10270. And the table, and all the vessels thereof. That this signifies in spiritual good from the celestial, which belongs to the second heaven, and in the ministering goods and truths, is evident from the signification of “the Tent of meeting outside the veil,” where was this table, as being the second heaven (see n. 9457, 9481, 9485); from the signification of “the table upon which were the breads of faces,” as being spiritual good from the celestial; for the “breads” signify celestial good (n. 9545); and the “table” upon which these were signifies spiritual good (n. 9684, 9685); and from the signification of its “vessels,” as being the knowledges of celestial good and truth (see n. 9544), thus ministering goods and truths, for knowledges minister. The reason why these words signify spiritual good from the celestial (which is signified by “the table upon which were the breads of faces”), is that by the Tent of meeting outside the veil was represented the second heaven, in which reigns the good of charity toward the neighbor, which is called spiritual good, and this good is so far good as there is in it celestial good, which is the good of love to the Lord. For there are three kinds of good which make the three heavens. There is the good of love to the Lord, which is called celestial good; this makes the inmost heaven. There is the good of charity toward the neighbor, which is called spiritual good, and which makes the second heaven. And there is the good of faith, which is called spiritual natural good, and makes the ultimate heaven. The Lord inflows immediately from His Divine Human into the celestial good which is of the inmost heaven. The Lord inflows from the Divine Human into the spiritual good which is of the second heaven, and also mediately through celestial good. And the Lord inflows from the Divine Human into the spiritual natural good, which is of the ultimate heaven, and again also mediately. It is said “also mediately,” because the Lord not only flows into the goods of these heavens mediately, but also immediately (as can be seen from what was shown concerning Divine influx immediate and mediate in the numbers cited in n. 9682).

9685. And thou shalt bestow the table at the side of the north. That this signifies good in obscurity, is evident from the signification of “the table upon which were the breads of faces,” as being a receptacle of celestial things (see n. 9527), for “the breads” denote celestial good which is from the the Lord, (n. 9545); and from the signification of “the north,” as being obscurity in respect to the truths of faith (n. 3708) and when truth is in obscurity, good also is in obscurity; because in the Lord’s spiritual kingdom good appears through truth, and truth is perceived as good when it comes from the understanding into the will. This good is the good of charity toward the neighbor, and is called “spiritual good.” It is otherwise in the Lord’s celestial kingdom; there good does not appear as good through truth, but is perceived from good itself. From this it can be seen why the table was placed on the side toward the north, and the lampstand on the side toward the south. But see what has been said and shown on this subject just above (n. 9684).