Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, the construction and layout of houses within city streets held significant cultural and theological implications. The Bible provides various references to urban dwellings, reflecting the social, economic, and spiritual life of the inhabitants.Urban Architecture and Social Structure Houses in ancient cities were often built closely together, forming narrow streets and alleys. This compact design was not only a practical response to limited space within city walls but also a reflection of communal living. The proximity of homes facilitated social interaction and mutual support among neighbors, which was essential for survival and community cohesion. The architecture of these houses typically included a central courtyard, which served as the heart of family life. This open space provided light and ventilation and was used for various domestic activities. The Bible alludes to such settings in passages like 2 Kings 4:10, where the Shunammite woman prepares a room for Elisha, indicating the presence of upper rooms or chambers in some homes. Biblical References and Symbolism The Bible frequently uses the imagery of houses and streets to convey spiritual truths and moral lessons. In the prophetic literature, the state of urban dwellings often symbolizes the spiritual condition of the people. For instance, in Isaiah 5:8, the prophet condemns those who "join house to house and field to field," highlighting issues of greed and social injustice. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of houses built on different foundations to teach about wisdom and obedience. In Matthew 7:24-27 , He contrasts the wise man who builds his house on the rock with the foolish man who builds on sand, illustrating the importance of a solid spiritual foundation. Cultural and Economic Aspects Houses in city streets were not only residences but also places of business and trade. The Bible mentions various occupations conducted from home, such as weaving, baking, and pottery. Proverbs 31:16-24 describes the industrious woman who engages in commerce and manages her household, reflecting the economic role of urban homes. The presence of city gates and streets also facilitated trade and legal transactions. Ruth 4:1-11 describes Boaz conducting legal business at the city gate, a common practice in ancient cities where elders and leaders gathered to make decisions and settle disputes. Spiritual and Eschatological Significance In eschatological visions, the Bible portrays the transformation of urban spaces as part of God's redemptive plan. The New Jerusalem, described in Revelation 21:2 , is depicted as a city with streets of gold, symbolizing purity and divine glory. This imagery contrasts with the often chaotic and morally compromised nature of earthly cities, offering a vision of hope and restoration. Throughout Scripture, the concept of houses in city streets serves as a powerful metaphor for community, faith, and the human condition. Whether through the practical aspects of daily life or the profound spiritual lessons they convey, these urban dwellings provide a rich tapestry of meaning within the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 19:2And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night. Torrey's Topical Textbook Joshua 2:19 Library Jewish Homes Sacred Places. Six Cities The City of Benares. The "Little Knife" Insurrection The Conquest of Babylon. In Jerusalem when Herod Reigned 'the Angel Adjutant' Jerusalem His Unconscious Preparation for his Work 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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