Question of the week:Psalm 148:4 mentions “waters above the heavens.” I thought there was no water in outer space. To what does this water above the heavens refer?
My answer: The biblical Hebrew word for heaven has three definitions: the troposphere of Earth; the realm of planets, stars, and galaxies; and the heavenly realm where the angels dwell. These three distinct definitions explain why Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2–5 states that he at one time was taken up to the third heaven. Thus, it is possible that the “waters above the heavens” (NKJV) refers to rain clouds in and just above the troposphere. It may refer to the thousands of mini-comets that bombard Earth every day. Comets are about 85% frozen water. It is also possible that the “waters above the heavens” refers to water in interstellar space. Interstellar space is not completely empty. It is filled with particles, atoms, and molecules. These molecules include water molecules. In fact, water is the third most abundant molecule in the universe, right after hydrogen-2 and hydrogen-3. In this context the universe is soaking wet.
What danger lurks in associating big bang cosmology with biblical cosmology? Most Christian physicists, astronomers, and other scientists would say, “None.” Many Christian philosophers,...
