Hi Jesse! Nice to be reading you here. Middle ages 'flat earth' cosmology goes back to antiquity and was supported by biblical texts. As far as I can tell, the only reason that חוג is interpreted as 'sphere' is by reading a Copernican-influenced heliocentric solar system back into the biblical texts. I'm happy to be persuaded otherwise, though.
GEORGE ATHAS Dean of Research, Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au) Sydney, Australia From: Jesse Griffin <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Date: Monday, 20 August 2012 9:28 AM To: George Athas <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Cc: B-Hebrew <[email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>> Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] Circle חוג Hello, I thought it worth noting that we shouldn't read middle-ages "flat earth" cosmology back onto the text either (not that you are suggesting that George). From what we know of Sumerian and Babylonian astronomy and cosmology, it's not unreasonable to think חוג *could* mean sphere. However, I do agree that the context in which חוג is used in the Bible suggests circle over sphere. Also, I don't think I've posted here yet, so by way of introduction, my name is Jesse Griffin. I've studied biblical studies at Liberty University in VA, and also Old Testament and biblical languages at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in MA. I hold a position in another profession, but I make use of my biblical skills by teaching Sunday School (currently leading a class through Genesis). Thanks, Jesse Griffin _______________________________________________ b-hebrew mailing list [email protected] http://lists.ibiblio.org/mailman/listinfo/b-hebrew
