In the context of biblical literature and ancient history, the concept of "globes" as we understand them today—spherical representations of the Earth or celestial bodies—does not explicitly appear in the Bible. However, the Bible does contain references to the shape and nature of the Earth and the heavens that have been interpreted in various ways throughout history.

Biblical References to the Earth and Heavens

The Bible often uses poetic and metaphorical language to describe the Earth and the heavens. In Isaiah 40:22 , it is written: "He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth; its dwellers are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in." The term "circle of the earth" has been a subject of interpretation, with some suggesting it implies a spherical Earth, while others see it as a reference to the horizon or the dome-like appearance of the sky.

In Job 26:7 , the text states: "He stretches out the north over empty space; He hangs the earth upon nothing." This verse has been noted for its remarkable alignment with the modern understanding of the Earth suspended in space, though it is primarily a poetic expression of God's sovereignty and power.

Historical Context and Interpretations

In ancient times, the prevailing cosmological views were often geocentric, with the Earth considered the center of the universe. The Bible's descriptions of the Earth and heavens were understood within this framework. The idea of a spherical Earth was present in some ancient Greek philosophy, but it was not universally accepted until much later.

The development of globes as physical objects representing the Earth or celestial spheres began in the classical period, with the earliest known terrestrial globe created by Crates of Mallus in the 2nd century BC. However, these were not widespread in the biblical world.

Symbolism and Theological Implications

While the Bible does not mention globes directly, the imagery of the Earth and heavens serves to emphasize God's creative power and the order of His creation. The descriptions found in Scripture highlight the majesty and vastness of the created world, pointing to the divine wisdom behind its design.

Theologically, the concept of the Earth as a globe can be seen as a testament to the intricate and purposeful nature of God's creation. The harmony and balance observed in the natural world reflect the orderliness and sovereignty of the Creator, as expressed in passages like Psalm 19:1 : "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands."

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention globes, its references to the Earth and heavens have been interpreted in various ways throughout history. These interpretations reflect the broader understanding of the natural world and God's role as the Creator. The imagery used in Scripture serves to underscore the majesty and order of God's creation, inviting believers to marvel at His handiwork.

The Christ Crowned, the Fact
... Here crucified"there crowned. Crucified on earth, one of the smaller globes of the
universe. On the throne of the whole universe of globes"crowned! ...
/.../i the christ crowned the fact.htm

Extracts No. Iii.
... That the sun and moon are globes, and not triangles, all are agreed; and it would
be impossible to raise a dispute on the subject: but whether either or both ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no iii.htm

Sometimes the Masses have Been Driven to Atheism by Science. ...
... not suspect that the knowledge and adoration of God are, at bottom, the only business
of the creature; and that all these distances, these globes, these numbers ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/viii sometimes the masses have.htm

What Lasts, and what Passes Away.
... Up we rush in the eagerness of youth, and cast a light about us, up, up, growing
brighter, throwing out our stars and globes of light, and then, "the fashion ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxii what lasts and what.htm

Thankfulness to God.
... Man controls the lightning, he makes of that a slave to carry messages round the
world, and he carries it into globes, and lights streets and railway stations ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiii thankfulness to god.htm

Healing for the Wounded
... stars along, puts liniments around the wounded heart; that the same being who spoke
worlds into existence, and now impels those ponderous globes through their ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/healing for the wounded.htm

S. Mary Magdalene
... show? Who then did dress the much-loved toy,. In spires, globes, angry [141]
curls and coy,. Which with skill'd negligence seem'd shed. ...
/.../palgrave/the treasury of sacred song/cxxix s mary magdalene.htm

Concerning the Philosophers who Think that the Separation of Soul ...
... For we cannot at once grant to him that these luminous bodies or globes, which by
day and night shine on the earth with the light of their bodily substance ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 16 concerning the philosophers who.htm

Men as Trees
... science does its Master's work by opening the eyes of men who have been born blind,
they do not know at first what appearances belong to globes and what to ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 8 22-26 men as trees.htm

God's Will and Man's Will
... You have seen those mirrors, those globes that are sometimes hung in gardens; you
walk up to them and you see your head ten times as large as your body, or you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/gods will and mans will.htm

Globes (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Globes (4 Occurrences). 1 Kings 7:41 two pillars,
and the globes of the capitals that were on the top of ...
/g/globes.htm - 7k

Gloom (29 Occurrences)

/g/gloom.htm - 15k

Gloats (1 Occurrence)

/g/gloats.htm - 6k

Discomfiture (6 Occurrences)
... 2. The Three Worlds: Of course in 2 Peter 3:5-13, where the three worlds are spoken
of, three globes are not meant, but three vast epochs, three enormous ...
/d/discomfiture.htm - 101k

Second (2060 Occurrences)
... 2. The Three Worlds: Of course in 2 Peter 3:5-13, where the three worlds are spoken
of, three globes are not meant, but three vast epochs, three enormous ...
/s/second.htm - 96k

Peter (181 Occurrences)

/p/peter.htm - 101k

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