The Baptism of Jesus part 2

The opening of the heavens occurs in the calling of Ezekiel in exile: 'The heavens were opened and I saw visions of God' (Ezekiel 1:1). It is usually a sign that God is about to speak or act and that one will get a quick peek at God's purposes. But Mark does not use the word 'open' (anoigo), as some translations render it. Instead, he describes that the heaven are torn (schizo), as one might imagine a bold of lightning tearing its fabric. What is open may be closed but when something is ripped it cannot be easily returned to its former state. When Jesus comes out of the water, Mark tells us, all heaven breaks loose! It is also significant that Joshua (josh 3:7-14, 4:14-17), Elijah (2 Kings 2:8), and Elisha (2 Kings 2:14) each parted the Jordan as a symbol of their power…Jesus, however, does not stand by the Jordan and part it; instead something far greater is parted – the dome of heaven.

-NIV Application Commentary Mark, David E. Garland page 48