You asked

what did 'heavens' (shamayim) mean to people in ancient israel, beyond just atmosphere and space?

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

Genesis 1:1

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

This is the very first verse of the Bible, introducing the creation narrative. It sets the stage for everything that follows, establishing God as the sole creator of the cosmos.

How does understanding 'heavens' as more than just physical space shape your view of creation and God's activity?

Keep thinking

Behind the textwhat did the babylonian or egyptian creation myths say about the 'heavens' compared to genesis?
Across the Biblehow does the new testament concept of 'new heavens and new earth' relate to this original creation?
For todayif 'heavens' implies god's domain, what aspects of our world do we mistakenly think are outside god's purview?

Read alongside it

Psalm 19:1
This psalm speaks of the heavens declaring God's glory, emphasizing their communicative role.
Isaiah 66:1
God proclaims the heavens as his throne, highlighting their association with divine authority and presence.
2 Corinthians 12:2
Paul speaks of being caught up to the 'third heaven,' suggesting different layers or dimensions within the heavenly realm.

Ask your own follow-up