Arcana Coelestia # 1441
1441. That these things are meant by 'Shechem' becomes clear also from the fact that Shechem is so to speak the first stopping-place in the land of Canaan that one comes to when journeying from Syria, or Haran. And since 'the land of Canaan' means the celestial things of love it is clear that 'Shechem' means the first stage in the appearance of celestial things. When Jacob returned from Haran to the land of Canaan he likewise came to Shechem, as becomes clear from the following,
Jacob travelled on to Succoth and built a house for himself, and made shelters 1 for his cattle; therefore he called the name of the place Succoth. And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan-Aram; and he camped before the city. And he set up an altar there. Genesis 33:17-20.
Here also 'Shechem' means the first appearance of light. In David,
God has spoken in His holiness, I will exult, I will divide up Shechem and portion out the valley of Succoth. Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine; and Ephraim is the strength of My head, Judah is My lawgiver, Moab is My washbasin, upon Edom I will cast My shoe, over Philistia I will make a loud noise. Psalms 60:6, 8; 108:7, 9.
Here also 'Shechem' has a similar meaning. That names, including Shechem therefore, mean nothing other than real things becomes quite clear from these prophetic utterances of David. Otherwise they would be scarcely more than a heap of names. References to Shechem becoming a city of refuge, Joshua 20:7, and also a priestly city, Joshua 21:21, and a place where the covenant was made, Joshua 24:1, 25, also embody the same.
Poznámky pod čarou:
1. literally, tents
Psalms 60
1
God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.
2
You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.
3
You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.
4
You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.
5
So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.
6
God has spoken from his sanctuary: "I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.
7
Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.
8
Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia."
9
Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?
10
Haven't you, God, rejected us? You don't go out with our armies, God.
11
Give us help against the adversary, for the help of man is vain.
12
Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is he who will tread down our adversaries. For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By David.
