The first heaven, according to ancient understanding, is essentially the atmosphere surrounding Earth. It's the blue sky and the clouds that we see above us every day. This conception predates modern scientific understanding of space.
Understanding Ancient Cosmologies
The ancient world's view of the heavens was very different from our modern, scientific perspective. Here's a breakdown:
- First Heaven: This was the closest celestial layer to Earth. It is the air we breathe, the place where clouds form, and the space above us that appears blue. As stated in the reference, this is the atmosphere.
- Second Heaven: Beyond the first heaven, they understood there was another distinct area. This was where the stars, moon, and visible planets resided. The reference notes that while they wouldn't have called it "outer space", they recognized it was different from the sky.
The First Heaven in Practical Terms
In simpler terms, imagine looking up. What you see—the sky, clouds, and air—is what the ancients considered the first heaven. It wasn’t a mystical place but the physical space around us that was visibly distinct from the celestial objects they saw further out.
Table: Comparing First and Second Heaven
| Feature | First Heaven | Second Heaven |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Earth's atmosphere | Space beyond Earth's atmosphere |
| Visible Elements | Clouds, blue sky | Stars, moon, planets |
| Modern Equivalent | Atmosphere | Outer Space |
