The usage of the phrase “kingdom of Heaven” is predominantly found in the Gospel of Matthew, which was written for a predominantly Jewish audience.
The New Testament contains the phrase "kingdom of God" in 68 instances across 10 different books. On the other hand, the phrase "kingdom of heaven" is mentioned 32 times, exclusively found within the Gospel of Matthew.
It is believed that the author of Matthew used this phrase as a way to respect the Jewish tradition of not speaking or writing the name of God(Yahweh) directly. In this context, “heaven” is understood to represent yahweh himself rather than a specific location or place.

When we delve into the original language New Testament was written in, we find that the Greek word for “kingdom,” βασιλεία (basileia), carries a broader range of meanings compared to the English word “Kingdom”.
Derived from Baotλɛúç (basileus), meaning "king," the emphasis is on the royal reign and authority of the king rather than the geographical territory over which he rules. A more accurate translation might be "Kingship," highlighting the person of the king and his dominion.

Subsequently, the word "heaven" is frequently used in the Biblical text to refer to the "sky." It is often mentioned alongside the word (erets), which translates to "land" or "earth" in English.
This pairing of "heaven" and "earth" can be seen in passages such as Genesis 1:1, 2:1 and 14:19.
The usage of "heaven” to represent the sky aligns with its literal meaning. The Hebrew word שָׁמַיִם (shamayim), translated as "heaven," is often associated with the visible sky, the celestial vault, or the atmospheric realm. It is used to describe the expanse above the earth where clouds, stars, and other celestial bodies are observed.
The term "heaven" carries the connotation of the sky or celestial realm, aligning with its literal meaning in Hebrew.

In these instances, the combination of "heaven" and "earth" represents the entirety of creation and the domain of Yahweh. It encompasses both the celestial realm (heaven/sky) and the terrestrial realm (earth). This usage reflects the ancient understanding of the universe, where the sky or heavens were seen as a separate expanse above the earth.

Also, in English, the term "heaven" derived from the Old English heofon, primarily refers to the sky rather than the eternal dwelling place of A God(Yahweh). Similarly, the Greek word oupavóc (ouranos), translated as "heaven," in New Testament literally means "the sky."
In the Gospels, the plural usage of ouranos, meaning “skies,” is employed. This plural form emphasizes the universal nature of what is being discussed. One might more aptly refer to it as the "Kingdom of the Heavens."

Throughout the Bible, the word "heaven" is often used to describe the sky, the dwelling place of celestial bodies, and the atmospheric realm.

The contrast between the "kingdom of the heavens" and every other earthly kingdom is noteworthy. While the earth has limits and boundaries, the skies are limitless and boundless. Thus, a kingship of the skies underscores the universal and all- encompassing nature of a Deity's reign, symbolizing the limitless rule of a Monotheistic God.
it highlight the expansive and universal nature of a Deity's reign. The emphasis on the skies or heavens in the plural form reinforces the idea of Deity's rule transcending earthly limitations.

Another significant metaphor for Yahweh dwelling place in the Bible is “Paradise”, it will be discussed in another post.