Arcana Coelestia #52
52. So long as man is spiritual, his dominion proceeds from the external man to the internal, as is here said: “Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the heavens, and over the beast, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.” But when he becomes celestial, and does good from love, then his dominion proceeds from the internal man to the external, as the Lord, in David, describes Himself, and thereby also the celestial man, who is His likeness:
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet, the flock and all cattle, and also the beasts of the fields, the fowl of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas (Psalms 8:6-8).
Here therefore “beasts” are first mentioned, and then “fowl” and afterwards the “fish of the sea” because the celestial man proceeds from love, which belongs to the will, differing herein from the spiritual man, in describing whom “fishes” and “fowl” are first named, which belong to the understanding, and this to faith; and afterwards mention is made of “beasts.”
Psalms 9
1
I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart. I will tell of all your marvelous works.
2
I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
3
When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish in your presence.
4
For you have maintained my just cause. You sit on the throne judging righteously.
5
You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name forever and ever.
6
The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin. The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished.
7
But Yahweh reigns forever. He has prepared his throne for judgment.
8
He will judge the world in righteousness. He will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness.
9
Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.
10
Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.
11
Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what he has done.
12
For he who avenges blood remembers them. He doesn't forget the cry of the afflicted.
13
Have mercy on me, Yahweh. See my affliction by those who hate me, and lift me up from the gates of death;
14
that I may show forth all your praise. In the gates of the daughter of Zion, I will rejoice in your salvation.
15
The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made. In the net which they hid, their own foot is taken.
16
Yahweh has made himself known. He has executed judgment. The wicked is snared by the work of his own hands. Meditation. Selah.
17
The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God.
18
For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever.
19
Arise, Yahweh! Don't let man prevail. Let the nations be judged in your sight.
20
Put them in fear, Yahweh. Let the nations know that they are only men. Selah.
