155. Internal Meaning of Ezekiel, Chapter 32

Lament over those who by knowledges [scientiae] have perverted the holy things of the church. (3, 3)

1-2 They pervert all truths of the church. (3)

3-8 They fall into all falsities of evil, until they no longer see what is good and true. (3)

9-10 Those who are outside the church are horrified at their falsities. (3)

11-12 They destroy all things of the church by reasonings from the natural man. (3)

13-16 They shall be cast into hell, that they may no longer pervert truths in those who are in an affection for truth. (15)

15 In hell they will be associated with those who have profaned the holy things of the Word; (15, 17)

24-25 also with those who have falsified truths of doctrine; (15)

26-30 with those who have falsified the sense of the letter of the Word.

31-32 All of these will be with those who by knowledges [scientiae] have perverted the holy things of the church, and thus they will be separated from those who are of the church, lest they persecute them. (15)

To “break” something creates an image that is different from “attacking,” “destroying,” or “shattering.” It is less emotional and violent in its intent; it is somewhat matter-of-fact. It is fitting, then, that “break” is used in the Bible primarily to illustrate the Lord’s destruction of evil desires and false ideas – something that must be done to preserve us from harm, but not something done with malice.