A "house" is essentially a container -- for a person, a family, several families or even a large group with shared interests (think of the term "houses of worship.") In the Bible, a "house" is also a container, but for spiritual things rather than natural things. In various uses a "house" can represent part of the mind, the whole mind, a whole person or even a church. The other nuance to the word "house" is that it is generally used in regards to our affections and desires rather than our thoughts and principles. This makes sense; we tend to engage our thoughts and rationality when we are out in the world doing our work, but when we are inside our houses we are driven most by love for our families and the desire to be good to those we love. So "house" tends to represent the things we want and care about -- which are ultimately the things that define us.

6703. EXODUS CHAPTER 2.

TEACHINGS ABOUT CHARITY

Having decided to present teachings about charity in sections preceding the chapters of the Book of Exodus, one must begin by saying what is meant by 'the neighbour' since it is the neighbour towards whom charity should be exercised. For unless people have a right understanding of who 'the neighbour is, charity will be exercised uniformly and indiscriminately, equally towards the evil as towards the good, as a result of which charity ceases to be charity. For with the benefits conferred on them the wicked harm the neighbour whereas the good benefit him.