While it is true that "circle" does not refer to a
spherical reality, it is also true that "earth" does not refer to a
global reality. In fact the word "earth," as used in the Bible, is
never a planetary reference. The Hebrew
'erets, which sometimes appears as "earth" in the Bible, is most often translated:
land, and is also given as
country, ground, and
field. Our word "earth" is not that flexible.
Simply put:
'erets is a word for
real estate. It is occasionally used metaphorically to describe a body politic but generally speaking, it simply means "land," as suggested by the fact that it is most often translated in that manner. Frequent use of the word "earth," by translators may be attributed to a desire for broader application of certain politically convenient biblical injunctions. Use of the word "earth" instead of "land" may enhance the Christian dream of global dominance.
The old Latin (Vulgate), and all modern versions have the deity sitting "above" the
circle of the earth rather than "upon" it (as the King James reads). This alters the interpretation considerably.
A clue to the deity's perspective is revealed in this paraphrastic rendering by creators of the New Living Translation (NLT).
quote:
"The people below must seem to him like grasshoppers!"
Why do they seem like grasshoppers? Probably because he is viewing them from an elevated position. Anyone who has looked down from a few hundred feet above the ground can tell you that from up there, people look very small. Rise a little higher and they disappear entirely.
When one surveys one's surroundings from the top of a high structure in a flat land: Two things become apparent.
1): The land takes on a circular appearance; and
2): The people below look very small, "like bugs."
I know that
chugg may be used to describe the
firmament, however, in terms of geometric accuracy,
dome is a better word for it. And
chugg does describe something of a truly circular nature: the
horizon. Proverbs 8:27
The NLT reads:
quote:
"I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans."
Most modern versions agree with this understanding. Remember now, the "House of God" was located at the highest point in the land. The "Highest" point.
Does this seem too low a seat for "God's" point of view?
Consider the concept of theocracy, in which One "High Priest" embodies the Spirit of the deity. Consider the concept of monarchy, in which One "Most High Prince" is filled with that Spirit. These men represent the deity, they stand in his place, speak for him, and sit upon his throne.
quote:
"Then Solomon sat on the throne of the LORD ..."1Ch 29:23
As "God's representative on earth" a king is the de-facto deity of his "earth" (i.e
land). If you don't believe it, just cross him and then try to escape his wrath. Is it so hard to believe that people "worshipped" their king?
quote:
And all the congregation ... worshipped the LORD, and the king. 1Ch 29:20
If the deity were viewing humanity from the tallest building in the ancient world, then yes: the people would seem like grasshoppers. If he were viewing them from twice that high they might seem as ants. But if he were viewing them from a much higher position, say from the firmament, then they wouldn't seem like anything at all. They would be invisible. (The firmament was about 100 miles up according to Babylonian calculations).
So who was this "god" which the poet describes?
Theology is the science of Dominion.- - - My God is your god's Boss - - -
™ Version 4.2
