Bible Dictionaries
Storehouse, Storage City

Holman Bible Dictionary

Storehouses were built early in human history to protect harvested crops from vermin and extreme weather. The typical storehouse during the Israelite period was a rectangular building with a double row of columns which divided the building into three narrow aisles. Large, thick walls supported the roof, and small side rooms led off of the main hall. Storerooms at Herod's fortress of Masada had walls eleven feet high constructed of stones weighing over 400 pounds. Community storehouses could also be used as public markets. In large cities, certain sections of the town were designated as storage areas, with several storehouses lining the streets. During the Divided Kingdom period, royal storage facilities were established in regional capitals to collect tax payments made in flour, oil, grain, or wine. Specially marked jars held these royal stores which later could be distributed to the army or royal palaces. The Temple complex included special storage areas, both for the utensils of worship and to serve as a sort of bank where valuables might be placed. The picture of a full storehouse served as an image of God's blessing and was often used by the prophets.

David Maltsberger