394. And the smoke of the incense for the prayers of the saints ascended before God from the angel's hand. (8:4) This symbolizes their protection by the Lord.

The smoke of incense ascending before God symbolizes something accepted and pleasing. Therefore David says similarly,

Let my prayers be accepted as incense before You. (Psalms 141:2)

That was because the smoke of incense was fragrant owing to the aromatic substances of which incense was composed - stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (Exodus 30:34). Moreover, the fragrances of these aromatic substances correspond to qualities connected with spiritual love, or with charity and the attendant faith. In heaven, indeed, angels experience the most fragrant aromas corresponding to their perceptions arising from their love. Consequently we also read in many places in the Word that Jehovah smelled a sweet odor. ¹

That this symbolizes protection by the Lord follows from what we said just above in no. 393.

Poznámky pod čarou:

In many cases, the use of “eternity” in the Bible is pretty literal, simply meaning forever. This is especially true when the text refers to someone being condemned to hell or elevated to heaven. In some cases, however, “eternity” or “days of old” refers to what the Writings call the Most Ancient Church -- the first church among the earliest people, innocent souls who acted directly out of love of the Lord. Because of this association, things called “eternal” or “everlasting” usually represent the desire for good that arises from love to the Lord. If we love the Lord, then our desire will be to do His will and love as He loves. From that we will have a true desire to love and care for other people. That's the feeling described by “eternal.”