### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râqîyaʻ**, represented by `{{H7549}}`, describes an expanse or the visible arch of the sky. From its root רָקַע, its base definition is "properly, an expanse, i.e. the firmament or (apparently) visible arch of the sky; firmament." It appears **17 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible, primarily in the accounts of creation and in prophetic visions.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7549}}` is central to the creation account in Genesis. God creates the **firmament** to bring order, establishing it "in the midst of the waters" to **divide** `{{H914}}` the waters above from the waters below ([[Genesis 1:6]], [[Genesis 1:7]]). God then calls the **firmament** Heaven [[Genesis 1:8]]. It is within this **firmament** that God sets the **lights** `{{H3974}}` to serve as signs and for seasons, and to give light upon the earth ([[Genesis 1:14]], [[Genesis 1:17]]). In the Psalms, the **firmament** is a testament to God's creative power, showing his "handywork" [[Psalms 19:1]] and serving as the realm to praise him in the "firmament of his power" [[Psalms 150:1]]. Ezekiel's visions depict a **firmament** stretched over the heads of cherubim, appearing like terrible crystal with a throne above it ([[Ezekiel 1:22]], [[Ezekiel 10:1]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the function and nature of the **firmament**:
* `{{H8064}}` **shâmayim** (heaven): The firmament is explicitly named **Heaven** by God [[Genesis 1:8]]. It is frequently referred to as "the firmament of the **heaven**," highlighting its identity as the sky [[Genesis 1:14]].
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): The primary function of the firmament in the creation account is to separate the **waters** from the **waters**, establishing distinct realms above and below [[Genesis 1:6]].
* `{{H914}}` **bâdal** (to divide): This word describes the key action of the firmament. It was made to **divide** the waters, and it houses the lights that **divide** the day from the night ([[Genesis 1:7]], [[Genesis 1:14]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{H7549}}` is seen in its role as a foundational element of God's creation.
* **Divine Order:** The creation of the **firmament** represents God imposing order on the unformed world, primarily through the act of division `{{H914}}` to separate the waters [[Genesis 1:6-7]].
* **Declaration of Glory:** The **firmament** is not a passive backdrop but an active witness to its creator. It "sheweth" God's handywork [[Psalms 19:1]] and is described as the "firmament of his power" [[Psalms 150:1]], a space where God's strength is displayed.
* **Celestial Dwelling:** It holds the heavenly bodies—the **lights** `{{H3974}}` that govern time and seasons—making it the appointed place for celestial signs [[Genesis 1:14]].
* **Symbol of Transcendence:** In Ezekiel's visions, the **firmament** appears as a terrible, crystal-like boundary beneath the likeness of God's throne ([[Ezekiel 1:22]], [[Ezekiel 1:26]]), symbolizing a separation between the earthly and the divine.
* **Metaphor for Righteousness:** The brightness of the **firmament** is used as a powerful image for the future glory of the wise who turn many to righteousness [[Daniel 12:3]].
### Summary
In summary, **râqîyaʻ** `{{H7549}}` signifies far more than the physical sky. It is a foundational structure in the biblical account of creation, established by God to create order and separation. From declaring God's glory in the Psalms to serving as a boundary for the divine throne in Ezekiel's visions, the **firmament** is consistently portrayed as a domain of divine power and majesty. Its use as a metaphor for the glory of the righteous [[Daniel 12:3]] solidifies its status as a symbol of splendor, order, and divine handiwork.
TRV