Window

Windows in ancient Palestinian houses were typically small, high openings designed for ventilation and light while providing security and privacy. They might be closed with latticed screens, wooden shutters, or simple coverings. Several biblical windows are notable: Rahab hung a scarlet cord from her window as a sign for the Israelite spies, and her house built into the city wall had a window that allowed them to escape by rope (Joshua 2:15, 18, 21). Michal let David down through a window to escape from Saul's men (1 Samuel 19:12). Ahaziah fell through "a lattice in his upper chamber" (2 Kings 1:2). At Troas, Eutychus fell asleep in a window and fell from the third floor while Paul was preaching (Acts 20:9). Paul himself was let down from a window in Damascus in a basket to escape the governor's soldiers (2 Corinthians 11:33). The upper windows of Solomon's temple admitted light to the inner rooms (1 Kings 6:4). Windows also appear metaphorically: Malachi 3:10 promises God will "open the windows of heaven" with blessing for those who bring the full tithe.