Apocalypse Explained #402
402. Verse 13. And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, signifies that the knowledges of good and truth perished. This is evident from the signification of "stars" as being the knowledges of good and truth (See above, n. 72); also from the signification of "falling unto the earth," as being to perish; for when stars fall to the earth they perish. The same is signified by:
The stars shall fall from heaven (Matthew 24:29; and Mark 13:25).
Anyone can see that "stars" here do not mean stars, for these cannot fall from heaven, for they are fixed or established in their place, and cannot fall to the earth, because they are larger than the earth; consequently by them are signified such things as belong to heavenly light, and give light, which are the knowledges of good and truth. Moreover, stars appear in the angelic heaven, but they are appearances from the knowledges of good and truth, therefore they appear about those who are in such knowledges, especially when they turn them over in the mind, and are desirous of knowing them.
Psalms 88
1
Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.
2
Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry.
3
For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.
4
I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a man who has no help,
5
set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand.
6
You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.
7
Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.
8
You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can't escape.
9
My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you.
10
Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah.
11
Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction?
12
Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?
13
But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.
14
Yahweh, why do you reject my soul? why do you hide your face from me?
15
I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.
16
Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.
17
They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.
18
You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness. A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite.
