745. The "Upper Room"

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
Listen from:
Mark 14:14-15. Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples? And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us.
See also Luke 22:11-12.
Some suppose this “guest chamber” and “upper room” to be the aliyah, or room above the porch or on the roof. See note on 2 Kings 4:10 (#333). Others, however, think the words refer to a large open room fronting the court, on the side opposite to the entrance from, the porch, and elevated above the level of the court. See note on Matthew 26:69 (#720). This is a very important apartment in an Eastern house, and is often elegantly fitted up. Here the owner receives his friends, or those who come to him on business. It is the first room that meets the eye of a visitor on entering the court, and frequently presents a splendid appearance. Sometimes a fountain in the court directly in front of this apartment cools the air, while adding beauty to the appearance.