Dave,
In response to my doubting the reading of 'raqia' (Ez.1:22) as a solid
canopy, you wrote:
You are overlooking the key word, "firmament" or "expanse," which is
like crystal or ice. How can something that is stretched out looking
like ice be something other than solid? In Strong's, the number 7549
represents "firmament." It is derived from 7554, which basically means
"to pound" along with the results of pounding, something hammered flat.
This last is related to 7555, "beaten out, plate." Ezekiel has to be
reporting what would look to us like a heavy, clear, solid glass canopy.
In the standard New Brown-Driver-Broggs-Gesenius Hebrew-English Lexicon
it speaks of a solid extended surface. I also note that Genesis 1:20
that the birds do not fly in the firmament, but in front of it. The
firmament is not the atmosphere and whatever lies beyond it, which last
we moderns append.
My response:
Clearly, I have to bow to the opinions of those who have made a close
study of these matters. But, having conceded the point, I am unable to
confirm your comment "(in) Genesis 1:20...birds do not fly in the
firmament, but in front of it." (see AV and NASB). However, in my
exchanges with Paul Seely, the real point at issue was whether the
cosmological understanding of these early peoples was at all relevant to
our reading of the Flood narrative.
Thanks for explaining 'eisegesis' (odd that it doesn't appear in
'Chambers'!). With regard to Rev.13:18, I believe my approach is one of
exegesis. If you disagree, perhaps you would explain why.
Regards,
Vernon
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