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.