The Habitations and Lives of the People in Jerusalem of Old

In the city of Jerusalem, where kings ruled and prophets walked, the daily lives of its people were woven with faith, family, and toil. The homes they built and the ways they lived reveal much about their culture, their hopes, and their devotion to the Lord.

The Houses of Jerusalem

The dwellings in ancient Jerusalem were modest yet sturdy, built to withstand the test of time and the demands of daily life. Constructed mainly of stone, these houses reflected the rocky terrain of the land. Large stones were carefully quarried and set upon one another, sometimes bound with mortar made from lime and sand.

Roofs were often flat, made from wooden beams overlaid with branches and clay, providing a place to rest beneath the stars or to dry figs and grains. The flat roof was also a place of gathering, as seen in the Scriptures: “And it came to pass, while he was yet speaking, that, behold, his wife died; and he arose and called for the Shunammite, and said unto her, ‘Is it well with thee? Is it well with thy husband? Is it well with the child?’ And she answered, ‘It is well.’” (2 Kings 4:19-20) — a passage recalling the closeness of family within these walls.

Homes were often one or two rooms, with an inner courtyard where animals were kept. A single home might shelter an extended family, with children, parents, and grandparents living under one roof.

Life Within the Walls

Daily life was a rhythm of work and worship. Men labored in the fields, tending vineyards and olive groves or working as craftsmen and merchants in the bustling city. Women prepared bread, wove cloth, and cared for the household. Children played and learned the ways of the Torah from their elders.

Water was precious and fetched from wells or the Pool of Siloam, as the Scriptures recount: “Jesus saith unto her, ‘Give me to drink.’” (John 4:7) — illustrating the vital role of water in daily life and community interaction.

Food was simple yet nourishing—bread, olives, figs, and wine were staples. Feasts were times of joy and remembrance, especially during sacred festivals like Passover and Tabernacles.

The Spirit of Jerusalem

Jerusalem was more than stone and mortar; it was the heart of faith. The Temple stood as a beacon of God’s presence, and the people’s lives revolved around its courts and sacrifices. Psalms speak of the city with love: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.” (Psalm 122:6)

Neighbors knew one another, sharing blessings and burdens. Hospitality was a sacred duty, as Abraham showed when welcoming strangers (Genesis 18).

In the stones of Jerusalem’s houses and the stories of its people, we find a vivid picture of a community rooted in faith, resilience, and hope — a city chosen and cherished by the Lord.