“House of” is a phrase used to refer to a particular body of people. Some are legislative, such as the “House of Representatives” in the U.S. or the U.K.’s “House of Lords” and “House of Commons.” It can take a more personal form when it is applied to a dynasty like the Spanish House of Bourbon, the Austrian House Habsburg or the British House of Windsor.
The use tightens even more in the Bible when, without denoting a dynasty, it still points to a specific family. One example is Genesis 20:18, “For the LORD had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.” Another is Exodus 8:24, “And the LORD did so. There came great swarms of flies in the house of Pharoah and into his servants’ houses.” It’s seen in the New Testament as well, as in Acts 12:12, “When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.”
In each case the name associated with the “house of” phrase is in a position of authority. Abimelech was the king of Gerar. Pharoah was the supreme leader of Egypt. Mary was the mother of John. That is to say that each person had some level of responsibility, control or influence over their “house.”
This distinction becomes especially clear when contrasting two specific houses, that of Ahab and of Joshua. The phrase “house of Ahab” is used eighteen times in the Bible, and each carries a negative connotation.
He also walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did what was evil in the sight of the LORD, as the house of Ahab had done, for he was son-in-law to the house of Ahab. (2 Kgs. 8:27)
The “he” referred to in the verse is King Joram. And while Joram will certainly be held accountable for his individual sins, those iniquities are, in some measure, assigned to Ahab’s account. Joram walked in the way that he was taught by his father-in-law, Ahab. His actions were condemned by God just as Ahab’s were. It is repeated a third time that Joram was a part of the “house of Ahab.”
Conversely, Joshua made a definitive proclamation about his house. It’s one that you are probably familiar with.
And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” (Josh. 24:15)
According to Romans 2:5-8, on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment is revealed, “He will render to each one according to his works.” If this is true, then how is it that “extra” sin is charged to Ahab’s account by those in his house, or that Joshua can make a positive judgment about other members of his household?
The answer is that in each situation the one with authority will be held accountable for what he or she does with that influence. Either positively or negatively, your actions affect others. It is not only kings, mayors and CEOs that impact others. Plumbers influence their co-workers and clients. Mothers influence their children. Teachers influence students. Junior varsity football players influence their teammates.
Joshua’s declaration was not a guarantee that each member of his house would be wholeheartedly obedient to the Lord. It was, however, a personal and public commitment to use his authority to influence them to that end. That is the idea behind 1 Corinthians 7:14 that an “unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband.”
These are examples that all Christians are called to follow. To the degree that you have any influence of others, you must choose to model holiness, stimulate faith and champion Christ-like living. God takes note of what you are doing with His gift of salvation. Regardless of its size, you must choose to get your house in order.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (Mt. 5:16)