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Please Explain This

sojourner

Annoyingly Progressive Since 2006
Yes, and therein lies the conflict between what the Bible describes and reality.
Except that the ancients believed the firmament to be solid. They were describing what they believed. Since the Bible was never meant to be a science text, I don't see the problem.
 

allright

Active Member
The firmament is the divider between the second and third heaven (man's home and Gods home) as Paul spoke.
Exodus 24:10 describes it as a paved work of sapphire stone as it were the "body of heaven" for clearness
Ezekiel 1:22 the firmament above the living creaturers was as "the color of terrible crystal stretched above their heads"
Revelations 15:2 I saw a sea of crystal glass
Rev 21:1-3 There was no more sea. There is no longer any need for a firmament since sin has been done away with and "the tabernacle of God is with men"
 
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URAVIP2ME

Veteran Member
The 'sea' of Rev [21v1] is that there was no more sea of rebellious humanity left.
Rev [17v1] mentions many waters. Verse 15 explains the waters mean peoples.
Isaiah [57v20] says the wicked are like the troubled sea.

Before ancient Babylon was destroyed the water around it was dried up.
In the same way the water or people will be dried up, but dried up spiritually.
-Rev 16v12.

Rev [22vs1,2] says there will be water. 'Water of life' [literal and spiritual]
that water issues from the throne of God and of the Lamb Jesus.
That 'water' in verse two waters the trees described as curing or healing the nations.
That will complete the promise to Abraham [Gen 12v3; 22vs17,18] that all nations of the earth will be blessed. Yes, the tabernacle or dwelling of God will be with 'men' in the sense that mankind will be blessed through Christ Jesus as the crowned king of God's kingdom.
 

9-10ths_Penguin

1/10 Subway Stalinist
Premium Member
Except that the ancients believed the firmament to be solid. They were describing what they believed. Since the Bible was never meant to be a science text, I don't see the problem.
And I don't see any issue with your position.

The point I was trying to make, though, is that the Bible does say a number of things that aren't factually correct. One way to resolve this is to declare that the Bible doesn't need to be factually correct... it seems that this is the route you've taken.However, for those who are unwilling to declare this, these sorts of factual errors remain a problem.

I agree that if one interprets the Bible as a sort of diary or "blog" of a growing, changing religion, then factual correctness is secondary. However, if one interprets it as the word of an all-knowing God (and you know that many people do), then factual errors are potentially a very big issue indeed.
 

allright

Active Member
The Hebrew word translated firmament comes from a base word meaning to beat metal to expand it. The metal being beat is the thing being spread out or expanded. No other material is added.
In Genesis the waters are are the material being "beat out" to separate them. Yet the waters are said to be above the firmament. So if the firmament is solid what is it made of and where did this material come from since the root word allows for no outside material to be added nor does Genesis claim there was any new material added?
 
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allright

Active Member
In Ezekiel 10:1 God and God's throne are said to appear inside the firmament, therefore the firmament cannot be solid material.
 

allright

Active Member
You tell me how a throne and a living moving being thats speaking can do so inside solid material.
Youre the one who claims its solid.
 

allright

Active Member
So you admit the firmament contains empty space..

Please show any evidence fron scripture that the firmament is shaped as a cave or a house

Also The Hebrew word translated firmament comes from a base word meaning to beat metal to expand it. The metal being beat is the thing being spread out or expanded. No other material is added.
In Genesis the waters are are the material being "beat out" to separate them. Yet the waters are said to be above the firmament. So if the firmament is solid what is it made of and where did this material come from since the root word allows for no outside material to be added nor does Genesis claim there was any new material added or created.
 

McBell

Unbound
So you admit the firmament contains empty space..

Please show any evidence fron scripture that the firmament is shaped as a cave or a house

Also The Hebrew word translated firmament comes from a base word meaning to beat metal to expand it. The metal being beat is the thing being spread out or expanded. No other material is added.
In Genesis the waters are are the material being "beat out" to separate them. Yet the waters are said to be above the firmament. So if the firmament is solid what is it made of and where did this material come from since the root word allows for no outside material to be added nor does Genesis claim there was any new material added or created.
What?
You want me to do your homework?
You asked how it is possible, I showed how it is possible.
 

allright

Active Member
Your explanation contradicts your claim that the Hebrew word translated firmament can only mean a solid barrier
 

McBell

Unbound
Your explanation contradicts your claim that the Hebrew word translated firmament can only mean a solid barrier
When did I make any such claim?
When did I present an explanation?

You seem to have me confused with some other poster.
 

9-10ths_Penguin

1/10 Subway Stalinist
Premium Member
Please show any evidence fron scripture that the firmament is shaped as a cave or a house
Even if your dilemma (which I still don't really see your point for) is valid, what reason would you have to say that scripture can't be self-contradictory? We're talking about a book; books can describe impossible things.
 

Autodidact

Intentionally Blank
In Ezekiel 10:1 God and God's throne are said to appear inside the firmament, therefore the firmament cannot be solid material.

New International Version (©1984)
I looked, and I saw the likeness of a throne of sapphire above the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim.New Living Translation (©2007)
In my vision I saw what appeared to be a throne of blue lapis lazuli above the crystal surface over the heads of the cherubim.
English Standard Version (©2001)
Then I looked, and behold, on the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim there appeared above them something like a sapphire, in appearance like a throne.
New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Then I looked, and behold, in the expanse that was over the heads of the cherubim something like a sapphire stone, in appearance resembling a throne, appeared above them.
GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
As I looked at the dome over the heads of the angels, I saw something that looked like a throne made of sapphire.

btw, some educated person around here told me English Standard was the most accurate translation in current use.
 

allright

Active Member
There are just as many versions that say "in the firmament"

Which translations are best is also a matter of opinion.

However I will say the definition of "firmament" as a dome does not fit its use in Ezekiel. What is it the dome over?
 
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