670. That 'living creature' ¹ means things of the understanding, and 'all flesh' those of the will, becomes clear from what has been stated already, and also from what follows. In the Word 'living creature' means all animal life in general, as in Genesis 1:10, 21, 24; 2:19. Here however, because the phrase 'all flesh' is added immediately after, it means things which belong to the understanding, for the reason given already, that the regeneration of the member of this Church had to begin in the things of the understanding. This also is why in the next verse 'birds' are mentioned first, which mean things of the understanding or the rational, and 'beasts', which are those of the will, second. 'Flesh' in particular means bodily-mindedness which is a feature of the will.

Footnotes:

Title: Each of Us is a Spiritual Battleground

Topic: Second Coming

Summary: The nuances of the battle that rages on inside each of us are discussed.

Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.

References:
Isaiah 9:6-7
Numbers 21:15, 27
Luke 16:24
Romans 7:14, 15, 19, 22-25
Ephesians 6:12; 4:22-24
Galatians 5:17
2 Corinthians 10:3-6
1 Corinthians 2:3, 14
James 4:1-10
Revelation 12:7
Genesis 1:1, 6
2 Timothy 2:3, 15, 25
Judges 7:1
1 Samuel 13:5-7; 14:1, 5
Ecclesiastes 11:3
1 Samuel 14:11-15, 23, 52; 17:45
2 Samuel 3:1
Revelation 3:8
Hebrews 12:26
Matthew 15:7, 9, 23, 25-28
Revelation 22:11
Isaiah 9:6