The term "upper chamber" refers to a room or space located on the upper floor of a building, often used for specific purposes such as prayer, gatherings, or private meetings. In biblical times, upper chambers were common architectural features in the homes of the Israelites and other ancient Near Eastern cultures. These rooms were typically accessed by an external staircase and provided a secluded area away from the bustling activities of the household below.

Biblical References

1. Prayer and Devotion: The upper chamber is notably mentioned in the context of prayer and devotion. In the Book of Daniel, the prophet Daniel is described as having an upper room where he prayed three times a day, facing Jerusalem. "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before" (Daniel 6:10).

2. Miraculous Events: The upper chamber is also the setting for significant miraculous events. In the Acts of the Apostles, the apostle Peter raises Tabitha (also known as Dorcas) from the dead in an upper room. "Peter sent them all out of the room. Then he knelt down and prayed. Turning toward her body, he said, 'Tabitha, get up.' She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up" (Acts 9:40).

3. The Last Supper: One of the most significant events associated with an upper chamber is the Last Supper, where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples before His crucifixion. This event took place in an upper room in Jerusalem. "He will show you a large upper room, already furnished. Make preparations there" (Luke 22:12).

4. Pentecost: The upper chamber is also the location where the disciples gathered after the ascension of Jesus, leading to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place" (Acts 2:1). While the specific mention of an "upper room" is not in this verse, Acts 1:13 indicates that the disciples were staying in an upper room in Jerusalem.

Cultural and Architectural Significance

In ancient Israelite culture, the upper chamber served both practical and symbolic purposes. Practically, it provided a cool and private space, often used for sleeping during hot weather. Symbolically, it represented a place of retreat and communion with God, as seen in the examples of Daniel and the early Christians.

The construction of upper chambers varied, but they were typically built with windows to allow light and air, enhancing their suitability for prayer and meditation. The use of upper chambers for significant religious events underscores their importance in biblical narratives.

Theological Implications

The use of upper chambers in the Bible highlights themes of prayer, divine intervention, and community. These spaces served as settings for intimate encounters with God, miraculous acts, and the formation of early Christian fellowship. The upper chamber, therefore, symbolizes a place of spiritual significance, where believers can seek God's presence and experience His power in their lives.Upper Chamber

UPPER CHAMBER; UPPER ROOM

up'-er cham'-ber, (`aliyah (2 Kings 1:2), etc.; anogeon (Mark 14:15 Luke 22:12), huperoon (Acts 1:13; Acts 9:37, 39; 20:8)): In Judges 3:20 the English Revised Version renders "summer parlor" and in the margin "Hebrew: `Upper chamber of cooling.' " This was probably a roof-chamber. The "upper chamber" of Ahaziah in 2 Kings 1:2 was evidently in the 2nd story of the building. On the "upper chambers" of the temple (1 Chronicles 28:11 2 Chronicles 3:9), see TEMPLE. The "large upper room" which was the scene of the Last Supper, with that in Acts 1:13, was also plainly an upper-story chamber. That in Acts 20:8 was in the 3rd story (at Miletus, a Greek city).

See also HOUSE.

James Orr

5253. huperoon -- the upper story, the upper rooms
... upper room. Neuter of a derivative of huper; a higher part of the house, ie Apartment
in the third story -- upper chamber (room). see GREEK huper. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5253.htm - 6k5944. aliyyah -- a roof chamber
... from alah Definition a roof chamber NASB Word Usage chamber over (1), roof chamber
(4), upper chamber (4), upper chambers (2), upper room (4), upper rooms (4). ...
/hebrew/5944.htm - 6k

'In Remembrance of Me'
... great sixth chapter in John's gospel sets forth; and for the future, it is a prophecy,
as our Lord Himself said on that night in the upper chamber, 'Till I ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/in remembrance of me.htm

"Peace be unto You"
... They go to the upper chamber where Jesus spent the hours of the last evening before
His death. Here they know that their brethren are to be found. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 84 peace be unto.htm

Paul's Last Journey to Jerusalem
... They assembled in an "upper chamber" on the third story. There, in the fervency
of his love and solicitude for them, the apostle preached until midnight. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 37 pauls last journey.htm

The Servant-Master
... It has been suggested that the dispute as to 'which was the greatest,' which broke
the sanctities of the upper chamber, was connected with the unwillingness of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the servant-master.htm

Acts ix. 26, 27
... And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when
they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. And ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi acts ix 26.htm

A Servant of Servants
... In the upper chamber of a dwelling at Jerusalem, Christ was sitting at table with
His disciples. They had gathered to celebrate the Passover. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 71 a servant of.htm

The Love of the Departing Christ
... The immortal words which Christ spoke in that upper chamber are His highest
self-revelation in speech, even as the Cross to which they led up is His most ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/the love of the departing.htm

Demonstration vi. --Of Monks.
... Elisha also walked in the footsteps of his Master. He used to dwell in the upper
chamber of the Shunamite, and was ministered to by his disciple. ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration vi of monks.htm

The Sleeping Apostle
... His sleep in the garden, following close on his bold words in the upper chamber,
is just like his eager wish to come to Christ on the water, followed by his ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the sleeping apostle.htm

The Fifth Day in Passion-Week - Make Ready the Passover!'
... The disciples were not bidden ask for the chief or Upper Chamber,' but for what
we have rendered, for want of better, by hostelry,' or hall' - katluma - the ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ix the fifth day.htm

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