A Firm Foundation

The Bible teaches that the earth has a foundation

God has placed the earth on an immovable foundation. The earth is static and established. It does not move, shake, tilt or rotate. Let us consider the testimony of the Bible.

The earth is supported by a solid structure:

“… for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them.” 1 Sam. 2:8.

“The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail stones and coals of fire.” “Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke…” Ps. 18:13, 15.

The earth is firmly established

The foundation our earth is based upon is one of the wonders of God’s mighty power. It is something which should move us to praise our Lord for his glorious works of creation. We see this in the questions God asked Job in the storm:

“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth?” “Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof…” Job 38:4, 6.

“The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.” Job. 26:11.

This solid supporting structure is placed upon the many waters, or the great deep:

“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.” Ps. 24:1-2.

Since the earth is static and settled, can we expect it to move or change its place at a daily basis, traveling at enormous speed and circling around any of the heavenly bodies?

“The LORD reigneth, he is clothed with majesty; the LORD is clothed with strength, wherewith he hath girded himself: the world also is stablished, that it cannot be moved.” Ps. 93:1.

The same is reiterated in Ps. 96:10.

“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands.” Ps. 102:25.

“Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinances…” Ps. 119:90, 91.

The Firmament of heaven covers the earth

Not only we are told of the earth being stationed and motionless, but also that the heavens are attached to it and cover it completely, from one end to the other, so that the sea cannot pass their limits.

“When he prepared the heavens, I was there: when he set a compass upon the face of the depth: When he established the clouds above: when he strengthened the fountains of the deep: When he gave to the sea his decree, that the waters should not pass his commandment: when he appointed the foundations of the earth: Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him…” Pr. 8:27-30.

“The earth and all the inhabitants thereof are dissolved: I bear up the pillars of it.” Ps. 75:3.

Of earth’s foundation it is said that it is lasting and firm, as a testimony of God’s creative power:

“Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever.” Ps. 104:5.

“Hear ye, O mountains, the LORD’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the LORD hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” Micah 6:2.

“Mine hand also hath laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand hath spanned the heavens: when I call unto them, they stand up together.” Isa. 48:13.

“The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.” Pr. 3:19.

The ends of the earth

The earth is said to have ends – or limits, beyond which we cannot reach.

“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? (…) who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son’s name, if thou canst tell?” Pr. 30:4.

Any refusal on our part to acknowledge the foundations of our earth (or any other part of God’s creation, for that matter), would equal a denunciation of the whole Creation and a disbelief in the Bible.

“And forgettest the LORD thy maker, that hath stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and hast feared continually every day because of the fury of the oppressor…?” Isa. 51:13.

See also Isaiah 45:22-24.

But, on the contrary, giving heed to God’s Word and believing in his testimony would settle our confidence in Him and His purpose for our lives and would give us assurance that He will fulfill His promises to the end.