Thank you for the observation on the Earth, “Why does the Bible say the Earth is still, does not move, and rests on pillars when the earth is going 62,000 mph around the Sun?”
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration of the Bible description of Earth:
- From a human perspective, don’t most people feel that they are stand still in one place. They are perceiving the natural events from one place. They see the sunrise and the sunset as well as the clouds moving across the sky. Thus, from our perspective the Earth is still and the heavens are moving across us.
- In Genesis 1:5–8, God created an expanse in separating water from water on Earth. The landmass was submerged beneath the water and arose out of the water beneath the expanse of the heavens. Granted that the Bible doesn’t state in Genesis 1 that the Earth was a sphere, but if the water covered the earth, it is not on a pillar. That a figure of speech to show the strong foundation of the Earth.
- The Bible declares that God created the heavens and the earth. As one looks into the stars or the sun and moon, don’t man see the stars, the sun and moon are out there in space. Would it be reasonable that if we see the stars and sun “hanging” in space that the earth may be hanging in space as well!
- Genesis 1:14–18 declares that the sun, moon, and stars are to be used as markers for the season. This means that there is a constant reoccurrence of the seasons. This reoccurrence would indicate a rotation of the sun, moon, and stars or of Earth in return back to the “same” season again.
- If man’s eyes can see the stars at night, wouldn’t it be reasonable to assume that the stars are at a greater distance away from us the sun or moon? How fast that light would travel to Earth was unknown to mankind, but God did declare, “Let there be light.” The light was traveling at some speed to be seen by people on earth. shines to Earth is unknown but one can imagine that it would be such a great distance in seeing a small flicker of light in the distance night.
If God was to declare that the Earth was spinning at 62,000 mph, it would be viewed as nonsense. The fastest horse couldn’t travel until the 17th century. that fast and they would have no comprehension of miles per hour at that speed. God has to speak within the understanding of man otherwise it would be incomprehensible or considered as nonsense to him.
Summary: The Bible is not a scientific journal, but is a record of the history of the Jews and of the early Christians.
-Kingston