Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the architecture and design of houses, particularly in the regions of ancient Israel and surrounding areas, reflected the cultural and environmental needs of the people. The construction of homes was influenced by the climate, available materials, and social customs of the time. Apartments or upper rooms within these houses were often designed to be large and airy, providing comfort and functionality for their inhabitants.Structure and Design The typical house in ancient Israel was constructed with stone or mud-brick walls, and the roofs were often flat, made of wooden beams covered with a mixture of clay and straw. This design allowed for additional living space on the roof, which was used for various activities, including drying produce and social gatherings. The flat roofs also provided a place to sleep during the hot summer months, taking advantage of the cooler night air. The interior of these homes often included a central courtyard, which served as the heart of the household. This open space allowed for ventilation and light, making the living areas more comfortable. Rooms were arranged around the courtyard, and the upper rooms or apartments were accessed by an external staircase. These upper rooms were particularly valued for their privacy and the breezes they could catch, making them desirable living spaces. Biblical References The Bible provides several references to the use of upper rooms or large, airy spaces within homes. In the New Testament, the Last Supper took place in a large upper room. Luke 22:12 states, "And he will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there." This indicates that such rooms were not only spacious but also well-appointed for hosting significant gatherings. In the Old Testament, the prophet Elijah stayed in an upper room during his time with the widow of Zarephath. 1 Kings 17:19 recounts, "And Elijah said to her, 'Give me your son.' So he took him from her arms, carried him to the upper room where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed." This passage highlights the use of upper rooms as private quarters for guests or family members. Cultural and Social Significance The design of large and airy apartments within houses was not merely a matter of comfort but also reflected the social and communal aspects of life in biblical times. Homes were centers of hospitality, and the ability to host guests in spacious and comfortable surroundings was a valued trait. The architecture facilitated communal living and interaction, which were integral to the social fabric of the time. Moreover, the use of upper rooms for prayer and worship is noted in the New Testament. Acts 1:13 describes the disciples gathering in an upper room after the ascension of Jesus: "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying." This setting provided a private and serene environment for spiritual activities, away from the bustle of daily life. In summary, the design of houses in biblical times, with their large and airy apartments, was a reflection of both practical needs and cultural values. These spaces served multiple purposes, from hosting significant events to providing private quarters for rest and worship, illustrating the multifaceted role of the home in ancient society. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 22:14That said, I will build me a wide house and large chambers, and cuts him out windows; and it is paneled with cedar, and painted with vermilion. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Religion and Amusement. Removal to Stamford-Hill, and Commencement of the Fifth ... Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | 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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