In Jewish thought: first heaven = atmosphere, second heaven = space/stars, third heaven = God's presence

Mike's research shows the consistent interpretation: first heaven = atmosphere (where birds fly), second heaven = outer space / stars, third heaven = God's actual throne room. He distinguishes this from Mormon three-level afterlife doctrine. He rejects modern prophetic elaborations on heavenly levels as fabricated, expressing personal distrust of those who describe detailed heavenly architecture.