YOU know what’s crazy? I’ll tell you what’s crazy. I’ve been talking about the Firmament for the whereabouts of ten years, and yet, I’ve never given a formal presentation on it—until now. And just think, the name of this website and YT Channel is ‘The Unexpected Cosmology’. Not that it hasn’t been mentioned frequently in papers and other publications. Well anyways, it’s better late than never. As part of my line-or-line Genesis study, I present to you Day Two of Creation. The Raqia. AKA, the FIRMAMENT.
Actually, I don’t want to frighten you off or anything, but I intend the Firmament to be a 2 week study. Probably 3. Possibly 4. I’ve collected a lot of material over the years. Especially as it’s concerned in extra-Biblical texts. Obviously, I’m not going to post them all here. You have to watch the video. Take notes. I will however give you a glimpse of one incredible Dead Sea Scrolls text which paints a stunning picture of Hebrew Cosmology. The ancients believed an ocean of water was suspended above our heads (held back, of course, by the Firmament), and I do too.
7 And I was grieving for the race of the sons of men, and I prayed to YAHAUAHA that I might be saved.
8 Then there fell upon me a sleep, and I beheld a high mountain, and I was upon it.
9 And behold the heavens were opened, and an angel of Elohiym said to me, Leviy, enter.
10 And I entered from the first heaven, and I saw there a great sea hanging.
11 And further I saw a second heaven far brighter and more brilliant, for there was a boundless light also therein,
12 And I said to the angel, Why is this so? And the angel said to me, Marvel not at this, for thou shalt see another heaven more brilliant and incomparable.
13 And when thou hast ascended thither, Thou shalt stand near YAHAUAHA, and shalt be His minister, and shalt declare His mysteries to men, and shalt proclaim concerning Him that shall redeem Yashar’el.
14 And by thee and Yahudah shall YAHAUAHA appear among men, saving every race of men.
15 And from YAHAUAHA’s portion shall be thy life, and He shall be thy field and vineyard, and fruits, gold, and silver.
16 Hear, therefore, regarding the heavens which have been shown to thee.
17 The lowest is for this cause gloomy unto thee, in that it beholds all the unrighteous deeds of men.
18 And it has fire, snow, and ice made ready for the day of judgement, in the righteous judgement of Elohiym; for in it are all the spirits of the retributions for vengeance on men.
19 And in the second are the hosts Of the armies which are ordained for the day of judgement, to work vengeance on the spirits of deceit and of Beliar.
20 And above them are the holy ones.
The Testament of Levi