Arcana Coelestia #670
670. That 'living creature' 1 means things of the understanding, and 'all flesh' those of the will, becomes clear from what has been stated already, and also from what follows. In the Word 'living creature' means all animal life in general, as in Genesis 1:10, 21, 24; 2:19. Here however, because the phrase 'all flesh' is added immediately after, it means things which belong to the understanding, for the reason given already, that the regeneration of the member of this Church had to begin in the things of the understanding. This also is why in the next verse 'birds' are mentioned first, which mean things of the understanding or the rational, and 'beasts', which are those of the will, second. 'Flesh' in particular means bodily-mindedness which is a feature of the will.
Notas a pie de página:
1. literally, living soul
Job 26
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How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
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How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
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To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
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Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof.
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Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering.
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He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.
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He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them.
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He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it.
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He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end.
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The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.
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He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud.
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By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent.
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Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?
