Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near Eastern context, houses were typically constructed using materials such as mud bricks, stone, and wood. These materials, while practical and readily available, often left gaps and crevices within the walls. Such spaces provided ideal hiding places for various creatures, including serpents. The presence of serpents in the walls of houses is a theme that appears in biblical literature, serving as both a literal and metaphorical element.The Bible makes reference to the dangers posed by serpents in domestic settings. In the book of Amos, the prophet warns of the inescapable judgment of God, illustrating the futility of seeking refuge from divine wrath. Amos 5:19 states, "It will be as though a man fled from a lion only to encounter a bear, and though he enters his house and rests his hand against the wall, only to have a serpent bite him." This vivid imagery underscores the pervasive nature of divine judgment, suggesting that even within the perceived safety of one's home, danger can lurk unexpectedly. The construction of houses in biblical times often left them vulnerable to such intrusions. The walls, made from materials that could erode or shift over time, created an environment where serpents could easily lodge themselves. This reality would have been well-known to the original audience of the biblical texts, adding a layer of immediacy and realism to the warnings and teachings found within Scripture. In addition to their physical presence, serpents in the walls of houses also carry symbolic weight in biblical literature. Serpents are frequently associated with sin, deception, and evil, beginning with the serpent in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-5). The image of a serpent hidden within the walls of a home can thus serve as a metaphor for hidden sin or danger lurking within one's life or community. This symbolism calls believers to vigilance and spiritual discernment, urging them to root out sin and remain steadfast in their faith. The presence of serpents in the walls of houses also reflects the broader biblical theme of the fallen world. In a world marred by sin, even the most secure and familiar places can harbor threats. This reality points to the need for divine protection and guidance, as well as the ultimate hope of redemption and restoration through Jesus Christ. In summary, the biblical references to serpents lodging in the walls of houses serve as a powerful reminder of the ever-present dangers in a fallen world, both physical and spiritual. They call believers to remain vigilant, to seek God's protection, and to trust in His ultimate plan for redemption. Torrey's Topical Textbook Amos 5:19As if a man did flee from a lion, and a bear met him; or went into the house, and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library His First Residence in Germany. Ancestors of the Blessed virgin The Iranian Conquest Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers. The Greatness of the Soul, The Pilgrim's Progress Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon: Resources Summary of the Book of Exodus - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the doctrine of substitution? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about self-gratification / self-pleasure? | 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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