961. Verse 2 (Revelation 16:2). And the first went forth and poured out his vial upon the earth, signifies manifestation of the state of the church in general. This is evident from the signification of "pouring out the vial upon the earth," as being manifestation of the state of the church in general, for "the seven angels" signify manifestation, and "the earth" the church, here as just above n. 960.

'Instruments of music' have sometimes an opposite or bad sense in the Word, and signify gladness and joy resulting from the affections of evil and the falsity. (See Isaiah 5:11, 12, 23:15, 16) 'Instruments of music' in other places signify the pleasant and delightful affection of spiritual and celestial things.

(Odkazy: Arcana Coelestia 8337)