When we eat, our bodies break down the food and get from it both energy and materials for building and repairing the body. The process is similar on a symbolic level in the Bible. Food represents the desire for good and the insight that comes from that desire for good – goodness and understanding that come from the Lord. But to put them to use we have to take them in and make them our own – which is spiritual eating.

156. Internal Meaning of Ezekiel, Chapter 33

Of those who instruct and are instructed. (2)

1-5 Those who are instructed by the preacher concerning falsities and do not take heed, perish; (2, 11)

6-7 when the preacher sees falsities and does not give instruction concerning them, he perishes. (2)

8-9 The same is true of everyone who teaches doctrine, when he teaches and is not heard, or when he does not teach. (2, 3)

10-11 So now in the church, they must be taught in order that they may be converted, because the Lord wishes the salvation of all. (2)

12-16 If the evil man becomes good, His evil is forgiven; if the good man becomes evil, His good is not regarded. (2)

17-20 These things are Divine justice. (2, 3)

21-26 A perverted church declares that it is the church because it has the Word; nevertheless it falsifies the Word, worships another god and does evil, (2, 4)

27-29 and will perish by reason of falsities of evil, (3)

30-33 notwithstanding its hearing the Word, and being in external worship. (3)