When I say, a mythological place, I am pointing out the image of it as a fantastical spiritual dimension. I am not saying that sheol is mythological. I am saying that this understanding of Sheol/Hades is mythological, as it cannot be proven by the Bible.
I have already wrote why "the heart of the earth" is like not a literal location here. (second half of the post)
I will retell shortly for a smoother read if someone doesn't have time to look:
There are two other Biblical phrases coined in the same fashion, "heart of the seas" and "heart/midst of heaven", suggesting that "the heart of..." is a figure of speech, meaning "in the midst of something, although doesn't have to be too far into". The construction is used for earth in the example in Matthew, heaven and also seas. This does not mean being in the middle of the planet, but rather surrounded by ground, or "underground" said in a poetic way (Jesus was in a cave).
I am not saying that I am necessarily right, and that you are necessarily wrong. I am just explaining my reasoning, as there is some evidence in other Scriptures pointing that this is a figure of speech, and yet no evidence that it is a specific location in the center of the earth or such.
Based on what Scriptures I have before me, I would not take the heart of the earth as a specific location, but rather as a figure of speech, which pertains to the actual grave of Jesus (and maintains the foreshadowing of Jonah).
I'd argue that the small cave where Jesus was buried also makes a way better analogy to a whale's belly, than some vast spiritual pit dimension where all these souls would be abiding.
I have also looked for "nether parts" mentioned elsewhere, as some members said it was relevant:
Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Consider this: could it not be an intentional distinction to point out it's descending into one's grave they are talking about? Because Jesus already descended down to the earth when He come in flesh! Distinction is necessary here for the sake of clarity: if the Scripture didn't say "lower parts", we wouldn't know it meant grave, and we would assume it meant just coming in flesh.
Similarly, in Ezekiel 31, "nether parts of the earth" simply means "underneath ground level" aka grave/death.
It says plainly: "for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, "
Thus, there is no conclusive evidence that "nether parts of the earth", or "heart of the earth" are a specific location or spiritual dimension, this is just based on guessing. In fact, the Scripture seems to point to the contrary. I hope I explained well why I don't agree, as of now.
I take Sheol/Hades simply as death, a stage/state/condition.
I have already wrote why "the heart of the earth" is like not a literal location here. (second half of the post)
I will retell shortly for a smoother read if someone doesn't have time to look:
There are two other Biblical phrases coined in the same fashion, "heart of the seas" and "heart/midst of heaven", suggesting that "the heart of..." is a figure of speech, meaning "in the midst of something, although doesn't have to be too far into". The construction is used for earth in the example in Matthew, heaven and also seas. This does not mean being in the middle of the planet, but rather surrounded by ground, or "underground" said in a poetic way (Jesus was in a cave).
I am not saying that I am necessarily right, and that you are necessarily wrong. I am just explaining my reasoning, as there is some evidence in other Scriptures pointing that this is a figure of speech, and yet no evidence that it is a specific location in the center of the earth or such.
Based on what Scriptures I have before me, I would not take the heart of the earth as a specific location, but rather as a figure of speech, which pertains to the actual grave of Jesus (and maintains the foreshadowing of Jonah).
I'd argue that the small cave where Jesus was buried also makes a way better analogy to a whale's belly, than some vast spiritual pit dimension where all these souls would be abiding.
I have also looked for "nether parts" mentioned elsewhere, as some members said it was relevant:
Ephesians 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Consider this: could it not be an intentional distinction to point out it's descending into one's grave they are talking about? Because Jesus already descended down to the earth when He come in flesh! Distinction is necessary here for the sake of clarity: if the Scripture didn't say "lower parts", we wouldn't know it meant grave, and we would assume it meant just coming in flesh.
Similarly, in Ezekiel 31, "nether parts of the earth" simply means "underneath ground level" aka grave/death.
It says plainly: "for they are all delivered unto death, to the nether parts of the earth, "
Thus, there is no conclusive evidence that "nether parts of the earth", or "heart of the earth" are a specific location or spiritual dimension, this is just based on guessing. In fact, the Scripture seems to point to the contrary. I hope I explained well why I don't agree, as of now.
I take Sheol/Hades simply as death, a stage/state/condition.
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