9849. To be stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. That this signifies from mercy forever for the spiritual kingdom, is evident from the signification of “the stones of remembrance upon the shoulders of the ephod,” as being the preservation of good and truth from mercy forever (that “the stones upon the shoulders” denote the preservation of good and truth, is evident from what was shown above, n. 9836; and that “remembrance,” when said of the Lord, denotes mercy, will be evident from what follows); and from the signification of “the sons of Israel,” as being the Lord’s spiritual kingdom (see n. 9842). It is said of Jehovah in the Word, that is, of the Lord that He “remembers,” and that He “does not remember,” and by this is signified that it is then done from mercy, whether it is preservation or deliverance. In like manner it is said that He “sees,” “hears,” and “knows,” and that He “does not see,” “hear,” and “know;” by which expressions also is signified having compassion, or not having compassion. That it is so said is from the likeness and appearance with man; for when a man turns away from the Lord, as is the case when he does evil, then, because the Lord is at his back, it appears to him as if the Lord does not see him, does not hear him, and does not know him, and also does not remember him; when yet this is with the man, and therefore from the appearance it is so said in the Word. Very different is it when a man turns toward the Lord, as is the case when he acts well. (See the places cited in n. 9306.) Everyone can know that calling to mind, or remembering, cannot be predicated of the Lord, because things past and future are in Him eternal, that is, are present from eternity to eternity.

[2] That “remembering,” when said of the Lord, denotes to have compassion, and thus from mercy to preserve or deliver, is evident from the following passages, in David:

Jehovah hath made known His salvation; His righteousness hath He revealed before the eyes of the nations. He hath remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel (Psalms 98:2-3).

Jehovah hath remembered us in our humility, for His mercy is forever (Psalms 136:23).

Remember not the sins of my youth, and my transgressions; according to Thy mercy remember Thou me, for Thy goodness’ sake, O Jehovah (Psalms 25:7).

He remembered for them His covenant, and repented in the multitude of His mercies (Psalms 106:45).

He hath made His wonderful works to be remembered; Jehovah is gracious and merciful. He hath given food unto them that fear Him; He hath remembered His covenant forever (Psalms 111:4-5).

Remember not former iniquities; let Thy compassions anticipate us (Psalms 79:8).

God hath accepted his servant Israel, that He might remember His mercy; to do mercy with our fathers, and to remember His holy covenant (Luke 1:54, 1:72).

What is man that Thou dost remember him? (Psalms 8:4).

Remember me, O Jehovah, in the good pleasure of Thy people (Psalms 106:4).

Jehovah hath remembered us; He blesseth (Psalms 115:12).

If looking Thou wilt look on the misery of Thine handmaid, and wilt remember me, and not forget Thine handmaid (1 Samuel 1:11);

being the prayer of Hannah the mother of Samuel; and when she bare him, it is said that “Jehovah remembered her” (1 Samuel 1:19), that is, looked upon her misery, and performed mercy. In like manner in many other passages, as Leviticus 26:41-42, (Leviticus 26:45); Numbers 10:9; Isaiah 49:25; 49:1; 64:9; Jeremiah 31:34.