361. Of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. This symbolizes a life of truth springing from goodness in accord with doctrine in those people who will be in the New Heaven and in the Lord's New Church.

Since Zebulun symbolizes the conjugal love of goodness and truth, and Joseph symbolizes a doctrine of goodness and truth, Benjamin, being third in the series, symbolizes a life of truth springing from goodness.

Benjamin bears this symbolic meaning because he was the last-born. Moreover, his father Jacob called him "Son-of-the-Right-Hand" ¹ (Genesis 35:18), and a son of the right hand symbolizes truth springing from goodness.

This tribe also dwelled, therefore, in the vicinity of Jerusalem, which was in the territory of Judah, the city of Jerusalem symbolizing the church in respect to doctrine, and the places around it such matters as proceed from doctrine. (See Joshua 18:11-28, Jeremiah 17:26; 32:8, 44; 33:13, and elsewhere.)

각주: