FIRMAMENT.

From the Vulgate firmamentum, which is used as the translation of the Hebrew raki’a. This word means simply “expansion.” It denotes the space or expanse like an arch appearing immediately above us. They who rendered raki’a by firmamentum regarded it as a solid body. The language of Scripture is not scientific but popular, and hence we read of the sun rising and setting, and also here the use of this particular word. It is plain that it was used to denote solidity as well as expansion. It formed a division between the waters above and the waters below (Gen. 1:7). The raki’a supported the upper reservoir (Ps. 148:4). It was the support also of the heavenly bodies (Gen. 1:14), and is spoken of as having “windows” and “doors” (Gen. 7:11; Isa. 24:18; Mal. 3:10) through which the rain and snow might descend.

In Scripture the word denotes an expanse, a wide extent; for such is the signification of the Hebrew word. The original, therefore, does not convey the sense of solidity, but of stretching, extension; the great arch of expanse over our heads, in which are placed the atmosphere and the clouds, and in which the stars appear to be placed, and are really seen.—Webster.

FIR'MAMENT. The word "expansion" would more perfectly convey the meaning of the original word. Gen 1:17. A similar idea is suggested Ps 104:2; Isa 40:22, and the same word is used to denote a "covering," Num 16:38-39, or a "spreading over," Isa 40:19, or "spread forth." Isa 42:5. The Jews probably understood the word "firmament" to denote an immense arch or canopy sprung from one side of the horizon to the other, studded with stars and forming a sort of separating wall between the upper and lower waters. See Ps 19:1; Dan 12:3. The stars are represented as dropping from their settings in it. Isa 34:4; Matt 24:29.

FIR'MAMENT. The word "expansion" would more perfectly convey the meaning of the original word. Gen 1:17. A similar idea is suggested Ps 104:2; Isa 40:22, and the same word is used to denote a "covering," Num 16:38-39, or a "spreading over,"

Isa 40:19, or "spread forth." Isa 42:5. The Jews probably understood the word "firmament" to denote an immense arch or canopy sprung from one side of the horizon to the other, studded with stars and forming a sort of separating wall between the upper and lower waters. See Ps 19:1; Dan 12:3. The stars are represented as dropping from their settings in it. Isa 34:4; Matt 24:29.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Fixed foundation; established basis. [Obs.] Custom is the . . . firmament of the law. Jer. Taylor.

2. The region of the air; the sky or heavens. And God said, Let there be a firmament in the miGen. i. 6. And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament. Gen. i. 14.

3. The orb of the fixed stars; the most rmote of the celestial spheres.