Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, heaven is frequently depicted as the dwelling place of God, from which He exercises His sovereign rule and dispenses His judgments upon the earth. This concept is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the divine authority and justice that emanate from the heavenly realm.Heaven as God's Throne The Bible consistently portrays heaven as the throne of God, a place of supreme authority and governance. Isaiah 66:1 declares, "This is what the LORD says: 'Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool.'" This imagery underscores the transcendence and majesty of God, who reigns from heaven over all creation. Judgments Issued from Heaven Throughout the Scriptures, God is depicted as sending His judgments from heaven, demonstrating His righteousness and justice. In Genesis 19:24 , we read of the judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This act of divine retribution serves as a powerful example of God's ability to execute judgment from His heavenly abode. Similarly, the plagues of Egypt, as recounted in the book of Exodus, are manifestations of God's judgments sent from heaven. In Exodus 9:23 , it is written, "So Moses stretched out his staff toward heaven, and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and lightning struck the earth. So the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt." These judgments were direct interventions from God, demonstrating His power and authority over the natural world. Heavenly Court and Divine Decrees The concept of a heavenly court is also present in Scripture, where God is depicted as presiding over a divine assembly. In Daniel 7:9-10 , the prophet describes a vision of the Ancient of Days seated on His throne, with books being opened: "As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat... The court was convened, and the books were opened." This imagery conveys the idea of divine decrees and judgments being issued from heaven, reflecting God's omniscience and justice. Judgment in the New Testament In the New Testament, the theme of judgment from heaven continues, particularly in the context of eschatological events. Revelation 20:11-12 describes the final judgment: "Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it... And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This passage highlights the ultimate judgment that will be executed from heaven, affirming God's righteous governance over all humanity. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of heaven as the place from which God sends His judgments underscores His sovereign authority and the moral order He upholds. From the Old Testament accounts of divine retribution to the New Testament visions of final judgment, the Scriptures consistently affirm that God's judgments are dispensed from His heavenly throne, reflecting His holiness, justice, and ultimate authority over creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 19:24Then the LORD rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 2:10 Daniel 4:13,14 Romans 1:18 Library The God of Nature (Preached During a Wet Harvest. ) The Humanity of God Here, by Way of Objection, Several Questions are Raised. ... The Third Season A Doomed People Religion not Godliness The Peace of God A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ... Concerning the Unity of God . On the Article, I Believe in one God ... Self-Destruction Resources Eternity in Heaven ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgAre books such as 90 Minutes in Heaven, Heaven is for Real, and 23 Minutes in Hell biblically sound? | GotQuestions.org Where is heaven? What is the location of heaven? | GotQuestions.org Heaven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heaven is Called: A Heavenly Country Heaven is Called: The Father's House Heaven is Called: The Kingdom of Christ and of God Heaven: Christ is All-Powerful In Heaven: Christ: As Mediator, Entered Into Heaven: Enoch and Elijah Were Translated Into Heaven: Flesh and Blood Cannot Inherit Heaven: God: Answers his People From Heaven: God: Sends his Judgments From Heaven: Happiness of, Described Heaven: Names of Saints are Written Heaven: Physical Heavens, Creation of Heaven: Physical Heavens, Destruction of Heaven: Repentance Occasions Joy In Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Heavenly Country Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: A Rest Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Called a Garner Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: Paradise Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Father's House Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Kingdom of Christ and of God Heaven: The Future Dwelling Place of the Righteous: The Wicked Excluded From Heaven: The Wicked Excluded From Heaven: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |