Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and design of houses were influenced by the cultural, geographical, and climatic conditions of the region. One notable feature of ancient dwellings was the use of windows to provide light and ventilation. The presence and function of windows in biblical narratives offer insights into the daily life and architectural practices of the period.Biblical References and Context Windows are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, often highlighting their practical and symbolic significance. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for window, "חַלּוֹן" (chalón), appears in various contexts. For instance, in the account of Noah's Ark, God instructs Noah to make a window for the ark: "You are to make a roof for the ark, finish its walls to within a cubit of the top, and put a door in the side of the ark" (Genesis 6:16). This window served as a source of light and a means to observe the receding waters. In the narrative of Rahab in Jericho, windows play a crucial role. Rahab uses a window to lower the Israelite spies to safety: "Then she let them down by a rope through the window, since the house where she lived was built into the wall of the city" (Joshua 2:15). This account illustrates the strategic placement of windows in city walls, providing both light and a means of escape. The account of Eutychus in the New Testament also emphasizes the presence of windows in early Christian gatherings. In Acts 20:9, it is recorded: "And a certain young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. Overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third account and was picked up dead" . This incident underscores the use of upper-story windows in multi-level homes or meeting places, which were common in urban settings. Architectural and Symbolic Significance Windows in ancient Israelite homes were typically small and placed high on the walls to provide privacy and security while allowing light and air to enter. The design of these windows varied, with some being simple openings and others having latticework or shutters. The strategic placement of windows was essential for maximizing natural light, especially in regions with limited daylight during certain seasons. Symbolically, windows in the Bible can represent revelation, insight, and divine intervention. The act of looking out or through a window often signifies a moment of reflection or anticipation of God's actions. For example, in the Song of Solomon, the beloved peers through the lattice, symbolizing the longing and anticipation of love: "My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, he stands behind our wall, gazing through the windows, peering through the lattice" (Song of Solomon 2:9). Cultural and Historical Insights The use of windows in biblical times reflects broader cultural and historical practices. In ancient Near Eastern architecture, windows were not only functional but also served as a means of communication and interaction with the outside world. They allowed inhabitants to observe their surroundings, participate in public life, and engage with neighbors and passersby. In summary, windows in biblical houses were essential for providing light and ventilation, serving practical, strategic, and symbolic purposes. Their presence in biblical narratives offers a glimpse into the daily lives and spiritual reflections of the people of that era, highlighting the interplay between the physical and the divine in the architecture of ancient homes. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 7:4And there were windows in three rows, and light was against light in three ranks. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Fear Felt by the Inhabitants of Jerusalem. A Prince's Bride The Little Match Girl The Tomb of the Pharaoh Jacob Boehme: his Life and Spirit Of the Name of God The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements. From a Hindu Point of view Acts of the Holy Apostle Thomas, when He came into India, and ... The Life Story of Pastor Wang 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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