thinking bible.

You asked

how did ancient israelites understand the physical geography of heaven and sheol in relation to their world?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Psalm 139:7-8

Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence? If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there.

This psalm, attributed to David, is a meditation on the omnipresence and omniscience of God. The psalmist expresses awe at God's intimate knowledge and presence throughout all aspects of existence and creation, from the highest heavens to the deepest parts of the earth.

What does it mean for you to consider a divine presence that extends beyond human perception of limits or boundaries?

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Read alongside it

  • Job 26:5-6

    Describes the 'Rephaim' (shades of the dead) trembling beneath the waters, and Sheol as unveiled before God.

  • Isaiah 7:11

    God invites Ahaz to ask for a sign 'either in the depth or in the height above,' pointing to Sheol and heaven.

  • Deuteronomy 30:11-14

    Emphasizes that God's commands are not 'too hard' or 'beyond the sea' or 'in heaven' but near.

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