Building among the Jews was suited to the climate and conditions of the country. They probably adopted the kind of architecture for theirdwellings which they found already existing when they enteredCanaan (Deuteronomy 6:10; Numbers 13:19).
Phoenician artists (2 Samuel 5:11; 1 Kings 5:6; 1 Kings 5:18) assisted at the erection of theroyalpalace and thetemple atJerusalem.Foreigners also assisted at the restoration of the temple after theExile (Ezra 3:7).
In Genesis 11:3; 11:9, we have the first recorded instance of the erection of buildings. Thecities of the plain ofShinar were founded by the descendants ofShem (Gen. 10:11-12; Gen. 10:22).
The Israelites were by occupationshepherds and dwellers intents (Genesis 47:3); but from the time of their enteringCanaan they became dwellers in towns, and in houses built of the native limestone of Israel.
Much building was carried on inSolomon’s time. Besides the buildings he completed atJerusalem, he also builtBaalath andTadmor (1 Kings 9:15;, 1 Kings 9:24). Many of thekings of Israel and Judah were engaged in erecting various buildings.
Herod the Great and his sons and successorsrestored the temple, and built fortifications and other structures of great magnificence inJerusalem (Luke 21:5).
The instruments used in building are mentioned as the plumb-line (Amos 7:7), themeasuring-reed (Ezek. 40:3), and the saw (1 Kings 7:9).
Believers are “God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9); and heaven is called “a building ofGod” (2 Corinthians 5:1). Christ is the only foundation of his church (1 Corinthians 3:10-12), of which he also is the builder (Matthew 16:18).
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