the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
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Bible Dictionaries
Heaven
Morrish Bible Dictionary
or The principal words so translated are shamayim, from 'the heights,' and οὐρανός. They are used in a variety of senses: as
1. The atmosphere in which the birds fly, and the lightning appears, and from whence the rain descends. Genesis 7:23; Deuteronomy 11:11; Daniel 4:21; Luke 17:24 . It will pass away. 2 Peter 3:10,12 .
2. The firmament or wide expanse in which are seen the sun, moon, and stars. Genesis 1:14,15,17 .
3. The abode of God, where His throne is. Psalm 2:4; Psalm 11:4; Matthew 5:34 . Whence the Lord descended and to which He ascended, and where He was seen by Stephen. Mark 16:19; Acts 7:55; 1 Corinthians 15:47 .
4. The abode of angels. Matthew 22:30; Matthew 24:36; Galatians 1:8 .
It is important to see that, in forming the present system of this world, God made a heaven to this earth, so that the earth should be ruled from heaven. The blessing of the earth, either materially or morally, depends upon its connection with heaven. This blessing will be full when the kingdom of the heavens is established in the Son of man, and He will come in the clouds of heaven. Psalm 68:32,35 . It is the place of angelic power, 'the principalities and powers in the heavenly places' being angelic, Satan and his angels, though fallen, still being among them. Job 1:6; Job 2:1; Revelation 12:7-9 .
That there are various heavens is evident; Satan cannot have entrance into the glory, and Paul speaks of being caught up into the third heavens, 2 Corinthians 12:2; and the Lord Jesus passed through the heavens, and we read of 'the heaven of heavens.' Deuteronomy 10:14; 1 Kings 8:27 . Very little is said of the saints going to heaven, though their citizenship is there now, Phi . 3:20; but they are to be where Jesus is, and He went to heaven, and prepared a place for them. In the Revelation the four and twenty elders are seen in heaven sitting on 'thrones.' To Him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Believers "look for NEW HEAVENSand a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 21:1 .
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Morrish, George. Entry for 'Heaven'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/mbd/h/heaven.html. 1897.
