In biblical architecture and temple design, the term "side-structure" refers to auxiliary buildings or chambers that are constructed alongside a primary structure, often for specific functional or ceremonial purposes. These side-structures are particularly noted in the context of Solomon's Temple, as described in the Old Testament.

Solomon's Temple

The most prominent mention of side-structures in the Bible is found in the description of Solomon's Temple. According to 1 Kings 6:5-6 , "Against the walls of the main hall and the inner sanctuary, he built a structure around the building, in which there were side rooms. The lowest floor was five cubits wide, the middle floor six cubits, and the third floor seven cubits. He made offset ledges around the outside of the temple so that nothing would be inserted into the temple walls."

These side-structures, or side chambers, were built in three accounts and served various purposes, including storage and housing for temple personnel. The increasing width of each successive account allowed for a stepped design, which provided stability and additional space without compromising the integrity of the temple walls.

Function and Symbolism

The side-structures of Solomon's Temple were integral to the temple's function as the center of Israelite worship. They housed sacred items, offerings, and possibly served as living quarters for priests and Levites. The design reflects a careful balance between utility and the sanctity of the main temple area, ensuring that the sacred space remained undisturbed by the practical needs of temple operations.

Symbolically, the side-structures can be seen as representing the support and sustenance of the central place of worship. Just as the chambers provided necessary functions to maintain the temple's operations, they also symbolized the broader community's role in upholding and supporting the worship of Yahweh.

Ezekiel's Vision

In Ezekiel's vision of a future temple, side-structures are again mentioned, indicating their continued importance in temple design. Ezekiel 41:5-6 states, "Then he measured the wall of the temple; it was six cubits thick. The width of each side room around the temple was four cubits. The side rooms were arranged one above another in three accounts, with thirty rooms in each account. There were ledges all around the temple to serve as supports for the side rooms, so that the supports would not be inserted into the temple wall."

This vision underscores the continuity of temple architecture and the enduring significance of side-structures in providing for the temple's needs while preserving the sanctity of the central worship space.

Conclusion

The concept of side-structures in biblical architecture highlights the practical and symbolic aspects of temple design. These auxiliary chambers were essential for the operation and maintenance of the temple, reflecting the community's role in supporting worship and the sacred. Through their design and function, side-structures exemplify the integration of practical needs with spiritual devotion in the life of ancient Israel.Side-structure (3 Occurrences)

1 Kings 6:5
And against the wall of the house he built stories round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made side-chambers round about.
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1 Kings 6:6
The nethermost story was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad; for on the outside he made offsets in the wall of the house round about, that the beams'should not have hold in the walls of the house.
(See JPS)

1 Kings 6:10
And he built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.
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Side-structure (3 Occurrences)
Side-structure. Sides, Side-structure. Sidewalls . Multi-Version
Concordance Side-structure (3 Occurrences). 1 Kings ...
/s/side-structure.htm - 7k

Sidewalls (4 Occurrences)

/s/sidewalls.htm - 7k

Sides (170 Occurrences)

/s/sides.htm - 38k

Story (92 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:10 And he built the stories of the side-structure against all the house,
each five cubits high; and they rested on the house with timber of cedar. ...
/s/story.htm - 34k

Building (249 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:5 And against the wall of the house he built a side-structure round about,
against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the ...
/b/building.htm - 47k

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