Apocalypse Explained # 531
531. Woe, woe, woe, to them that dwell on the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels which are about to sound.- That this signifies grievous lamentation over the changes of the state of the church at its end, on account of aversion from good and truth, and thence damnation, is evident from the signification of woe, which denotes lamentation over aversion from good and truth, and consequent damnation; and from its being said three times, which denotes grievous lamentation, concerning which we shall speak presently; from the signification of them that dwell on the earth, as denoting those who are of the church, the earth denoting the church, as may be seen above (n. 29, 304, 417); and from the signification of the voices of the trumpet of the three angels which are about to sound, as denoting the changes of the state of the church; for by the angels sounding the trumpets, are signified changes from influx out of heaven; see above (n. 502). That three signifies what is complete even to the end, will be seen in the following article. It is therefore evident that these words, "Woe, woe, woe, to those that dwell on the earth by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels which are about to sound," signify grievous lamentation over the changes of the state of the church at its end, on account of aversion from good and truth, and consequent damnation.
[2] That woe signifies lamentation over calamity, danger, misery, destruction, and so forth, is clear from the passages in the Word where it occurs; but here it signifies lamentation over aversion from good and truth, and consequent damnation, because this is the subject treated of in that which follows. And because aversion from good and truth becomes successively more grievous in the church, even unto its end, therefore it is three times named, to denote every successive increase of the grievousness of evil. This is evident from the following passages, where it is said,
"One woe is past; and behold, there come two woes more hereafter" (9:12).
And afterwards:
"The second woe is past; and behold, the third woe cometh quickly" (11:14).
That woe in the Word signifies lamentation over various accidents, especially over the evils which devastate the church, is evident from various passages therein; as in Matthew:
"Woe unto you, scribes and pharisees, hypocrites!" (23:13, 14, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, 29).
And in Luke:
"Woe unto that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed!" (22:22).
Again, in the same:
"Woe unto him, through whom offences come!" (17:1).
And in Isaiah:
"Woe unto them that join house to house" (5:8).
"Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink" (5:11).
"Woe unto them that draw iniquity" (5:18).
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil" (5:20).
"Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes" (5:21).
"Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine (vinum)" (5:22).
See also Isaiah, chap. 3:11; 10:1; 17:12; 18:1; 29:1, 15; 30:1; 31:1; 33:1; 45:9, 10, etc.; Jeremiah 22:13; Ezekiel 13:3; Apoc. 18:16, 19.
Daniel 10
1
In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and he understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.
2
In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three whole weeks.
3
I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.
4
In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,
5
I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a man clothed in linen, whose thighs were adorned with pure gold of Uphaz:
6
his body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as flaming torches, and his arms and his feet like burnished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
7
I, Daniel, alone saw the vision; for the men who were with me didn't see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves.
8
So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.
9
Yet heard I the voice of his words; and when I heard the voice of his words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.
10
Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.
11
He said to me, Daniel, you man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for am I now sent to you. When he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.
12
Then he said to me, Don't be afraid, Daniel; for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I have come for your words' sake.
13
But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.
14
Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for [many] days:
15
and when he had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.
16
Behold, one in the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to him who stood before me, my lord, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I retain no strength.
17
For how can the servant of this my lord talk with this my lord? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.
18
Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me.
19
He said, "Greatly beloved man, don't be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong." When he spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, "Let my lord speak; for you have strengthened me."
20
Then he said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. When I go forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come.
21
But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your prince."
