Did the Writers of the Bible Believe in a Flat Earth?
The Bible, one of the most read and influential books in history, is often cited as evidence for the shape of the Earth. However, modern scientific understanding of the Earth's shape reveals discrepancies between its contents and our current knowledge. This article explores these discrepancies and analyzes how the ancient writers of the Bible perceived the shape of the Earth, highlighting their belief in a flat, immovable world.
The Perception of Flat Earth in Biblical Times
The primitive writers of the Bible did not know that the Earth was a sphere. They believed in a flat Earth with a solid transparent dome called the firmament, as depicted in the image above, rather than the spherical Earth we know today. This worldview was common in the ancient Middle East, closely mirroring Sumerian-Babylonian and Egyptian cosmologies, which also viewed the Earth as flat.
Scriptural Evidence for a Flat Earth
The firmament concept is explicitly described in several Bible verses. For instance, in Genesis 1:6-7, God created “two great lights” and a “firmament” to separate the waters above from the waters below. Here, the firmament is described as a solid dome above the Earth, supporting the fresh water “above”.
Gen 1:6-7
And God said, ‘Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters.’ Then God made the firmament and separated the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so.
Additionally, verses like Daniel 4:10-11 describe a tree reaching to the sky, visible from every direction, implying a flat Earth:
Daniel 4:10-11
‘As the sign of his mouth was a man in stature, having a man’s likeness, and his appearance stemmed from the midst of light; his body was the likeness of the color of sapphire, and his appearance like the appearance of gleaming bronze. The likeness of his belly was—as the appearance of whiteness, and the likeness of the loins of his belly—as the appearance of pure sapphire; and upon his belly was the work of a glorious throne, the work of firmament, and the appearance as the color of sapphire in its most beautiful form.
Further, Matthew 4:8 and Revelation 1:7 also support the idea of a flat Earth, allowing for a “high mountain” and sun standing still, respectively.
Matthew 4:8
The devil took Him up into a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in their glory.
Revelation 1:7
Amen. I come quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.
Flat Earth Beliefs and Worship Practices
The belief in a flat Earth led to certain worship practices and sacrifices. The cosmology of flat Earth is evident in the belief that the Earth did not move and the firmament was breakable, leading to practices such as sacrificing animals to appease a bloodthirsty god during droughts or other natural disasters.
For example, in Joshua 10:12-14, Joshua asks the sun to stand still so he can defeat his enemies, indicating the cosmological belief that the sun and moon can be stopped.
Joshua 10:12-14
‘Sun, stand still over Gibeon, and moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.’ And the sun stood still and the moon stayed until the people had avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book of Jashar? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven and hasted not to go down about a whole day.
However, this belief is at odds with modern scientific understanding, which tells us the Earth does indeed rotate and the sun and moon are astronomical bodies.
Modern Interpretations and the Flat Earth Movement
The flat Earth belief, while now more prevalent due to online communities and new age movements, has historical ties to the Bible interpretations of primitive times. Notable figures such as Samuel Birley Rowbotham cited numerous scriptures to support their beliefs, with Aaron Williams compiling questions about the creation and shape of the Earth.
Conclusion
The Bible reflects a cosmology of a flat Earth with a firmament, rooted in the ancient Middle Eastern worldview. While these beliefs are now seen as scientifically incorrect, they offer a valuable insight into the religious and cultural beliefs of ancient societies. As modern science continues to refine our understanding of the universe, it is important to recognize and understand these historical perspectives within their cultural context.
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