Another thing caught my attention today. In explaining the creation of the world, Irenaeus says that there are seven heavens around this world -- a concept I had not thought to be dominant until the end of Antiquity and the start of the Middle Ages. This astronomical understanding he then relates to the seven forms of service the Holy Spirit inspires (as given in Isaiah!) and finally to the seven-branched candlestick Moses made -- because he was told to make everything after the pattern he saw on the mountain of God, and the seven heavens, both astronomical and spiritual, are the pattern of the heavens.
On this, as on other things I note for their connection with the Gentile mental world, I wish I knew what the Rabbis around the time of Jesus were thinking, so I could compare. I really need to read me some Talmud and other rabbinical writings.
