Building

In Genesis 11:3,9 , we have the first recorded instance of the erection of buildings. The cities of the plain of Shinar were founded by the descendants of Shem (10:11,12,22).

The Israelites were by occupation shepherds and dwellers in tents (Genesis 47:3 ); but from the time of their entering Canaan they became dwellers in towns, and in houses built of the native limestone of Palestine. Much building was carried on in Solomon's time. Besides the buildings he completed at Jerusalem, he also built Baalath and Tadmor (1 Kings 9:15,24 ). Many of the kings of Israel and Judah were engaged in erecting various buildings.

Herod and his sons and successors restored the temple, and built fortifications and other structures of great magnificence in Jerusalem (Luke 21:5 ).

The instruments used in building are mentioned as the plumb-line (Amos 7:7 ), the measuring-reed (Ezekiel 40:3 ), and the saw (1 Kings 7:9 ).

Believers are "God's building" (1 Corinthians 3:9 ); and heaven is called "a building of God" (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 ).