Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the structure and function of houses often reflected the social and cultural practices of the period. One notable feature of some homes was the inclusion of detached apartments or separate quarters, which served specific purposes such as maintaining secrecy or providing accommodation for strangers.Secrecy and Privacy The need for secrecy and privacy in ancient homes is evident in several biblical narratives. For instance, in the account of Rahab in the Book of Joshua, we see an example of how separate spaces within a house could be used for concealment. Rahab, who lived in Jericho, hid the Israelite spies on her roof, which was a separate area of her house (Joshua 2:6). This indicates that homes were designed with areas that could be used to keep certain activities hidden from public view. Similarly, in 2 Kings 4:10, the Shunammite woman provides the prophet Elisha with a small, furnished upper room, separate from the main living quarters. This room was specifically prepared for Elisha's visits, offering him privacy and a place to retreat. The text states, "Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then whenever he comes to us, he can stay there" (2 Kings 4:10). This separate space highlights the practice of creating private areas within a household. Accommodation for Strangers The cultural importance of hospitality in the ancient Near East is well-documented in the Bible. Detached apartments or separate quarters within a house were often used to accommodate travelers or strangers, reflecting the high value placed on hospitality. In Genesis 18, Abraham provides hospitality to three visitors by offering them rest and refreshment under a tree, separate from his main dwelling (Genesis 18:4-5). While this account does not explicitly mention a detached apartment, it illustrates the practice of setting aside space for guests. In the New Testament, the practice of hospitality is further emphasized. In Acts 10, Peter stays at the house of Simon the tanner in Joppa, where he is provided with a place to stay. The text notes, "Peter stayed for several days with a tanner named Simon" (Acts 10:6). This suggests that Simon's house had accommodations for guests, which would have been separate from the family's private living areas. Architectural Considerations The architecture of ancient houses often included features that facilitated the use of detached apartments. Homes were typically built with multiple levels, and the upper rooms or roofs could serve as separate spaces. These areas were accessible by external staircases, allowing for independent access without disturbing the main household activities. This design not only provided privacy but also allowed for the accommodation of guests without compromising the family's daily life. In summary, the use of detached apartments or separate quarters in biblical houses served practical purposes, such as maintaining secrecy and providing hospitality to strangers. These architectural features reflect the cultural values and social practices of the time, as seen in various biblical accounts. Torrey's Topical Textbook Judges 3:20-23And Ehud came to him; and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone. And Ehud said, I have a message from God to you. And he arose out of his seat. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Kings 4:10,11 2 Kings 9:2,3 Resources Is it wrong to live in nice houses (Haggai 1:4)? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to a haunted house? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to worship the starry host or the host of the heavens (Zephaniah 1:5)? | 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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