In biblical literature, the concept of "Heaven: High" often refers to the exalted and transcendent nature of heaven as the dwelling place of God, the angels, and the redeemed. This notion is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where heaven is frequently depicted as being "high" or "above," symbolizing its purity, holiness, and separation from the earthly realm.

Heaven as God's Dwelling Place

The Bible consistently portrays heaven as the abode of God, emphasizing His sovereignty and majesty. In Isaiah 57:15 , it is written, "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in a high and holy place, and also with the contrite and lowly of spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" This passage highlights the dual nature of God's dwelling: exalted in heaven yet present with the humble on earth.

Heaven's Exalted Nature

The highness of heaven is often used to convey its superiority and the greatness of God. Psalm 113:4-6 states, "The LORD is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. Who is like the LORD our God, the One enthroned on high? He humbles Himself to behold the heavens and the earth." Here, the psalmist underscores the transcendence of God, whose glory surpasses even the heavens.

Heaven in Eschatological Context

In eschatological terms, heaven is depicted as the ultimate destination for believers, a place of eternal communion with God. The New Testament frequently refers to the high and heavenly calling of Christians. Philippians 3:14 reads, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." This verse reflects the aspirational nature of the Christian journey, aiming for the high calling that culminates in heaven.

Heavenly Realms and Spiritual Warfare

The concept of "high" also appears in the context of spiritual warfare, where the heavenly realms are depicted as the battleground between good and evil. Ephesians 6:12 states, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage indicates that the high places of heaven are not only the domain of God and His angels but also the arena of spiritual conflict.

Symbolism of Height in Worship

The highness of heaven is often mirrored in the worship practices and architecture of the biblical tradition. The construction of altars and temples on elevated sites symbolizes the aspiration to reach toward the divine. In 1 Kings 8:27 , during the dedication of the temple, Solomon acknowledges, "But will God indeed dwell on earth? Even the highest heavens cannot contain You, much less this temple I have built." This acknowledgment of God's transcendence is a recurring theme in worship, where the highness of heaven inspires reverence and awe.

Conclusion

The biblical portrayal of heaven as "high" serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine nature of God and the ultimate hope of believers. It emphasizes the separation between the holy and the profane, the eternal and the temporal, while inviting the faithful to aspire toward the heavenly calling.Psalm 103:11
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 57:15
For thus said the high and lofty One that inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2032. epouranios -- of heaven
... celestial, heavenly, high. From epi and ouranos; above the sky -- celestial,
(in) heaven(-ly), high. see GREEK epi. see GREEK ouranos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2032.htm - 7k

5311. hupsos -- height
... Spelling: (hoop'-sos) Short Definition: height, heaven Definition: height, heaven;
dignity, eminence. Word Origin from hupsi (on high, aloft) Definition height ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5311.htm - 6k

507. ano -- up, above
... things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Word Origin adverb from ana Definition
up, above NASB Word Usage above (5), brim (1), upward (1). above, high, up. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/507.htm - 6k

4605. maal -- above, upwards
... above, upwards NASB Word Usage above (7), above* (32), covered* (1), exceedingly
(1), forward (2), greater (1), greatly (1), heaven (4), high above (1), high ...
/hebrew/4605.htm - 6k

4791. marom -- height
... Definition height NASB Word Usage above* (1), exalted (1), exalted places (1),
haughtily (2), heaven (1), heavens (1), height (4), heights (9), high (28), high ...
/hebrew/4791.htm - 6k

That the High and the Next Way to Heaven is Run by Desires, and ...
... Insomuch, that whoso had a true desire for to be at heaven, then that same time
he were in heaven ghostly. For the high and the next way thither is run by ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the sixtieth chapter.htm

To the Honourable Mr Yorke.
... Praise ardent, cordial, constant, to high Heaven. More fragrant, than Arabia sacrificed,. ...
not human praise? While heaven's high host on hallelujahs live? ...
/.../young/youngs night thoughts/to the honourable mr yorke.htm

Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies.
... The Father's words of promise and of charge. From heaven high: He led the
People out; Smote through th'iniquitous nation; was Himself. ...
/.../book v general reply to sundry.htm

Days of Heaven Upon Earth
... Table of Contents. Title Page. THE DAYS OF HEAVEN. JANUARY 1. "Redeeming the time"
(Eph. v. 16). ... ix. 23). APRIL 2. "He shall dwell on high" (Isa. xxxiii. 16). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/simpson/days of heaven upon earth /

A Divine Saviour.
... And Jesus said, I:am: and ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand
of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high priest rent his ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter v a divine saviour.htm

High Priest
... Josephus says, the high priest had also the very idolatrous symbolical meanings
of every part of his dress, which ... The mitre is the heaven, because above all. ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

Genesis.
... Bruising his pious throat, he crushed life out. 195 Which deed the Lord espying
from high heaven,. Straitly demands "where Abel is on earth? ". ...
/.../unknown/fathers of the third century tertullian appendix/3 genesis.htm

Exhortations to those who are Called
... deep in debt to free grace as you, and none should be so high mounted upon ... O long
to be in heaven, where your thanksgivings shall be purer and shall be raised ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

The Apocalypse of Sedrach.
... O face well-anointed, light-bringing eyes, voice trumpet-like, tongue placable,
chin fairly adorned, hairs like the stars, head high as heaven, body decked out ...
/.../unknown/the apocalypse of sedrach/the apocalypse of sedrach.htm

The Angel's Greeting
... everlasting glory and came forth from His high place to fetch His Bride, whom the
Father had espoused to Him from all Eternity, back to that heaven from which ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/iii the angels greeting.htm

Questions about Heaven, Hell, and Eternity (All) | GotQuestions.org

What is the second heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Will heaven be on earth? | GotQuestions.org

Heaven: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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