The interiors of Oriental houses of the better class are often of a splendid character. The ceilings, panels, and doors are richly painted and gilded. Special pains are taken to ornament the ceilings. Tasteful interlaced patterns are used, often painted brilliant colors red, blue, gold, and green, being the favorites.
The prophet represents here the general luxuriance of the people, and the dishonesty which sometimes accompanied it. See verse 13. In another prophecy we read: “Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your celled houses, and this house lie waste?” (Hag. 1: 4).