Beast
In Genesis 1:24, beasts signify the things of man's will or loves. (Arcana Coelestia 44, 46)
In Genesis 9:10, beasts signify all that was living in the man of the Ancient Church, and also what belonged to his new will; likewise the lower things of his understanding and the will therefrom. (Arcana Coelestia 1026-1029)
In Psalm 104:20, beasts signify affections longing to be instructed, or spiritually nourished. (Apocalypse Explained 650[10])
In Luke 10:35, since the beast was a donkey, this signifies to instruct another according to his capability. (Apocalypse Explained 1154)
The beast of the south (Isaiah 30:6) signifies people who are principled in the knowledges of good and of truth, but do not apply them to life and instead to science.
Every beast and creeping thing (Genesis 8:19) signifies the goodnesses of the internal and external man.
"Beasts" represent the affection for doing good things, a true desire to do them from the heart. In the negative sense, "beasts" stand for the lust to do evil.
The beast ascending out of the sea (Revelation 13:1) signifies reasonings from the natural man confirming the separation of faith from life.
(Reference: Apocalypse Explained 13, 773; Revelation 13:11)
#160 Another Breach: The Bible Seems Crude, Archaic, Irrational and Unscientific
Po Jonathan S. Rose
Title: Another Breach: The Bible Seems Crude and Archaic, Irrational and Unscientific
Topic: Second Coming
Summary: We look at how Scripture is viewed from a "scientific" standpoint, and ponder the future of religion and science.
Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.
References:
Exodus 4:24-26
Matthew 11:7-9
Esther 8:11
Genesis 1:26
Matthew 27:3-6
Acts of the Apostles 1:16
Isaiah 19:23-25
Ezekiel 29:1-ff