heaven

The firmament, a massive transparent dome that covers the earth in the worldview of the ancient Hebrews. Heaven was the place of the stars, sun, and moon (Gen 1:14-16) and of the birds (Gen 1:20; Deut 4:17). It is also the abode of God (1Kgs 8:30) and where God is enthroned (Isa 66:1; Exod 24:9-11). The prophet Elijah, doer of mighty deeds, was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, according to (2Kgs 2:1-12). Heaven and earth are sometimes included in lists of divine witnesses. Heaven was apparently called upon to witness the covenant between God and the Israelites (Deut 32:1). When the covenant was broken, God accused Israel before heaven (Isa 2:1; Jer 2:12). The prophets of Israel claimed to have access to the heavenly court (1Kgs 22:19-23). Dreams and visions of the heavenly world and the future were attributed to Daniel (Dan 7-12). In the NT book of Revelation, an open door appears in heaven so that the early Christian prophet John may see heavenly secrets (Rev 4:1).