The Second Heaven

 

[Job 1:6-12 KJV] 6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. 7 And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it. 8 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? 9 Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. 11 But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. 12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath [is] in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.

Have you ever wondered how it was that Satan was able to enter Heaven and accuse Job? Isn’t Heaven where God lives? How could Satan be there? It doesn’t make any sense, unless the place in this passage isn’t where God actually lives.

The Bible describes three heavens. Some scholars say the first heaven is the atmosphere around the earth, the second is the universe, and the third is the place where God lives. But others disagree about the second heaven. They say it is a spiritual place between the third heaven and earth. It seems that the earth is often a physical manifestation of the second heaven. Angels and stars are often equated, and manifestations of God’s provision (such as rain and mana) and/or power (like plagues, or miracles such as Elijah’s calling down fire) come from this place. It is the place where the angel who was dispatched to bring Daniel the answer to his prayer needed the archangel Michael to help him fight the Prince of Persia in Daniel 10.

[Col 1:16 KJV] 16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 

[Eph 2:2 KJV] 2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

My understanding is that thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers are spiritual government positions similar to our offices of president, congress, the judicial system, and military. These offices are not inherently evil in and of themselves. It is these offices that provide structure and authority to those who hold them. They were created to be good but have been infiltrated and overtaken by evil entities. These government offices were established to govern the earth and its inhabitants, but the earth was handed over to Satan’s authority through Adam’s disobedience. These governmental positions are located in the second heaven.

[Eph 6:12 KJV] 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

The Greek word translated high places is: “epouranios”. This word is always used in relation to heaven. This place, the second heaven, is where I believe the encounter between Satan and God occurs. 

The second heaven is reflected in the Second Temple. Solomon’s colonnade is a large porch-like structure built on the outside wall of the complex near the Court of the Gentiles. It was a gathering place available to men, women, and Gentiles where people gathered to discuss spiritual matters and current affairs. Jesus and His disciples often preached there. Solomon was known for his wisdom and judgment. While the place was not used for official court proceedings, its name is associated with the greatest judge of the Old Testament. It is not in the Temple itself where the Spirit of God resided, but outside, much like the second heaven. 

God created a legal framework to govern the earth. This is how Satan could come before Him. The earth and the second heaven have been given over to the unbelievers, but God is still sovereign. Satan and his angels have to work within that framework. In our judicial system in the USA, the police have to present a case before the judge to get a subpoena. In much the same way, Satan had to make his case before God to test Job. And God, because He created the framework, abided by it. But the good news is, He sent Jesus to pay the price for our sinful natures. He is changing the system from the inside out. The Blood of the Lamb now grants us mercy, so the enemy can’t touch us. This is why we take communion, to proclaim to the evil spirits that inhabit the second heaven and its offices that we are now free from their judgment.  

*map is taken from https://www.2belikechrist.com/printables-page