A side-chamber, as referenced in biblical texts, typically refers to a room or series of rooms adjoining a larger structure, often used for specific purposes such as storage, living quarters, or sacred activities. These chambers are most notably associated with the architecture of the Temple in Jerusalem, as described in the Old Testament.

Biblical References:

The concept of side-chambers is primarily found in the detailed descriptions of Solomon's Temple. In 1 Kings 6:5-6, the construction of the Temple is described: "Against the wall of the temple he built chambers all around, against the walls of the temple, all around the sanctuary and the inner sanctuary. Thus he made side chambers all around it." These chambers were built in three accounts, with each successive account being wider than the one below it, allowing for a stepped appearance.

Ezekiel's vision of the Temple also includes references to side-chambers. In Ezekiel 41:5-6, it is written: "Then he measured the wall of the temple; it was six cubits thick. The width of each side chamber all around the temple was four cubits. The side chambers were in three accounts, one above the other, thirty in each account. There were ledges all around the wall of the temple to serve as supports for the side chambers, so that they would not be supported by the wall of the temple."

Function and Symbolism:

The side-chambers served multiple functions. They were used for storage of temple treasures, sacred vessels, and offerings. Additionally, they provided living quarters for the priests and Levites who served in the Temple. The design of these chambers, integrated into the structure of the Temple, reflects the importance of order and provision in the worship of God.

From a symbolic perspective, the side-chambers can be seen as representing the support and sustenance provided by God to His people. Just as these chambers were integral to the Temple's structure, so too is God's provision integral to the life of the believer. The increasing width of the chambers in the upper accounts may symbolize the expanding grace and blessings of God as one ascends closer to His presence.

Architectural Significance:

The architectural design of the side-chambers demonstrates the advanced engineering and planning involved in the construction of the Temple. The use of ledges to support the chambers without relying on the main walls of the Temple indicates a thoughtful approach to preserving the sanctity and integrity of the sacred space. This design allowed for the efficient use of space while maintaining the Temple's structural and spiritual purity.

Theological Implications:

The presence of side-chambers in the Temple underscores the comprehensive nature of worship in ancient Israel. Worship was not confined to the central sanctuary but extended to all aspects of the Temple complex, including the practical and mundane. This holistic approach to worship serves as a reminder of the all-encompassing nature of devotion to God, where every part of life is integrated into the worship experience.

In summary, side-chambers in the biblical context are more than mere architectural features; they are integral to the function, symbolism, and theology of the Temple, reflecting the multifaceted nature of worship and the provision of God for His people.6763. tsela -- rib, side
... rib, side NASB Word Usage boards (3), chambers (1), hillside* (1), leaves (1),
one...another (1), rib (1), ribs (1), side (15), side chamber (1), side chambers ...
/hebrew/6763.htm - 6kSide-chamber (4 Occurrences)
Side-chamber. Side-bones, Side-chamber. Side-chambers . Multi-Version
Concordance Side-chamber (4 Occurrences). Ezekiel ...
/s/side-chamber.htm - 7k

Platform (9 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:9 The breadth of the wall that 'is' to the side-chamber at the outside
'is' five cubits; and that which is left 'is' the place of the side-chambers ...
/p/platform.htm - 10k

Chamber (73 Occurrences)
... the Revised Version (British and American), except in 1 Kings 6:6, where doubtless
the text should be changed to read ha-tsela`, "the side-chamber." Lishkah, a ...
/c/chamber.htm - 36k

Side-chambers (10 Occurrences)
Side-chambers. Side-chamber, Side-chambers. Sided . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(ASV WBS YLT). Side-chamber, Side-chambers. Sided . Reference Bible.
/s/side-chambers.htm - 9k

Measureth (24 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:5 And he measureth the wall of the house six cubits, and the breadth
of the side-chamber four cubits, all round the house round about. (YLT). ...
/m/measureth.htm - 13k

Side-bones (1 Occurrence)
Side-bones. Side, Side-bones. Side-chamber . Multi-Version Concordance
Side-bones (1 Occurrence). ... (BBE). Side, Side-bones. Side-chamber . Reference
/s/side-bones.htm - 6k

Northward (41 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:11 And the opening of the side-chamber 'is' to the place left, one opening
northward, and one opening southward, and the breadth of the place that ...
/n/northward.htm - 21k

Southward (42 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:11 And the opening of the side-chamber 'is' to the place left, one opening
northward, and one opening southward, and the breadth of the place that ...
/s/southward.htm - 20k

Area (66 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:9 The breadth of the wall that 'is' to the side-chamber at the outside
'is' five cubits; and that which is left 'is' the place of the side-chambers ...
/a/area.htm - 26k

Measured (91 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:5 Then he measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth
of every sidechamber, four cubits, all around the house on every side. ...
/m/measured.htm - 35k

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