Houses and Pastureland
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In biblical times, houses and pastureland held significant importance in the daily lives and spiritual practices of the Israelites. These elements are frequently mentioned throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their role in the socio-economic and religious fabric of ancient Israel.

Houses

Houses in biblical times were more than mere shelters; they were central to family life and community identity. The construction and ownership of a house were often seen as a sign of stability and blessing. In Deuteronomy 6:10-11 , God promises the Israelites that they will inhabit "houses full of every good thing" as part of the blessings of the Promised Land. This promise underscores the house as a symbol of divine provision and fulfillment of God's covenant.

The architecture of houses varied, but they typically included features such as a flat roof, which was used for various activities, including prayer and relaxation (2 Samuel 11:2). The roof also served as a place of refuge and meditation, as seen in the account of Rahab, who hid the spies on her roof (Joshua 2:6).

Houses were also places of worship and teaching. In the New Testament, the early church often met in homes, reflecting the intimate and communal nature of early Christian worship (Acts 2:46). The household was a microcosm of the larger community, where faith was nurtured and passed down through generations.

Pastureland

Pastureland, or grazing land, was vital for the agrarian society of ancient Israel. It provided sustenance for livestock, which were essential for food, clothing, and religious sacrifices. The allocation and use of pastureland were governed by laws that ensured fair distribution and prevented overuse, reflecting a divine mandate for stewardship of the land.

In Numbers 35:2-3 , God commands the Israelites to allocate pasturelands around the Levitical cities, ensuring that the Levites, who had no inheritance of their own, could sustain their livestock. This provision highlights the importance of pastureland in maintaining the livelihood of the priestly class and supporting the sacrificial system.

The imagery of pastureland is also rich in spiritual symbolism. Psalm 23:1-2 famously portrays the Lord as a shepherd who "makes me lie down in green pastures," symbolizing peace, provision, and divine care. This pastoral imagery is echoed in the New Testament, where Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd who provides for His flock (John 10:11).

Pastureland also served as a metaphor for spiritual nourishment and growth. The prophets often used the imagery of sheep and shepherds to convey messages of guidance, protection, and divine judgment (Ezekiel 34:14). The health of the pastureland was seen as a reflection of the nation's spiritual health and obedience to God's commandments.

In summary, houses and pastureland in the Bible are not only physical necessities but also carry deep spiritual and symbolic meanings. They represent God's provision, the importance of community and family, and the call to stewardship and faithful living.
Subtopics

Houses

Houses for Summer Residence

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 of Saints' Inheritance

Houses of the Body

Houses of the Church

Houses of the Grave

Houses of the Rich: Goodly

Houses of the Rich: Great

Houses of the Rich: Pleasant

Houses were Hired

Houses were Mortgaged

Houses were Sold

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: Antiquity of

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 Bricks

Houses: Built of Clay

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: Liable to Leprosy

Houses: Lighted by Windows

Houses: Not to be Coveted

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: Walls of, Plastered

Houses: when Finished Were Usually Dedicated

Renting: Houses

Related Terms

Reopened (1 Occurrence)

Rented (4 Occurrences)

Deckest (1 Occurrence)

Paint (3 Occurrences)

Painting (5 Occurrences)

Crimson (10 Occurrences)

Clothest (1 Occurrence)

Shade (67 Occurrences)

Houses and Mansions
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