Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the homes and apartments of the wealthy were often adorned with rich tapestries and luxurious fabrics. These decorative elements served not only as a display of wealth and status but also as a means of insulation and comfort within the home. The use of tapestries and fine linens is mentioned in various parts of Scripture, reflecting the cultural and economic practices of the time.The book of Proverbs provides insight into the use of fine materials within the home. Proverbs 7:16 states, "I have decked my bed with coverings, with colored linens from Egypt." This verse highlights the use of imported and costly fabrics, indicating the value placed on such items. Egyptian linens were particularly prized for their quality and craftsmanship, and their presence in a home signified affluence. In the Song of Solomon, the opulence of the beloved's dwelling is described with imagery that suggests the use of luxurious materials. Song of Solomon 1:5 mentions, "I am dark yet lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon." The reference to "curtains of Solomon" suggests a comparison to the rich and splendid hangings associated with King Solomon's reign, known for its wealth and grandeur. The prophet Isaiah also alludes to the use of fine fabrics in the context of judgment against the pride of Jerusalem. Isaiah 3:23 lists "fine linen and turbans and shawls" among the items that will be taken away, indicating their association with luxury and excess. In the New Testament, the opulence of certain homes is implied in the parables and teachings of Jesus. For instance, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man is described as one who "was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day" (Luke 16:19). The mention of "fine linen" underscores the wealth and indulgence of the rich man's lifestyle. The use of tapestries and fine fabrics in biblical homes was not merely for aesthetic purposes but also served practical functions. These materials provided insulation against the elements, added privacy, and contributed to the overall comfort of the household. The presence of such items in a home was a testament to the owner's social standing and economic prosperity. Throughout Scripture, the depiction of homes adorned with rich tapestries serves as a reflection of the broader cultural and economic context of the biblical world. These references provide insight into the values and priorities of ancient societies, where the beauty and quality of one's home were seen as extensions of personal and familial honor. Torrey's Topical Textbook Esther 1:6Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources Is it wrong to live in nice houses (Haggai 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | GotQuestions.org Houses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Houses in Cities, Built in Streets Houses of Brick or Clay: Easily Broken Through Houses of Brick or Clay: Often Swept Away by Torrents Houses of Brick or Clay: Plastered Houses of Criminals, Desolated Houses: (Building of) of Great Prosperity Houses: (Built and not Inhabited) of Calamity Houses: (Insecurity of) of Earthly Trust Houses: (On a Rock) the Hope of Saints Houses: (On Sand) the Delusive Hope of Hypocrites Houses: (To Inhabit Those, Built by Others) Abundant Feelings Houses: Accessible from the Outside Houses: Admission To, Gained by Knocking at the Door Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Ceiled and Painted Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Hung With Rich Tapestries Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Inlaid With Ivory Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Large and Airy Houses: Apartments of, Were often: Warmed With Fires Houses: Built of Hewn or Cut Stone Houses: Built of Stone and Wood Houses: Custom of Fastening Nails, in Walls of, Alluded To Houses: Deep and Solid Foundations Required For Houses: Desolation of, Threatened As a Punishment Houses: Divided Into Apartments Houses: Doors of, How Fastened Houses: Doors of, Low and Small for Safety Houses: Entered by a Gate or Door Houses: had often Detached Apartments for Secrecy and for Strangers Houses: had often Several Stories Houses: Law Respecting the Sale of Houses: Often Broken Down to Repair City Walls Before Sieges Houses: Often Built on City Walls Houses: Serpents often Lodged in Walls of Houses: Sometimes Built Without Foundation Houses: Street Windows of, High and Dangerous Houses: The Courts of, Large and Used As Apartments Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Booths on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of had often Idolatrous Altars on Them Houses: The Flat Roofs of Often Covered With Week Grass Houses: The Flat Roofs of Resorted to in Grief Houses: The Flat Roofs of Surrounded With Battlements Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Devotion Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Drying Flax Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Exercise Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Making Proclamations Houses: The Flat Roofs of Used for Secret Conference Houses: Upper Apartments of, the Best, and Used for Entertainments Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated Related Terms |
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