Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and maintenance of houses were significant aspects of daily life, reflecting both practical needs and spiritual symbolism. The walls of houses, often plastered, are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, providing insight into ancient building practices and their theological implications.Construction and Maintenance The plastering of walls was a common practice in ancient Israelite architecture. Plaster served both functional and aesthetic purposes, offering protection against the elements and providing a smooth, clean surface. In Leviticus 14:33-53, the process of dealing with mold or mildew in a house is described, highlighting the importance of maintaining the integrity of plastered walls. The passage outlines the priestly inspection and the necessary steps to purify a house, including the removal and replacement of affected stones and the replastering of walls: "If the mildew reappears in the house after the stones have been torn out and the house has been scraped and replastered, the priest is to go in and examine it. If the mildew has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew; the house is unclean" (Leviticus 14:43-44). This meticulous process underscores the significance of cleanliness and purity in the dwelling places of God's people. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons The plastering of walls also carries symbolic meaning in the biblical narrative. In Ezekiel 13:10-16, false prophets are compared to those who whitewash flimsy walls, creating a facade of security and stability that ultimately fails. The Lord declares: "Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and because when a flimsy wall is built, they plaster it with whitewash, tell those who plaster it with whitewash that it will fall. There will be a deluge of rain, and I will send hailstones plunging down, and a windstorm will burst forth" (Ezekiel 13:10-11). This passage serves as a warning against superficiality and deceit, emphasizing the need for genuine faith and integrity. Cultural and Historical Context In the broader cultural and historical context, plastered walls were a feature of both modest homes and more elaborate structures. Archaeological findings from the ancient Near East reveal that plaster was used extensively in domestic and public buildings, indicating a widespread understanding of its benefits. The use of plaster in biblical times reflects a continuity of building practices that prioritized durability and cleanliness. Conclusion The biblical references to plastered walls in houses provide a window into the daily lives of the Israelites, as well as offering deeper spiritual lessons. Through the practical instructions in Leviticus and the prophetic imagery in Ezekiel, the Scriptures convey the importance of maintaining both physical and spiritual integrity in the homes of God's people. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ezekiel 13:10Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, see, others daubed it with untempered mortar: Torrey's Topical Textbook Daniel 5:5 Library Naparima and Montserrat The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty --(Continued) A Discourse Church Fabrics and Services. On the Soul and the Resurrection. Resources What is the significance of the walls of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org Who was Nehemiah 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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