Ancient Israelite Family Compounds

Ancient Israelite family compounds were called “Father’s House” (Bet Ab). A Bet Ab consisted of several houses belonging to the same family and a communal space, with each house inhabited by a single family. Each family had its own land, but all families were subject to the same patriarch. The Bet Ab was the foundational unit of ancient Israelite society, potentially housing several generations together, including the patriarch and his wife, sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, unmarried children, servants, hired workers, resident guests, widows, and orphans. Among these, hired workers and resident guests were considered “outsiders.” Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2). This means that He was betrothing the church as His bride, and then going back to His “Father’s House” to prepare and build a new home, ready to welcome His bride.