Continuing to instruct his disciples, Jesus advises them to declare what they have been taught in public. Unlike the secretive methods the zealots incorporated to conspire against Rome and their oppressive measures in the land, Jesus tells his followers that they should speak freely and frankly about all they have learned, and call out Rome when necessary.
The warm climate in Israel, and the small number of annual rainy days (no more than 50 on average), led to houses being built with flat roofs, unlike housing in northern countries with their steep and gabled roofs that drain off the excessive rainwaters, snow and ice. The flat rooftops were either paved with stones or with a mixture of earth and stones, which had to be repaired or replaced every year. If neglected it grew weeds, which caused cracks and leakage.
Rooftops were used for sleeping on hot summer nights, walking in the cool evening air, or socializing, and are mentioned several times in the Bible. Hello Batsheva.
Anything that happened on a rooftop could be seen and heard by passersby. The reference...
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