399. (Verse 12) And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal. That this signifies prediction still further concerning the state of the church, is plain from the signification of opening the seals of the book which was in the Lord's hand, as denoting to reveal things hidden, and to predict things future (concerning which see above, n. 352, 361, 369, 378, 390).

352. When the Lamb had opened the first of the seals. That this signifies the first manifestation from the Lord, is clear from the signification of opening a seal, as denoting to reveal the things, that are written within; for when a seal is opened those things are read that are therein; in the present case things hidden, which no one could know but the Lord alone, for they are the states of all in general and in particular. That no one knows these but the Lord alone, is clear from what was explained above concerning the book and the opening of its seals (n. 199, 222, 299, 327). Hence it is evident that by, "when the Lamb had opened the first of the seals," is signified the first manifestation from the Lord.