8193. Marching before the camp of Israel. That this signifies that was around the truths and goods of the church, is evident from the signification of “the camp,” as being truths and goods; for by “the camp” is signified the whole assemblage of Israel, and by the “assemblage of Israel” are signified all goods and truths in the complex (see n. 7830, 7843); hence also “encampment” denotes a setting in order according to truths and goods (n. 8103, 8130, 8131, 8155). That “Israel” denotes the spiritual church has been frequently shown.

8103. And they journeyed from Succoth, and encamped in Etham. That this signifies the second state after they were liberated, is evident from the fact that the journeyings and encampments of the sons of Israel after they went forth from Egypt, signify the spiritual states of those who were liberated by the Lord (concerning whom see above). The changes of states are signified by the journeys from one place to another and the residing there; the second state is here signified by the journeying from Succoth to Etham, because the first state was signified by the journeying from Rameses to Succoth (see n. 7972). Moreover by “journeyings” in the internal sense of the Word are signified states and purposes of life (n. 1293, 3335, 5605), and by “encampments” the settings in order of truth and good which are of the life (n. 4236).