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Heaven: There are four Hebrew words thus rendered in the Old Testament which we may briefly notice.
1. Raki'a, Authorized Version, firmament. [FIRMAMENT]
2. Shamayim. This is the word used in the expression "the heaven and the earth," or "the upper and lower regions." Ge 1:1
3. Marom, used for heaven in Ps 18:16; Isa 24:18; Jer 25:30 . Properly speaking it means a mountain as in Ps 102:19; Eze 17:23
4. Shechakim, "expanses," with reference to the extent of heaven. De 33:26; Job 35:5 St. Paul's expression "third heaven," 2Co 12:2 had led to much conjecture. Grotius said that the Jews divided the heaven into three parts, viz.,
1. The air or atmosphere, where clouds gather;
2. The firmament, in which the sun, moon and stars are fixed;
3. The upper heaven, the abode of God and his angels, the invisible realm of holiness and happiness the home of the children of God.
See Also: Firmament
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