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   Verse Questions:
        Genesis 1:8
 
My question is; Where or what was heaven before? 
Friday, September 15, 2000 10:43:49 AM   0216
 
      re:Genesis 1:8   
Hello Luis,

I believe that this "Heaven" is not the same "Heaven" that God dwells in. This is a firmament (or a layer) of water which is above the earth (which was also a layer of water in verse 7). This layer of water or firmament above was called "Heaven".

I also believe that this layer of water or firmament disappeared during Noah's flood. The "Heaven" was emptied during this time.

[Genesis 7:11-12]
11 In the six hundredth year of Noah's life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened.
12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.

What remains of "Heaven" after the flood could well be our atmosphere. This interesting definition of "atmosphere" is also found in JFB commentary, although not interpreted in the same manner, for [Genesis 1:6].

(firmament--an expanse--a beating out as a plate of metal: a name given to the atmosphere from its appearing to an observer to be the vault of heaven, supporting the weight of the watery clouds. By the creation of an atmosphere, the lighter parts of the waters which overspread the earth's surface were drawn up and suspended in the visible heavens, while the larger and heavier mass remained below. The air was thus "in the midst of the waters," that is, separated them; and this being the apparent use of it, is the only one mentioned, although the atmosphere serves other uses, as a medium of life and light)

Whichever it means, I believe that this firmament is not the same "Heaven" as we refer to where the throne-room of God is. 
Thursday, July 05, 2001 10:16:24 AM waihun

changed on Thursday, July 05, 2001 10:20:19 AM

 
      re:Genesis 1:8   
Just a thought for what it's worth. The Bible seems to use the word "Heaven" to refer to three distinct realms. First: The air above us in which birds fly, storms occur, etc. Second: The realm of the stars and planets, ie: Space. Third: The celestial dwelling place of God. Perhaps this can offer some perspective. 
Saturday, December 02, 2000 12:36:59 AM guest
 
      re:Genesis 1:8   
The bible covers from the beginning of time to the end of time. The rest is the eternal realm of God and as Paul said, he saw things which he simply could not speak of [2Cor.12:2-4]. So how could we possibly understand these things? No, I think we should seek to love our God as He reveals Himself to us and our brethren now and to learn how to love our neighbour as ourself - it is a lifelong study! 
Tuesday, October 03, 2000 3:52:58 AM ausme
 
      re:Genesis 1:8   
Let me ask you a question.
Is Malacca a state or a town?
Actually, it is both. Malacca is a state and Malacca is the capital town of that state.
Names are for human reference. Heaven can be one place and 'the heavens' another. Malacca can be one thing and Malacca also another.
You're talking about two different 'heaven's. One can be seen by all men. The other, is mostly seen by men after they are considered 'dead' on the world. 
Wednesday, September 27, 2000 2:58:35 AM gaidin
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