Ancient Hebrew Conception of the Universe
The ancient Israelites divided the world into Heaven , Earth , Sea and the Underworld .
They viewed the sky as a vault resting on foundations — perhaps mountains — with doors and windows that let in the rain . God dwelt above the sky , hidden in cloud and majesty .
GOD HEAVEN OF HEAVENS
GENESIS | 5
The world was viewed as a disk floating on the waters , secured or moored by pillars . The earth was the only known domain — the realm beyond it was considered unknowable .
The Underworld ( Sheol ) was a watery or dusty prison from which no one returned . Regarded as a physical place beneath the earth , it could be reached only through death .
HEAVENS
GATE OF HEAVEN
HEAVENS
FIRMAMENT
SUN
MOUNTAINS
WINDOWS AND DOORS OF HEAVEN
SEA
THE SKY
WATERS ABOVE THE FIRMAMENT
CLOUDS
EARTH
MOON
SEA
STARS
FIRMAMENT
MOUNTAINS
SEA
FOUNDATIONS OF THE HEAVENS
SHEOL
SEA
FOUNDATIONS OF THE HEAVENS
FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH
THE GREAT DEEP