The term "summer-chamber" refers to a specific type of room or chamber mentioned in the Bible, primarily used during the warmer months. This chamber is typically associated with the ancient Near Eastern practice of having separate living quarters for different seasons, designed to provide comfort and relief from the heat.

Biblical References:

The most notable reference to a summer-chamber is found in the account of King Eglon of Moab in the Book of Judges. Judges 3:20 states, "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool of his upper room, and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat..." This passage describes the setting where Ehud, the judge of Israel, delivers a message from God to King Eglon, ultimately leading to Eglon's assassination. The "cool of his upper room" is understood to be a summer-chamber, designed to provide a cooler environment during the hot season.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient Israel and surrounding regions, the architecture of homes often included different chambers for seasonal use. The summer-chamber was typically located on the upper floor or roof of a building, where it could catch breezes and remain cooler than the lower levels. These chambers were often open or semi-open, allowing for ventilation and providing a retreat from the oppressive heat.

The use of a summer-chamber reflects the practical and adaptive nature of ancient living arrangements, where the design of homes took into account the climate and the need for comfort. This practice is consistent with the broader ancient Near Eastern architectural traditions, where homes were built with attention to seasonal variations.

Symbolic and Theological Implications:

The mention of the summer-chamber in the narrative of Ehud and Eglon carries symbolic weight. It highlights the vulnerability of King Eglon, who, despite his royal status and fortified palace, is caught off guard in a place of supposed comfort and security. This setting underscores the theme of divine justice and deliverance, as God uses Ehud to free the Israelites from Moabite oppression.

Furthermore, the summer-chamber can be seen as a metaphor for the temporary and fleeting nature of human power and comfort. While Eglon sought refuge in his summer-chamber, it became the place of his downfall, illustrating the biblical principle that true security and refuge are found in God alone.

Conclusion:

The concept of the summer-chamber, while a minor detail in the biblical narrative, provides insight into the daily life and architectural practices of the ancient world. It also serves as a backdrop for a significant moment in Israel's history, where God's deliverance is enacted through the courageous actions of Ehud.

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... his servants came; and they saw, and, behold, the doors of the parlour were locked;
and they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summer chamber." But by ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Summer-chamber (1 Occurrence)
Summer-chamber. Summer, Summer-chamber. Summered . Multi-Version
Concordance Summer-chamber (1 Occurrence). Judges 3 ...
/s/summer-chamber.htm - 6k

Summer (28 Occurrences)
... gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlor
were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summerchamber. ...
/s/summer.htm - 17k

Parlor (5 Occurrences)
... gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlor
were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summerchamber. ...
/p/parlor.htm - 9k

Summered (1 Occurrence)

/s/summered.htm - 6k

Covereth (61 Occurrences)
... gone out, his servants came; and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlor
were locked, they said, Surely he covereth his feet in his summerchamber. ...
/c/covereth.htm - 24k

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