Does Isaiah 40:22 state that the Earth is round and Job 26:7 state that the Earth is suspended over nothing?
Is it true that the books of Isaiah and Job, as far back as 2,700 BC, states that the earth is "rounded" (Isaiah 40:22) and "suspended over nothing" (Job 26:7)? Or is it just a translation issue?
Isaiah 40:22
ESV - 22 It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to dwell in.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked December 02 2013
•
Augie Monroy
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
JD Abshire
Considering the scripture is literally "God breathed" and the writers were controlled by the superintending power of the Holy Spirit I would have to say it definitely is not a translation error. As triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were all active participants in the creation and decided to share that little bit of information with us. It certainly is a realistic possibility that the writer didn't personally understand what he had written or its significance. As Peter explains in the passage below, the prophets wrote concerning the sufferings of Christ and salvation. Even though they searched what they had just penned, they didn't understand how and when it was all going to come about. The angels only have a limited understanding. Verse 12 tells us that although the information was given to them to record, it is for our benefit. It was prophesied and came to pass. 1 Peter 1:10 "Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:" v.11 "Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." v.12 "Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into." I believe the Holy Spirit intentionally planned and made it happen like this in order to further authenticate the divine inspiration, inerrancy and accuracy of God's Word! All I can say is Wow! Praise God! Deuteronomy 29:29 "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever..........................."
Emo Tenorio
One has to remember that when these statements and prophecies were made in many cases it was not possible to prove them. Is 46:10 As God's perfect timing to expose completely the truth and their deeper meanings to His creation had not yet come to pass. Today our modern feeble technological advances in all disciplines of science are stumbling across the truths, that the Creator clearly stated in His message to us long ago. Consider these truth have been since the very creation, waiting for us to catch up and discover them, just like a cosmic calling card, hey creation I AM! This age more than any other before, gives mortals the ability to probe and explore the deep hidden treasures of God that were not understood or explainable. A truly exciting season within the age to be alive and witness such wonders before our eyes, all glory to God for such a gift to His creation. "People like us, who believe in physics, know that the distinction between the past, the present, and the future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion"....... Albert Einstein In the Lord's freedom to explore the wonders of His creations.warrior on
Kenneth Heck
The word "earth" in the bible refers only to dry land, not our planet whose surface includes both land and water (Gen1:10). So Isa 40:22 in referring to the "circle" of the earth doesn't necessarily validate our astronomical knowledge, but does suggest a regular or symmetric shape to our physical environment. Isa 11:12 refers to the "four corners of the earth" which may seem to contradict the "circle" description above, but I believe these differing scriptures will be eventually reconciled as we receive further inspiration from God. For Job 26:7, depending on the translation, we have various words such as "suspended," "hung," or "poised," all of which suggest that the earth is connected to a higher realm (or perhaps God himself) and not to anything beneath it. This is a particular instance of the divine truth that it is God who maintains the entire earth from the heavenly realms (and by implication the universe), not lower entities or forces.
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible