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what was the ancient near eastern understanding of the 'heavens' and their 'speech'?

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

Psalm 19:1-4

The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows his handiwork. Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech nor language. Their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun.

This psalm, traditionally attributed to David, uses imagery from the natural world to describe how God reveals himself. It contrasts this 'natural revelation' with the specific, written law given in the latter half of the psalm, presenting two ways God communicates with humanity.

What forms of 'speech' do we observe in the natural world today?

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Read alongside it

  • Romans 1:20

    This New Testament passage echoes Psalm 19 by stating that God's invisible qualities are clearly seen through creation.

  • Job 38:1-38

    God answers Job by questioning his understanding of the natural world, demonstrating divine power and knowledge in creation.

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