§. 130. Of the extent of Heaven and Earth.
IN setting down the Creation two words are used, which comprise in them all things that were made, namely Heaven and Earth, and that by two tropes; one is a Metonymy, whereby the continent is put for all things contained therein: The other is a Synecdoche whereby a part is put for the whole; The earth is the middle center of the whole world, and the heaven is the uttermost circumference that com∣passeth all about; so as all between them are comprised under them. In this large sense these two words are oft used, as Gen. 1. 1. 2 Kin. 19. 15. 2 Chro. 2. 12. Psa. 121. 2. Ier. 32. 17.
Under this word earth the Sea and all waters below are comprised; For the earth* 1.1 and sea make but one globe, Gen. 1. 9, 10. They were divided at first, and so conti∣nue for the better use of man, and of other creatures living on earth. Thus not only all things that move upon the earth or grow out of the earth, or are within the earth; but also whatsoever is in the Sea, or swims thereupon, is to be understood under this word Earth.
There is mention made in Scripture of three heavens.* 1.2
- 1. The Air, wherein birds and Fowls do fly, wherein are the clouds also; so as all the space betwixt the Earth and the Moon, is called the first heaven.
- 2. The Firmament, wherein are all sorts which are called the host of Heaven, Deut. 4. 19. is the second heaven.
- 3. That invisible place where are the Angels and glorified Saints, and the hu∣mane nature of Christ, and where God doth most manifest his glory, is the third heaven, 2 Cor. 12. 2. Beyond this is nothing at all. In regard of this distinction of heaven, the purall number heavens is used.
Thus we see how these two words earth, heavens, may be put for all crea∣tures.
As for the order of the words, in setting Earth before Heaven, the holy Ghost is not over-strict or curious in his method: Though for the most part the heaven for excellency sake be set before the earth, yet many times, as here, Earth is put before Heaven, Iudg. 5. 4. Psa. 68. 8: Isa. 45. 12. Ier. 51. 15.
Some probable Reasons may be given of putting Earth before Heaven, as,
- 1. The Earth was made before the visible Heavens, Gen. 1. 10, 14.
- 2. The Earth is set down as a Foundation of the world; And foundations use to be first mentioned, 1 King. 6. 37, 38. Ezra 3. 11. Zec. 4. 9.
- 3. The Earth is the Center of the world; The Heavens the circumferences thereabout; He beginneth therefore with the Center, and proceeds to the circum∣ferences.
- 4. The Earth is mans habitation, Act. 17. 26. From thence he beholdeth the Heavens; Speaking therefore to men, he first sets out the place of their habi∣tation.