Topical Encyclopedia A roof-chamber, also known as an upper room or upper chamber, is a significant architectural and cultural feature in biblical times, often mentioned in the Scriptures. These chambers were typically built on the flat roofs of houses in ancient Israel and surrounding regions. The roof-chamber served various purposes, including as a place of prayer, meditation, and private gatherings.Biblical References and Usage The concept of a roof-chamber is mentioned several times in the Bible, highlighting its importance in the daily and spiritual lives of the people. One notable reference is found in the account of Eglon, king of Moab, in the Book of Judges. Ehud, the judge of Israel, visits Eglon in his "cool roof chamber" (Judges 3:20) to deliver a message from God, which ultimately leads to Eglon's assassination and Israel's deliverance from Moabite oppression. In 1 Kings 17:19, the prophet Elijah takes the son of the widow of Zarephath to an upper room where he prays for the boy's life to be restored. This event underscores the roof-chamber as a place of divine intervention and miraculous occurrences. The prophet Daniel also utilized a roof-chamber for prayer. In Daniel 6:10, it is recorded that Daniel went to his upper room, where the windows opened toward Jerusalem, to pray three times a day, even when it was forbidden by the king's decree. This act of faith and devotion highlights the roof-chamber as a sacred space for communion with God. In the New Testament, the roof-chamber is notably mentioned in the context of the Last Supper. Jesus and His disciples gathered in an upper room in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover meal, which became the institution of the Lord's Supper (Mark 14:15). This event marks a pivotal moment in Christian theology, symbolizing the new covenant between God and humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Cultural and Architectural Significance The roof-chamber was a practical addition to the homes of ancient Israel, providing a cool and private space away from the bustling activities of the household. The flat roofs of houses in the region made it feasible to construct these additional rooms, which were often accessed by an external staircase. The roof-chamber's elevated position offered a degree of seclusion and tranquility, making it an ideal location for prayer and reflection. In addition to its spiritual uses, the roof-chamber could serve as a guest room, as seen in the account of the Shunammite woman who prepared an upper room for the prophet Elisha (2 Kings 4:10). This act of hospitality reflects the cultural importance of providing a comfortable and private space for visitors. Symbolism and Theological Implications The roof-chamber holds symbolic significance in biblical narratives, often representing a place of divine encounter and revelation. It serves as a reminder of the importance of setting aside dedicated spaces for worship and communion with God. The use of the roof-chamber in key biblical events underscores the theme of God's presence and intervention in the lives of His people. In summary, the roof-chamber is a multifaceted element in biblical history, serving both practical and spiritual purposes. Its presence in Scripture highlights the importance of creating sacred spaces for prayer, reflection, and divine encounters, a practice that continues to hold relevance for believers today. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROOF-CHAMBERSee HOUSE. Strong's Hebrew 5944. aliyyah -- a roof chamber... 5943, 5944. aliyyah. 5945 . a roof chamber. Transliteration: aliyyah Phonetic Spelling: (al-ee-yaw') Short Definition: chamber. ... /hebrew/5944.htm - 6k 5952. allith -- a roof chamber Thesaurus RoofchamberRoofchamber. Roof, Roofchamber. Roof-chamber . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROOF-CHAMBER. See HOUSE. Roof, Roofchamber. Roof-chamber . Reference Bible /r/roofchamber.htm - 6k Roof-chamber Chamber (73 Occurrences) Roof (55 Occurrences) Vestibule (36 Occurrences) Upper (99 Occurrences) Relieving (1 Occurrence) Room (174 Occurrences) Roofed (3 Occurrences) Cool (8 Occurrences) Resources What were the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place in the temple / tabernacle? | GotQuestions.orgDid David rape Bathsheba? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about a contentious or quarrelsome woman? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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