Topical Encyclopedia The term "Body of Heaven" is a phrase that appears in the context of biblical descriptions of divine manifestations and celestial phenomena. It is primarily found in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Exodus, and is associated with the divine presence and the glory of God.Biblical Reference: The phrase "Body of Heaven" is mentioned in Exodus 24:10, where it describes a vision experienced by Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "And they saw the God of Israel. Under His feet was a work like a pavement made of sapphire, as clear as the sky itself." In this context, the "Body of Heaven" is understood to refer to the clear, brilliant appearance of the pavement beneath God's feet, likened to the sky in its purity and clarity. This vision is part of a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind, which underscores the transcendence and holiness of God. Theological Significance: The "Body of Heaven" serves as a symbolic representation of God's majesty and the heavenly realm. The imagery of a sapphire pavement, clear as the sky, conveys the idea of divine purity, perfection, and the unapproachable light in which God dwells. This vision emphasizes the separation between the divine and the human, highlighting God's otherness and the reverence due to Him. In conservative Christian theology, this passage is often interpreted as a foreshadowing of the ultimate revelation of God's glory in the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament speaks of Christ as the "radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His nature" (Hebrews 1:3), drawing a parallel between the Old Testament theophanies and the incarnation of Christ. Symbolism and Imagery: The use of sapphire and the comparison to the sky in the description of the "Body of Heaven" is rich with symbolism. Sapphire, a precious stone, is often associated with royalty, divinity, and the heavenly realm. Its deep blue color is reminiscent of the sky, which in biblical literature is frequently used as a metaphor for God's dwelling place. The imagery of the sky, or the heavens, as a representation of God's throne or footstool is a recurring theme in Scripture. Isaiah 66:1 states, "Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool." This reinforces the concept of God's sovereignty and the vastness of His dominion. Contextual Analysis: The vision of the "Body of Heaven" occurs during a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as the covenant between God and His people is being established at Mount Sinai. The presence of the elders alongside Moses signifies the communal aspect of this covenant, as well as the shared responsibility of the leaders to uphold God's laws. This theophany serves to authenticate Moses' leadership and the divine origin of the commandments he receives. It also provides a glimpse into the heavenly reality that undergirds the covenant relationship, reminding the Israelites of the holiness and majesty of the God they serve. In summary, the "Body of Heaven" in Exodus 24:10 is a profound depiction of God's glory and the heavenly realm, serving as a powerful reminder of His transcendence and the reverence He commands. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Body of HeavenBODY OF HEAVEN The King James Version translates the Hebrew idiom, etsem ha-shamayim, by "the body of heaven" (Exodus 24:10). A more correct rendering is given in the Revised Version (British and American), "the very heaven," taking the word `etsem in its idiomatic use as an intensive, which is derived from its literal meaning, "bone," as "strength," "substance," and then as "self" (compare Job 21:23); the substance of the blue, unclouded sky, hence, the clear sky itself. Greek 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation ... and to God, the being the (the mystical ) -- ie the universal (total) body of believers ... or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1577.htm - 8k 1553. ekdemeo -- to be away from home, absent Library Of Christ's Ascension into Heaven. Against the Platonists, who Argue from the Physical Weight of the ... Christ, the Head and the Body; Owing to the Union of the Natures ... The Apostle Paul could Know the Third Heaven and Paradise, but not ... Another Error of victor's, that Infants Dying Unbaptized May ... On the Soul and Body and the Passion of the Lord. Days of Heaven Upon Earth Read the Book on the Resurrection by St. Methodius Wyclif -- Christ's Real Body not in the Eucharist The Resurrection of Christ Proves that the Body Rises. Resources Does Jesus have a physical body in heaven? | GotQuestions.orgHow will our resurrection body be different from our current body? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be absent from the body? | GotQuestions.org Body: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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