Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, the construction of houses often involved materials such as mud bricks or clay, which were relatively easy to penetrate. This characteristic of ancient architecture is reflected in several biblical passages, highlighting both the vulnerability and the practical realities of life during biblical times.The prophet Ezekiel provides a vivid illustration of this concept. In Ezekiel 12:5, the prophet is instructed by God to "dig through the wall in their sight and carry your belongings out through it." This act was a symbolic demonstration of the impending exile of the Israelites, emphasizing the ease with which the walls could be breached, symbolizing the inevitability of their capture and removal from the land. Similarly, in Job 24:16, the ease of breaking through walls is associated with the actions of the wicked: "In the dark they dig through houses; by day they shut themselves in, never to experience the light." This passage underscores the clandestine activities of those who exploit the vulnerabilities of others, using the cover of darkness to carry out their deeds. The Gospel of Matthew also alludes to the susceptibility of house walls in the context of theft. In Matthew 6:19, Jesus warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal." The phrase "break in" is translated from the Greek word "diorussō," which literally means "to dig through," indicating the method by which thieves would penetrate the walls of houses to access valuables. These references collectively highlight the practical and metaphorical significance of house walls in biblical literature. The ease with which walls could be dug through serves as a metaphor for vulnerability, whether it be the physical vulnerability of a dwelling or the spiritual and moral vulnerabilities of individuals and communities. The biblical narrative uses this imagery to convey messages of caution, judgment, and the transient nature of earthly security. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 49:6O my soul, come not you into their secret; to their assembly, my honor, be not you united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their self-will they dig down a wall. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 8:7,8 Ezekiel 12:5 Library Concerning the Sabbatic River which Titus Saw as He was Journeying ... The Conquest of Babylon. Concerning Masada and those Sicarii who Kept It; and How Silva ... The Description of Jerusalem. Christian Churches. A Sedition against Sabinus; and How Varus Brought the Authors of ... Christian Cemeteries. Pagan Cemeteries. Pagan Shrines and Temples. The Presentation of the Blessed virgin in the Temple Resources Where was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was Herod's temple? | GotQuestions.org Who was Artaxerxes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics of the Cities Walls of Babylon of the Cities Walls of Bashan, Destroyed by the Israelites of the Cities Walls of Beth-Shan of the Cities Walls of Jericho of the Cities Walls of the New Jerusalem of the Cities Walls: Houses Built Upon Walls of Cities were Battered by Besieging Armies Walls of Cities were Broad and Places of Public Resort Walls of Cities were Strongly Manned in War Walls of Cities: Adroitness of Soldiers in Scaling Alluded To Walls of Cities: Custom of Dedicating Walls of Cities: Danger of Approaching Too Near To, in Time of War Walls of Cities: Destruction of, a Punishment and Cause of Grief Walls of Cities: Frequently Laid in Ruins Walls of Cities: had Towers Built on Them Walls of Cities: Houses often Built On Walls of Cities: Houses Sometimes Broken Down to Repair, and Fortify Walls of Cities: Idolatrous Rites Performed On Walls of Cities: Kept by Watchmen Night and Day Walls of Cities: Often Very High Walls of Cities: Persons Let Down From Walls of Cities: Sometimes Burned Walls of Cities: Strongly Fortified Walls of Cities: The Bodies of Enemies Sometimes Fastened On, As a Disgrace Walls of Cities: The Falling of, Sometimes Occasioned Great Destruction Walls of Houses: Could be Easily Dug Through Walls of Houses: had Nails or Pegs Fastened Into Them when Built Walls of Houses: Liable to Leprosy Walls of Houses: Often Infested With Serpents Walls of Houses: The Seat Next, Was the Place of Distinction Walls of Houses: Usually Plastered Walls of Ordinances As a Protection to the Church Walls of the Church As a Protection to the Nation Walls of the Protection of God Walls of the Wealth of the Rich in his own Conceit Walls of Those Who Afford Protection Walls were Probably often Strengthened With Plates of Iron or Brass Walls: (Bowing or Tottering) of the Wicked Under Judgments Walls: (Brazen) of Prophets in Their Testimony Against the Wicked Walls: (Daubed With Untempered Mortar) of the Teaching of False Walls: (Of Partition) Separation of Jews and Gentiles Walls: Designed for Separation Walls: Frequently Made of Stone and Wood Together Walls: Hyssop Frequently Grew On Walls: Miracles Connected With: Falling of the Walls of Jericho Walls: Miracles Connected With: Handwriting on the Wall of Belshazzar's Palace Walls: Small Towns and Villages Were not Surrounded By Related Terms |
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