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how did the ancient israelites' understanding of the cosmos differ from modern scientific models?

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

Genesis 1:6-8

God said, “Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse Sky. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.

This passage is from the beginning of Genesis, one of the foundational texts for ancient Israel. It describes God's actions in shaping the world, particularly the separation of water to create a habitable space, addressing questions of origins for an ancient audience.

How might our understanding of the world's structure influence our sense of belonging within it?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Psalm 19:1

    This psalm speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory, connecting creation's structure with divine purpose.

  • Job 26:7-10

    This passage describes the earth suspended and water boundaries, echoing ancient cosmological ideas.

  • Isaiah 40:22

    This prophet describes God as one who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, using common imagery.

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