1451. 'Being removed to the mountain on the east of Bethel means an advance made in the celestial things of love. This becomes clear from the meaning of 'a mountain' as that which is celestial, as shown in 795, 796; from the meaning of 'the east' as Jehovah Himself as regards love, who is the east itself, as has also been shown in 101 and elsewhere; and also from the meaning of 'Bethel' as knowledge of celestial things. Celestial things are implanted both independently of cognitions and together with cognitions. The implantation independently of cognitions occurs during infancy to childhood, as stated just above, whereas the implantation of them together with cognitions occurs after that, from childhood into adult life. And since the Lord was to advance into cognitions of celestial things, which are meant by 'Bethel', it is said here that 'he removed from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel'.

796. Because the Most Ancient Church conducted holy worship on mountains, the Ancient Churches therefore did so as well. Consequently with all the representative Churches of that time, and indeed with 'the nations' too, sacrifices were offered on mountains, and high places were built. This is clear from what is said about Abram in Genesis 12:8; 22:2; about the Jews before the Temple was built, in Deuteronomy 27:4-7; Joshua 8:30; 1 Samuel 9:12-14, 19; 10:5; 1 Kings 3:2-4; about the nations, in Deuteronomy 12:2; 2 Kings 17:9-11; about the Jews, who were idolaters, in Isaiah 57:7; 1 Kings 11:7; 14:23; 22:43; 2 Kings 12:3; 14:4; 15:3-4, 34-35; 16:4; 17:9-11; 21:3, 23:5, 8, 9, 13, 15.