2961. Bury therefore thy dead. That this signifies an emerging from night, and a consequent resuscitation, is evident from the signification of “dead,” as being night in regard to the truths of faith; and from the signification of “being buried,” as being to be raised up (conce rning which see n. 2917, 2923, 2925, 2931, 2948, 2955). The reason why these words are said so often in this chapter, is that the subject treated of is the emerging from night in regard to the truths of faith, and the resuscitation (that is, the reformation and regeneration) of the spiritual church.

2931. That I should bury my dead from before me. That this signifies that they desired to come forth from night and to rise again, is evident from the signification of “burying,” which is to rise again; and of “dead,” as denoting night in respect to the goods and truths of faith (see above, n. 2923, 2925, where the same words occur).