390. Verse 9. And when he had opened the fifth seal, signifies still further prediction, as is evident from the signification of "opening a seal of a book" as being to reveal things hidden and to predict things future (of which see above, n. 352, 361, 369, 378).

361. Verse 3. And when he had opened the second seal, signifies the manifestation of the succeeding state of those who are of the church, where the Word is. This is evident from what was said above (n. 351, 352), namely, that "to open the seal" signifies the manifestation of the state of those who are of the church, and as there were seven seals, and seven openings of the seals, the successive states of those of the church are signified. But these successive states of the church, which are here described, are not apparent to anyone in the world, for they are successive states in respect to an understanding of truth from the Word; these no one sees but the Lord alone. And since all who are in the heavens are there arranged according to the affections of good and of truth, and thence in respect to the perception and understanding of the Word, and since this prophetical book describes the Last Judgment upon those who were in the former heaven, and the arrangement of those who are in the new heaven, therefore these states are here treated of, for thereon depend the things that follow.