9861. 'It shall be square when doubled' means that which is righteous and perfect. This is clear from the meaning of 'square' as that which is righteous, dealt with in 9717. The reason why that which is also perfect is meant is that the breastplate was doubled, and that which is doubled implies all aspects of good and all aspects of truth. What is on the right side implies the good from which truth springs, and what is on the left implies the truth springing from good, 9495, 9604 (end), 9736, thus also the two perfectly joined to each other. This accounts furthermore for the meaning of 'two' as things joined together, 8423, also every single aspect of them, 9166, and their completeness as well, 9103.

9736. 'And the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar' means the power of the good from which truth springs, and that of the truth which springs from the good. This is clear from the meaning of 'the poles' as power, as immediately above; and from the meaning of 'the two sides' as the good from which truth springs, and the truth that springs from the good, thus a marriage of good to truth and of truth to good. The reason for this is that things on the right side in a human being have connection with the good from which truth springs, and those on the left side with the truth that springs from the good, see 9604, and that by their being joined together the marriage of good and truth is therefore meant, 9495. So it is then that like things are meant by 'the sides of the altar' where the poles went; for all representatives on the natural level resemble the human form and have the same meaning as the parts of it they resemble, 9496.