Topical Bible: Grass: Often Grew on the Tops of Houses

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In biblical times, the imagery of grass growing on the rooftops is used to convey themes of transience and futility. This phenomenon is mentioned in several passages, illustrating the temporary and fleeting nature of life and human endeavors.

Biblical References:

1. Psalm 129:6 · "May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow." This verse is part of a psalm that speaks against the enemies of Israel, wishing them to be as ephemeral as grass on rooftops. The grass that grows on rooftops lacks the depth of soil needed to sustain it, causing it to wither quickly. This serves as a metaphor for the swift demise of those who oppose God's people.

2. 2 Kings 19:26 and Isaiah 37:27 · Both passages describe the inhabitants of certain cities as being "like grass on the rooftops, scorched before it grows up." These verses are part of a prophecy against the Assyrians, emphasizing their vulnerability and the ease with which they can be overcome. The grass on rooftops, exposed to the elements and lacking nourishment, symbolizes the fragility of those who stand against God's will.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel, houses were often constructed with flat roofs made of mud and clay. These rooftops would occasionally support the growth of grass and other small plants, especially during the rainy season. However, due to the shallow soil and exposure to the sun, this vegetation would quickly wither and die. The imagery of grass on rooftops would have been a familiar sight to the original audience of the biblical texts, making it a powerful symbol of impermanence.

Theological Implications:

The use of grass on rooftops as a metaphor in Scripture underscores the biblical theme of the fleeting nature of life and the futility of human efforts apart from God. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God and the ultimate futility of opposing His purposes. The imagery calls believers to place their trust in the eternal and unchanging nature of God rather than in the transient and unreliable things of this world.

Symbolism in Scripture:

Grass, in general, is often used in the Bible to symbolize the brevity of life. For instance, Isaiah 40:6-8 compares people to grass, highlighting the temporary nature of human life in contrast to the enduring word of God. The specific mention of grass on rooftops amplifies this symbolism by emphasizing the lack of foundation and support, further illustrating the concept of impermanence.

In summary, the biblical references to grass growing on the tops of houses serve as a vivid metaphor for the transitory nature of life and the futility of opposing God's will. This imagery, rooted in the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, continues to convey powerful theological truths to readers today.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 129:6
Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which wither before it grows up:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

And as She Stood Looking Towards London, Diamond Saw that She was ...
... North Wind grew towering up to the place of the clouds. ... Trees and water and green
grass hurried away beneath. ... But I'm out in the wind too often already to want ...
/.../macdonald/at the back of the north wind/chapter 4 and as she.htm

To the Rev. Andrew Brandram
... fed by a multitude of springs, [grew] more considerable ... were enjoying a delicious
siesta in the grass and shade ... hills which I have before so often mentioned; but ...
/.../borrow/letters of george borrow/to the rev andrew brandram 2.htm

Of Removing Tithes.
... So land where wood grew, and is stocked up and ... Seeds of clover, rye grass, saintfoin,
and other grass seeds, herbs ... tithes of them shall be paid as often as they ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/8 of removing tithes.htm

The Great Stone Face
... touched with his finger immediately glistened, and grew yellow, and ... Angels, as had
been so often said, seemed to ... or sat, or reclined upon the grass, as seemed ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the great stone face.htm

La Brea
... Everywhere along the road grew, seemingly wild here, that ... dropping from overhanging
vegetation, are often found partially ... eggs, white-spotted, in a grass nest. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter viii la brea.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... all sorts"the creeping Para grass {186}"which ... with verandahs, green jalousies, and
often pretty flowers ... and, to their astonishment, Isaac grew young again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Outward Bound
... as if in search of the rocks where it once grew. ... on that common sense of the heart
which often is the ... deep green of a patch of Guinea-grass marked cultivation ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter i outward bound.htm

Down the Islands
... The sea grew smooth as glass; we entered the shade of ... with bright green cane, and
guinea-grass, and pigeon ... excellent book, which I cannot too often recommend. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter ii down the islands.htm

The Cocal
... A grass drive, as we should call it in ... below high-tide mark; and killed where they
grew. ... enlarge into a roaring tideway, dangerous, often impassable, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xiii the cocal.htm

The Northern Mountains
... Soon it grew dark, and we strode on up hill and ... of this trick of poisoning is denied,
often enough. ... our way to it through the tangled dank grass and brushwood ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter xi the northern mountains.htm