394. And the smoke of the incense for the prayers of the saints ascended before God from the angel's hand. (8:4) This symbolizes their protection by the Lord.

The smoke of incense ascending before God symbolizes something accepted and pleasing. Therefore David says similarly,

Let my prayers be accepted as incense before You. (Psalms 141:2)

That was because the smoke of incense was fragrant owing to the aromatic substances of which incense was composed - stacte, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense (Exodus 30:34). Moreover, the fragrances of these aromatic substances correspond to qualities connected with spiritual love, or with charity and the attendant faith. In heaven, indeed, angels experience the most fragrant aromas corresponding to their perceptions arising from their love. Consequently we also read in many places in the Word that Jehovah smelled a sweet odor. ¹

That this symbolizes protection by the Lord follows from what we said just above in no. 393.

脚注:

Title: Salt in Scripture: Is It Good or Bad?

Topic: Word

Summary: A study of salt in both its positive and negative meanings; includes an exploration of Swedenborg's concept of "correspondences."

Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.

References:
Genesis 19:23
Exodus 30:35
Leviticus 2:12-13
Numbers 18:18-19
Deuteronomy 29:21-23
Joshua 3:14-end
Judges 9:44-45
2 Kings 2:19-22
2 Chronicles 13:4-5
Ezra 6:9; 7:22
Jeremiah 17:5-7
Ezekiel 16:1-4; 43:24; 47:11-12
Zephaniah 2:9
Matthew 5:13
Mark 9:49-50
Luke 14:34-35
Colossians 4:5-6