In the context of biblical architecture, "side-chambers" refer to the rooms or compartments that were built alongside the main structure of the temple, particularly Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. These chambers served various purposes, including storage and housing for temple personnel. The concept of side-chambers is primarily derived from the detailed descriptions found in the Old Testament, specifically in the books of 1 Kings and Ezekiel.

Biblical References:

1. 1 Kings 6:5-6 : "Against the wall of the temple he built chambers all around, against the walls of the temple, both the inner and outer sanctuaries. And he made side chambers all around. The lowest chamber was five cubits wide, the middle was six cubits wide, and the third was seven cubits wide. He also offset ledges around the outside of the temple, so that nothing would be inserted into its walls."

This passage describes the construction of the side-chambers during the building of Solomon's Temple. The chambers were tiered, with each successive level increasing in width. This design allowed for structural stability and provided additional space without compromising the integrity of the temple walls.

2. Ezekiel 41:5-6 : "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 arranged one above another in three accounts, with thirty chambers in each account. There were ledges all around the temple to serve as supports for the side chambers, so that they would not be supported by the wall of the temple itself."

Ezekiel's vision of a future temple includes a detailed description of side-chambers, emphasizing their arrangement in three accounts and their structural independence from the main temple walls. This vision reflects the importance of these chambers in the overall design and function of the temple complex.

Functions and Significance:

The side-chambers served multiple functions within the temple complex. They were used for storing temple treasures, offerings, and other sacred items. Additionally, they provided living quarters for priests and Levites who served in the temple. The design and construction of these chambers highlight the meticulous planning and divine inspiration attributed to the temple's architecture.

Theologically, the side-chambers underscore the sanctity and orderliness of worship in ancient Israel. They reflect the care taken to ensure that the temple was not only a place of worship but also a well-organized center for religious and communal activities. The presence of these chambers also illustrates the provision made for those who dedicated their lives to serving God, ensuring they had a place within the sacred precincts.

Architectural Considerations:

The construction of side-chambers required careful architectural planning. The increasing width of each successive account, as described in 1 Kings, suggests a cantilevered design that provided stability and maximized space. The use of ledges, as mentioned in both 1 Kings and Ezekiel, indicates an advanced understanding of building techniques that allowed for the support of these chambers without compromising the temple's structural integrity.

In summary, side-chambers were an integral part of the temple's design, serving practical, religious, and symbolic purposes. Their inclusion in the biblical narrative highlights the importance of order, provision, and sanctity in the worship of God.6763. tsela -- rib, side
... Word Usage boards (3), chambers (1), hillside* (1), leaves (1), one...another (1),
rib (1), ribs (1), side (15), side chamber (1), side chambers (10), sides (5 ...
/hebrew/6763.htm - 6k

Building a Great Temple
... Against the wall of the temple on the outside Solomon built wings, both around the
larger room and the inner room, and made side-chambers around the temple. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/building a great temple.htm

Book 8 Footnotes
... this and the following sections of this chapter, see my description of the temples
belonging to this work, ch.13, These small rooms, or side chambers, seem to ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 8 footnotes.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... therefore was round about above some cubits wider than it was below; for 'there
was an enlarging and winding about still upward to the side chambers, for the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Side-chambers (10 Occurrences)
Side-chambers. Side-chamber, Side-chambers. Sided . Multi-Version
Concordance Side-chambers (10 Occurrences). 1 Kings ...
/s/side-chambers.htm - 9k

Side-chamber (4 Occurrences)
Side-chamber. Side-bones, Side-chamber. Side-chambers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(Root in JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT). Side-bones, Side-chamber. Side-chambers...
/s/side-chamber.htm - 7k

Structure (19 Occurrences)
... 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 ...
/s/structure.htm - 12k

Chambers (68 Occurrences)
... of the house he built stories all around, against the walls of the house all around,
both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made sidechambers all around ...
/c/chambers.htm - 30k

Stories (30 Occurrences)
... of the house he built stories all around, against the walls of the house all around,
both of the temple and of the oracle; and he made sidechambers all around ...
/s/stories.htm - 16k

Level (31 Occurrences)
... 1 Kings 6:8 The door for the middle sidechambers was in the right side of the house:
and they went up by winding stairs into the middle story, and out of the ...
/l/level.htm - 19k

Offsets (2 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:6 The sidechambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty
in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the ...
/o/offsets.htm - 7k

Ledges (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:6 The sidechambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty
in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the ...
/l/ledges.htm - 8k

Levels (4 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 41:6 The sidechambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty
in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the ...
/l/levels.htm - 7k

Gallery (2 Occurrences)
... They surround the three stories of sidechambers around the Temple proper, and also
the "building before the separate place which was at the back thereof," and ...
/g/gallery.htm - 11k

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