Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the selling of houses is often associated with economic transactions, social justice, and divine laws. The concept of selling houses is addressed in various passages, reflecting the socio-economic realities of ancient Israel and the broader biblical narrative.Levitical Law and Jubilee The Mosaic Law provided specific regulations regarding the sale of houses, particularly in Leviticus 25. The Year of Jubilee, occurring every 50th year, was a time when properties, including houses, were to be returned to their original owners. This law ensured that the land and homes remained within the ancestral family, preventing permanent loss due to economic hardship. Leviticus 25:29-31 states, "If a man sells a house in a walled city, his right of redemption shall last a full year after its sale; his right of redemption shall be a year. If it is not redeemed by the end of a full year, then the house in the walled city shall belong permanently to the buyer and his descendants. It shall not be released in the Jubilee. But houses in villages without walls around them shall be considered as open fields; they can be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee." Prophetic Context The prophets also addressed the issue of selling houses, often in the context of social injustice. In Isaiah 5:8 , the prophet condemns those who accumulate houses at the expense of others: "Woe to you who add house to house and join field to field, until no place is left and you live alone in the land." This passage highlights the greed and exploitation that can accompany the acquisition of property, warning against the concentration of wealth and the neglect of communal welfare. New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the early Christian community demonstrated a radical approach to property and possessions. Acts 4:34-35 describes how believers sold their houses and lands to support those in need: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This practice reflects the communal and sacrificial spirit of the early church, emphasizing the priority of meeting the needs of the community over personal wealth. Economic and Social Implications The selling of houses in biblical times was not merely a financial transaction but carried significant social and spiritual implications. It was a means of survival for some, a demonstration of faith and community for others, and a potential source of injustice when misused. The biblical narrative consistently calls for fairness, compassion, and adherence to divine principles in all economic dealings, including the sale of houses. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 4:34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library How Caesar Raised Banks Round About the Upper City [Mount Zion] ... Whether the Judicial Precepts were Suitably Framed as to the ... Several Laws. Lii. Concerning Hypocrisy, Worldly Anxiety, Watchfulness, and his ... Of the Life in Common, and of the Reason Why the Church Has Begun ... Philo's Account of the Ascetics of Egypt. To the Rev. A. Brandram Acts IV The Foundlings Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author, 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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