Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ROOF

In biblical times, roofs were usually flat and used for many domestic activities. Roofs were built upon lintels and beams made of wood or stone; wooden poles were placed across these supports and then covered with mud and other organic materials. Roof-rollers are known in the Middle East today, and stone examples have been found in archaeological contexts; they are used to flatten the mud and further protect the building from rain.

In ancient Israel guest quarters were built on roofs (2 Kgs. 4:10), and families often slept on their roof (1 Sam. 9:25). People engaged in mourning on their roofs (Isa. 15:3; 22:1), and worshipped and offered sacrifices there as well (Jer. 19:13; 32:29; Zeph. 1:5). Excavations at the site of Ashkelon uncovered a small incense altar found above preserved roof remains. Josh. 2:6 suggests that foodstuffs and other agricultural products were dried and processed on roofs, a practice still common in the Middle East. Deut. 22:8 demands the construction of parapets around house roofs, recognizing the potential danger of these well-used areas.

Jennie R. Ebeling

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

ROOF

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)