Heaven, earth, sea: That three-decker universe is standard-issue in biblical cosmology (Exodus 20:11; Psalm 69:34; 96:11; 135:6; 146:6; Revelation 10:6). Occasionally a second heaven is added to the scheme (Nehemiah 9:6).
But when the Lamb ascends to take the book, praise arises from four dimensions of creation: heaven, earth, under the earth, and sea (Revelation 5:13). So far as I can tell, this is unprecedented. A fourth dimension is added not by reference to a tip-top story, a highest heaven. A fourth dimension is added below, a basement beneath the earth.
When the slain Lamb stands in heaven, the question of the Psalms gets answered: Can the dead praise you? In Sheol, who can give you thanks?
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