Topical Encyclopedia Upper-chambers, also referred to as upper rooms or upper accounts, are architectural features mentioned in various passages of the Bible. These spaces were typically located on the upper floors of a building and served multiple purposes, including living quarters, storage, and places for prayer and gathering. The concept of upper-chambers is significant in biblical narratives, reflecting both the cultural practices of ancient times and the spiritual symbolism associated with elevated spaces.Biblical References and Usage 1. Private and Sacred Spaces: Upper-chambers were often used as private spaces for prayer and reflection. In the New Testament, the upper room is notably mentioned as the location of the Last Supper. In Acts 1:13 , it is recorded, "When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying." This upper room became a place of prayer and decision-making for the apostles after Jesus' ascension. 2. Prophetic and Miraculous Events: In the Old Testament, upper-chambers are sometimes the setting for significant prophetic and miraculous events. For instance, in 2 Kings 4:10 , the Shunammite woman prepares an upper room for the prophet Elisha, saying to her husband, "Please let us make a small room upstairs and put in it a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us." This room becomes a place of divine encounter and blessing. 3. Symbol of Elevation and Separation: The use of upper-chambers can symbolize a separation from the ordinary, a place set apart for special purposes. In Acts 20:8-9 , during Paul's visit to Troas, "There were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. And a young man named Eutychus, sitting on the windowsill, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on." The upper room here serves as a gathering place for teaching and fellowship, elevated both physically and spiritually. 4. Cultural and Practical Aspects: In ancient Near Eastern architecture, upper-chambers were practical for ventilation and privacy. They were often accessed by external staircases and provided a retreat from the bustling activities of the lower floors. In 1 Chronicles 28:11 , David gives Solomon the plans for the temple, including "the plans for all that the Spirit had put in his mind for the courts of the house of the LORD—all the surrounding chambers, the treasuries of the house of God, and the treasuries for the dedicated things." Theological Implications Upper-chambers in the Bible often serve as places of divine-human interaction, where God’s presence is experienced in a tangible way. They are settings for prayer, revelation, and community, reflecting the importance of setting apart space for spiritual purposes. The upper room of the Last Supper, in particular, holds deep theological significance as the site of Jesus' final meal with His disciples, the institution of the Lord's Supper, and the washing of the disciples' feet, as recorded in the Gospels. In summary, upper-chambers in biblical texts are more than mere architectural features; they are imbued with spiritual significance, serving as venues for divine encounters, teaching, and fellowship. They remind believers of the importance of creating spaces dedicated to worship, reflection, and community in their own lives. Strong's Hebrew 5944. aliyyah -- a roof chamber... Word Origin from alah Definition a roof chamber NASB Word Usage chamber over (1), roof chamber (4), upper chamber (4), upper chambers (2), upper room (4 ... /hebrew/5944.htm - 6k 4609b. maalah -- a step, stair Library The Mysteries of the Brazen Serpent The Prophet Amos. Rom. xv. 8 Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion On Pentecost. Rom. viii. 12, 13 Solomon's Temple Spiritualized Thesaurus Upper-chambers (1 Occurrence)Upper-chambers. Upper, Upper-chambers. Uppermost . Multi-Version Concordance Upper-chambers (1 Occurrence). Psalms 104 ... /u/upper-chambers.htm - 6k Upper (99 Occurrences) Uppermost (11 Occurrences) Chambers (68 Occurrences) Vaulted (6 Occurrences) Vermillion (1 Occurrence) Narrower (3 Occurrences) Nails (16 Occurrences) Galleries (4 Occurrences) Gallery (2 Occurrences) Resources Who was Oswald Chambers? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened in the upper room? | GotQuestions.org How many people were raised from the dead in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Upper-chambers (1 Occurrence)Psalms 104:13 Subtopics Related Terms |
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