The Vaulted Dome

Everyone in the ancient Near East believed the top part of their three tiered cosmology was a vaulted dome that separated the Heavens. Their conception of the sky/ Heavens differs vastly from ours.

Quotes From the Scholars

Here is a couple quotes from our trusted resources to help us out.

“The Hebrew raqia (“vault”) is of unspecified material, but in at least one text it refers to something solid (cf. Eze 1:25-26). It is the boundary between heaven and earth, and its main function is to hold back the water above. Some mountains are identified as intersecting the sky and perhaps holding it up. Mesopotamian literature at times suggests some sort of skin, but also speaks of the various levels of heaven having pavements the most visible one being blue…”

“…Pictorial representations throughout the ancient Near East portray waters above and below, which demonstrates that this was a common feature of ancient cosmic geography…”

The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible: Article about The “Vault” and “Water Above” on pg. 6-7

Similarly the Faith Life Study Bible says this about the Vaulted Dome

“The vaulted dome was believed to be solid and thought to hold back the waters above it, preventing them from falling on the earth. The vaulted dome, sometimes called the firmament (and sometimes equated with the sky), was seen as connecting to foundations that went deep below the sea. The dome surrounded the earth with its edge meeting at the horizon- the boundary “between light and darkness” (Job 26:10; compare Prov 8:27-28)…”

“… The vaulted dome was thought to be supported by the tops of mountains, because the peaks appeared to touch the sky (e.g., 2 Sam 22:8).”

Faithlife Study Bible: in the Article: The Old Testament and the Ancient Near Eastern Worldview under the notes of Genesis 1:1-7

• Save

We hope you enjoyed this Theology Lesson in 60 seconds.

If you are interested in this subject continue this study in our longer post here

Citations:

Faithlife Study Bible. J. D. Barry et al. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012.

NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible Grand Rapids, Michigan USA Zondervan 2016

Call for action: Help us out by learning more

If you are interested in this subject or want to do your own research on this topic (which I highly suggest you do) please consider purchasing this incredible resource on the subject from our affiliate link. This book changed the way I read the bible, and I whole heartily believe it will be a massive benefit to your biblical studies as well. By clicking on the link below you not only get this book but you help out our ministry to secure our affiliate program which in turns supports our ministry.

Our Favorite Bible

U.K. Link: NKJV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible- Hardcover Bible, Kindle Edition

U.S. Link: NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible- Hardcover Bible, Bonded Leather Bible, Bonded Leather: Thumb Index, Imitation Leather Women’s, Imitation Leather Men’s, Kindle Edition

Our Favorite Book

U.S.- Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World And Why It Matters- Paperback book, Kindle Edition, Audiobook

U.K.- Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World And Why It Matters- Paperback book, Kindle Edition Audiobook

**** HEY EVERYONE, WE WANTED TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THAT AS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE WE EARN A SMALL COMMISSION FROM QUALIFYING PURCHASES YOU MAKE FROM OUR LINKS AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU! HOWEVER, THIS DOES NOT AFFECT OUR SUGGESTIONS OF WHAT WE RECOMMEND FOR YOU TO USE. WE FEEL THIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR YOU TO BOTH ENJOY QUALITY RESOURCES WHICH WE USE IN HOPES IT WILL LIKEWISE ENRICH YOUR BIBLICAL STUDIES, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRY TO CONTINUE TO EXPAND. IF YOU DO DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE, OUR FAMILY HERE AT CRITICAL THINKING ALOUD WANTS YOU TO KNOW HOW MUCH WE VALUE YOUR SUPPORT.****

Let us know your thought about our series in the comment section. If you have any topics you would like to suggest please let us know and we will add them to the list of future subjects we will covered.