Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the desolation of houses is frequently depicted as a divine punishment for disobedience, idolatry, and moral corruption. This theme is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting judgment upon the people and their dwellings.Old Testament References The concept of desolation as a divine retribution is prominently featured in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophets often warned Israel and Judah of impending judgment due to their unfaithfulness. One of the most vivid portrayals is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet declares, "Your houses will be abandoned and left desolate" (Isaiah 6:11). This desolation is a direct result of the people's persistent rebellion against God. Similarly, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the desolation that will come upon the land as a consequence of the nation's sins. In Jeremiah 25:9, God warns, "I will summon all the families of the north... and I will bring them against this land and its inhabitants and against all the surrounding nations. I will completely destroy them and make them an object of horror and scorn, an everlasting desolation" . The desolation of houses is part of the broader devastation that accompanies divine judgment. The book of Ezekiel also addresses this theme, particularly in the context of the Babylonian exile. Ezekiel 33:27 states, "Thus you are to say to them: ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: As surely as I live, those who are in the ruins will fall by the sword, those in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured, and those in the strongholds and caves will die by plague’" . The desolation of houses is a tangible sign of God's judgment upon a disobedient people. New Testament Context While the New Testament does not focus as heavily on the physical desolation of houses, the theme of divine judgment remains. Jesus Himself warns of the consequences of rejecting His message. In Matthew 23:38, He laments over Jerusalem, saying, "Look, your house is left to you desolate" . This pronouncement is a reflection of the spiritual desolation that results from rejecting the Messiah. Theological Implications The desolation of houses as a punishment underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and disobedience. It serves as a stark reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people, where blessings are contingent upon faithfulness, and curses follow rebellion. The physical desolation of homes symbolizes the broader spiritual desolation that occurs when individuals and nations turn away from God. Throughout Scripture, the desolation of houses is not merely a historical event but a theological motif that calls believers to repentance and faithfulness. It highlights the importance of aligning one's life with God's will to avoid the dire consequences of spiritual and physical desolation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 5:9In my ears said the LORD of hosts, Of a truth many houses shall be desolate, even great and fair, without inhabitant. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 13:16,21,22 Ezekiel 16:41 Ezekiel 26:12 Library On the Holy Martyr, S. Babylas. The Prophet Joel. "The Time of Trouble. " The Time of Trouble Jesus in the Garden of Olives. Palestine under Pagan Kings. The Prophet Hosea. The Wars of the Jews or History of the Destruction of Jerusalem The Hebrew Prophecies. The Third Continental Journey. Resources What is a house blessing? Is a house blessing biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs a house dedication a biblical concept? | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | 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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