Topical Encyclopedia The term "roofchamber" refers to an upper room or chamber built on the flat roof of a house, a common architectural feature in ancient Near Eastern homes. These chambers were often used for various purposes, including private living quarters, guest accommodations, or places of prayer and meditation. The roofchamber is mentioned in several biblical narratives, highlighting its significance in the cultural and religious practices of the time.Biblical References: 1. 2 Kings 4:10 · The prophet Elisha frequently stayed in a roofchamber prepared for him by a Shunammite woman and her husband. The passage states, "Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us." This illustrates the use of the roofchamber as a guest room, providing hospitality to travelers and prophets. 2. Acts 1:13 · After the ascension of Jesus, the apostles returned to Jerusalem and went to the upper room where they were staying. "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying," the text notes, indicating that the roofchamber served as a gathering place for prayer and fellowship among the early believers. 3. Acts 9:37-39 · The account of Tabitha (Dorcas) includes a reference to a roofchamber. After her death, her body was washed and placed in an upper room. The passage highlights the use of the roofchamber as a place for significant events, including mourning and miraculous occurrences, as Peter later raises her from the dead. 4. Acts 20:8-9 · The account of Eutychus, who fell asleep and then fell from a window during Paul's lengthy discourse, took place in an upper room. "There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered," the text describes, emphasizing the communal and teaching functions of the roofchamber. Cultural and Religious Significance: In biblical times, the roofchamber was more than just an architectural feature; it was a space that facilitated important social and religious activities. The flat roofs of houses provided a foundation for these chambers, which were often accessed by an external staircase. The privacy and seclusion offered by the roofchamber made it an ideal location for prayer, meditation, and intimate gatherings. The roofchamber's role in hospitality is evident in the account of Elisha, where it served as a dedicated space for the prophet, reflecting the cultural value placed on welcoming and caring for guests. Similarly, the use of the roofchamber by the early church underscores its importance as a place of worship and community, where believers could gather away from the public eye. In summary, the roofchamber in biblical narratives serves as a versatile space, integral to the domestic, social, and spiritual life of the people. Its presence in key biblical events highlights its multifaceted role in the ancient world, providing insight into the daily lives and religious practices of the time. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ROOF-CHAMBERSee HOUSE. 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 Roof (55 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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