9953. 'And his sons with him' means such a state there in the outward things emanating from that [Divine Good]. This is clear from the meaning of 'to clothe' as to bring about a state such as is represented by garments, dealt with immediately above in 9952, at this point that which is represented by the garments of Aaron's sons, which is the state in the spiritual kingdom of the outward things emanating from Divine Truth. For that which emanates is meant by 'sons', and so too by their 'garments', as accords with what has been stated just above in 9950.

9528. 'Of shittim wood' means out of mercy. This is clear from the meaning of 'shittim wood' as the good of merit which is the Lord's alone, dealt with in 9472, 9486; and since the good of merit is mercy, 'shittim wood' also means mercy. For out of pure love, thus out of pure mercy, the Lord assumed the Human, and underwent the severest temptations, finally the passion on the Cross, that He might save the human race; and therefore merit and righteousness are His. From all this it is evident that the good of merit consists in mercy, mercy (misericordia) being Divine Love directed towards those trapped in misery (miseriae).

The Lord underwent the severest temptations and thereby set heaven and hell in order; and He fought out of Divine Love, to save those who receive Him in love and faith, see 1266, 1663, 1668, 1676, 1690, 1691 (end), 1737, 1787, 1789, 1812, 1813, 1820, 1921, 2083, 2159, 2574, 2649, 2776, 2795, 2813, 2816, 3318 (end), 4180, 4286, 4295, 5078.