Take Forty-Six Years to Build. With ...
... of many kinds, and all sorts of precious wood, and a ... such supplies [5112] I prepared
for the house of the ... the temple spoken of was not that built by Solomon ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/22 the temple of solomon.htm

A Methodist Isaac Newton
... Meantime, many large flakes of fire were continually flying about the house; all
the upper part of which was built of wood, which was nearly as dry as tinder. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/a methodist isaac newton.htm

No House of any Pretension to be Called a Palace is in the Least ...
... Here she had a little rustic house built for her, and here she mostly resided. ... but
at last she got into the way of retreating further into the wood every night ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 28 no house of.htm

Every Inch a King.
... enemies, built cities, made leagues with friendly nations, gathered much wealth
of wood, and stone, and gold, and silver and precious stones for the house of ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxiii every inch a.htm