297. "Come and see." This symbolizes a manifestation regarding the people first in order.

We said above that this chapter describes an examination of all the people on whom the Last Judgment would fall as to their states of life, and this by the Lord in accordance with the Word (no. 295). Described here therefore is an examination of the first people in order, as to their character in respect to their understanding of the Word and thus as to their states of life.

To be shown that the church is founded on the Word, and that its character is such as its understanding of the Word, see The Doctrine of the New Jerusalem Regarding the Sacred Scripture, nos. 76-79.

286. Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. (5:11) This symbolizes a confession and glorification of the Lord by angels of the lower heavens.

It may be seen in no. 275 above that a confession and glorification of the Lord was made by angels of the three heavens - by angels of the higher heavens in verses 8 to 10, and so now by angels of the lower heavens in verses 11, 12. Thus the voice of the angels around the throne means a confession and glorification of the Lord by angels of the lower heavens.

John also saw then the living creatures and the elders along with the angels, because the living creatures and elders symbolize angels of the higher heavens (no. 275), and the lower heavens never act independently of the higher heavens, but conjointly with them. For the Lord flows in directly from Himself into all the heavens, thus also into the lower ones, but at the same time indirectly through the higher heavens into the lower ones.

This then is the reason that John first saw and heard the living creatures and elders by themselves, and afterward together with the angels.