Apocalypse Explained # 73
73. And out of His mouth a sharp two-edged sword going forth, signifies the dispersion of falsities by the Word. This is evident from the signification of "going forth out of the mouth," as being, in reference to the Lord, Divine truth, thus the Word, for the Word goes forth out of the Lord's mouth. This is evident also from the signification of "the long sword," or the "sword," as being truth combating; and as truth, when it combats, disperses falsities, therefore a "long sword" also signifies the dispersion of falsities. The long sword is called "two-edged and sharp," because truth completely disperses. (That "long sword" or "sword" signifies truth combating against falsities and destroying them, see Arcana Coelestia 2799, 6353, 8294.) As "the long sword" is frequently mentioned in the following pages (as in chap. 2:12, 16; 6:4, 8; 13:10, 14; 19:15, 21), passages from the Word illustrating and showing that it signifies truth combating and dispersing falsities, will here be omitted. This will be illustrated and shown in those places.
Joel 2:10-11
10
The earth quakes before them. The heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.
11
Yahweh thunders his voice before his army; for his forces are very great; for he is strong who obeys his command; for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome, and who can endure it?
