"… If we can now grant that the temple homology underlies the account of Genesis 1, it is appropriate to explore the nature of the homology and the extent to which it coincides with what is found in the ancient Near East. The evidence that has been presented thus far confirms that the temple in Israel was seen as a microcosmos, particularly through its identification with the symbolism of the Garden of Eden. The next question to address is whether the cosmos itself is viewed as a temple, or the temple is merely seen as the hub of the cosmos which, part for the whole, represents the cosmos. The latter perspective was common in the ancient Near East, but the former is hinted at in Isaiah 66:1-2. Which picture, if either, is reflected in Genesis 1? Levenson has suggested that the Isaiah 66 text does reflect the idea of cosmos as temple. He also notes Psalm 78:69: “He built his sanctuary like the heights, like the earth that he established forever.” Here, it is clearly stated that God modeled the temple after the cosmos. …"