The Bible

 

Genesis 1:16

Study

       

16 And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also.

Commentary

 

Stars

  

In Genesis 1:16, this signifies goods and truths, or, in the opposite sense, evils and falsities. (Arcana Coelestia 1808)

In Matthew 24:29, this signifies knowledge of faith which falls from heaven. (Arcana Coelestia 32, 1984[3])

'Stars' signify the knowledge of truth and good. 'Stars' are frequently mentioned in the Word, and always signify goods and truths, but in an opposite sense, evils and falsities. In the same way, they signify angels, or societies of angels, in the opposite sense, evil spirits and their bands. When they signify angels, or societies of angels, then they are fixed stars, but when they signify evil spirits and their fellowships, then they are wandering stars. 'The seven stars' in Revelation 1, denote the knowledge of everything pertaining to good and truth, and so every variety of good and truth.

(References: Apocalypse Revealed 51)


From Swedenborg's Works

 

Spiritual Experiences #5605

  
/ 6110  
  

5605. They have the Word of the ancient Church, which Moses mentioned, calling it "the wars of Jehovah" [Num. 21:14], and the prophetical enunciations, about which [he speaks] 1 . They said that this Word has been written so that they can be instructed in the details. It was also inspired, but because it ceased to be suitable to subsequent people another word (sic) was written. The nature of this Word is evident from the first Books of Genesis, which are taken from it.

Footnotes:

1. See The Doctrine of New Jerusalem concerning Sacred Scripture 103.

  
/ 6110  
  

Thanks to the Academy of the New Church, and Bryn Athyn College, for the permission to use this translation.