The Inner Meaning of the Prophets and Psalms # 178
178. Internal Meaning of Daniel, Chapter 7
1-3 Revelation concerning the successive changes of state of the church: (2, 11)
4 The first, while they were in the understanding of truth; (2)
5 The second, when they studied only the sense of the letter of the Word; (2)
6 The third, when the sense of the letter of the Word was falsified, and falsity was made to appear as truth; (2)
7 The fourth, when there was faith alone, which destroyed all things of the church, (3, 17)
8 and which was confirmed by the sense of the letter of the Word; (3)
9-10 they were judged from the Word, (3)
11 and that faith was wholly destroyed, (3, 17)
12 and [those who were in] the former [states] were judged according to their life, (3)
13-14 and the church became the Lord's. (11)
15-16 Further explanation of those things: (2)
17-18 four successive states of the church are meant; (2, 7)
19-21 the last state is faith alone confirmed by reasonings and by the Word falsified, by virtue of which they would prevail; (2)
22 and this until the Lord shall institute the church (11)
23-24 which has been destroyed by faith alone, (3)
25 and which despises the Lord Himself. (3)
26-27 Finally those who are in faith alone will be judged, (15)
and a new church will be established by the Lord. (11)
28 Thus comes the end.
Daniel 7:9-10
9
I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames, [and] its wheels burning fire.
10
A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousands of thousands ministered to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
