Biblical Hebrew Forum

[Dan Wagner <Dan.Wagner AT dstm.com>]

Joseph,

The word in question is used 3 other times in the MT: Exod. 12:22, 2 Sam.
2:25, Isa. 58:6. The Benjamites unite to form a "unit" or "band," apparently
in military operations as a precautionary or organizational maneuver (2
Sam.). The oppressive "bonds" of a yoke (fig. "bonds of oppression") should
be loosed, parallel to another rare word for "fetters" or "pains" of
imprisonment (Isa. 58; cf. Psm. 73:4). Several stalks of hyssop were
apparently held together with a "band" (Exod).

How this usage applies to "His [i.e., God as 3MS sfx.] strata in
[over/upon?] the earth" [NKJV] or "its [i.e., the "celestial layers/palace"
but dubious 3FP antecedent for 3MS sfx] foundation on the earth" [NIV], i'm
not sure. However, there is no evidence that the idea of a "hard dome" is
implied. It seems to me to be more an imagery for the limits and/or control
God has over these regions. The context of the verse points clearly to this,
and the idea of "bondage" (cf. Isa. 58 context) certainly fits with God's
absolute control of the earth's surface, atmosphere, stratosphere, space,
whatever ... though our sophisticated conception of these elements should
certainly not be imported into Amos' context (some try!).

Hope this helps.

Dan Wagner


-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Brian Tucker [mailto:music AT riverviewcog.org]
Sent: Sunday, May 28, 2000 17:25
To: Biblical Hebrew
Subject: Vaulted Dome - Amos 9:6


Greetings

I am interested in knowing some thoughts from list members concerning this 
'vaulted dome' (NASB) 'aguddah

1. What is this vaulted dome?

2. Do you know any place where this idea of a hard dome above the earth is 
mention in BHS?

3. Is it true that to properly understand this word a linguistic error is 
engaged in, specifically, "borrowing from cognates where similiar concepts 
occur? Could you please elaborate on this concept?

4. Any other suggestions for studying Hebrew words of cosmological 
significance?

Thanks
Brian Tucker
Riverview, MI
music AT riverviewcog.org

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