464. Dwelling on the House Top

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Proverbs 21:99It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house. (Proverbs 21:9). It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman in a wide house.
See also Proverbs 25: 24.
It is customary to build on the flat roofs of Eastern houses arbors, or booths (called “tabernacles” in Matt. 17:44Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias. (Matthew 17:4)) for the purpose of resting from the heat of the day during the summer. They are also occupied as sleeping-chambers at night. Some suppose that Saul slept in a place of this sort, though he may have slept on the open roof. See 1 Samuel 9:25-2625And when they were come down from the high place into the city, Samuel communed with Saul upon the top of the house. 26And they arose early: and it came to pass about the spring of the day, that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, Up, that I may send thee away. And Saul arose, and they went out both of them, he and Samuel, abroad. (1 Samuel 9:25‑26). These temporary structures serve an excellent purpose at the season of the year for which they are specially designed, but as a place in which to “dwell” permanently they are, of course, very undesirable. The rain and cold would soon drive the inhabitants from them. Yet in the estimation of the wise man, a cheerless spot like this is preferable as a place of residence to a large house with plenty of room and all conveniences, provided “a brawling woman” is in it!