9494. And put them upon the four corners thereof. That this signifies stability is evident from the signification of “corners,” as being strength and stability. That “corners” have this signification is because in the corners there is the greatest resistance, and also the binding together of the whole. As a “corner” denotes strength and stability, such as is that of Divine truth from Divine good, therefore the Lord is called “the cornerstone” in David:

The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner (Psalms 118:22; Matthew 21:42).

Out of Judah shall come forth the cornerstone, out of him the nail, and out of him the war-bow (Zech. 10:4).

The Lord Jehovih layeth in Zion a tried stone, a precious corner of sure foundation (Isaiah 28:16); where in like manner a “corner” denotes the stability of the doctrine that is from the truth which is from good.

[2] In Jeremiah:

They shall not take from thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone of foundations (Jeremiah 51:26).

As by “corners” is signified stability, therefore horns were placed upon the four corners of the altar, of which we read in Moses:

Thou shalt make the horns of the altar upon the four corners; out of itself shall its horns be (Exodus 27:2).

(That “horns” denote the power of truth from good, thus strength and stability see n. 2832, 9081)

[3] By “corners” are signified strength and power also in Jeremiah:

A fire is gone forth out of Heshbon which hath devoured the corners of Moab (Jeremiah 48:45).

There shall arise a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall bruise the corners of Moab (Numbers 24:17).

“Moab,” whose power was to be “destroyed,” denotes those who adulterate the goods of the church (n. 2468); their “corners” denote the powers of falsity from adulterated goods. As “corners” denote power and strength, therefore they who are not in the power of truth from good are called “corners cut off” (Jeremiah 9:26; 25:23). (What is signified by “corners” when the quarters of the world, or the winds, are meant by them, see below, n. 9642)