909. Verse 15. And another angel went out from the temple, signifies exploration by the Lord of the state of the church in general. This is evident from what follows, namely, that the angel "cried out with a great voice, Send Thy sickle and reap, for the hour for Thee to reap is come, for the harvest of the earth is dried up," which signifies announcement after exploration that it is the time for gathering up the good and separating them from the evil, because this is the end of the church. Also from the signification of "the temple," as being heaven and the church, and the Divine proceeding from the Lord (See above, n. 220, 630, 700). The state of the church in general is here meant, because it is added that "two other angels went forth, one from the temple that is in heaven, and the other from the altar;" and these signify manifestations by the Lord respecting separation. Exploration by the Lord is signified, because an "angel" means in the Word something from the Lord (See above, n. 869, 878, 883); since angels can make no exploration of the state of the church from themselves, but only from the Lord.

732. Verse 5 And Noah did according to all that Jehovah commanded him means, as previously, that it was so accomplished.

See the previous chapter, at 6:22, where it is said twice of Noah that he 'did', whereas in this verse it is said only once. In that verse the name 'God' is used, but in this 'Jehovah'. The reason is that the previous chapter deals with things of the understanding, the present with those of the will. Things of the understanding view those of the will as things different and separate from themselves, but those of the will view those of the understanding as things united to themselves or as a unity, for the understanding has its being from the will. This is why the verb 'to do' is used twice in 6:22 but only once at this point, and also why the name 'God' is used there but 'Jehovah' here.