10183. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold. That this signifies what is representative of all things of worship from good, is evident from the signification of “gold,” as being the good of love (see n. 9874); and that “overlaying with gold” denotes to found upon this good (n. 9490), thus that it is representative of it is evident.

9490. And thou shalt overlay it with pure gold. That this signifies that all these things must be founded on good, is evident from the signification of “overlaying,” when said of heaven, which is signified by “the ark,” as being to lay the foundation (of which in what follows); and from the signification of “gold,” as being good (see n. 113, 1551, 1552, 5658, 6914, 6917). That “overlaying” denotes to lay the foundation, is because the good that proceeds from the Lord as a sun (for the heat from this sun is the good of love) encompasses not only heaven in general, but also the heavenly societies in heaven in particular, and likewise every angel individually, and thus protects them from the breaking in of evil from hell. That which in heaven encompasses, forms also the foundation, for heaven leans or rests upon it as a house upon its foundation, and as the outermost parts of the body rest on the air and ether which press round them; for that which encompasses, bounds, encloses, and holds together; consequently supports and sustains. From this it is plain that by “overlaying” is signified to lay the foundation; and by “overlaying with gold,” to lay the foundation upon good.