Arcana Coelestia #862
862. That 'it happened at the end of forty days' means the duration of the former state, and the beginning of the one that followed, is clear from the meaning of 'forty', see 730, where, the subject being temptation, the phrase 'forty days and forty nights' was used, which meant the duration of temptation. Here, since the subject is the state following temptation, 'forty days' is mentioned but not forty nights. The reason is that charity now starts to appear, which in the Word is compared to the day and is called the day. Faith however which precedes but has not yet been so joined to charity is compared to the night and is called the night, as in Genesis 1:16, and elsewhere in the Word. Faith is also called 'the night' in the Word because it receives its light from charity, just as the moon does from the sun. Faith is therefore also compared to the moon and is called the moon; and love or charity is compared to the sun and is called the sun. 'Forty days', or the duration of time meant by them, refers both to the things that precede and to those that follow; hence the statement 'at the end of forty days', which accordingly means both the duration of the previous state, and the beginning of the one being described now. This then begins the description of the second state following temptation of the member of this Church.
Proverbs 9
1
Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars:
2
She hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table.
3
She hath sent forth her maidens: she crieth upon the highest places of the city,
4
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
5
Come, eat of my bread, and drink of the wine which I have mingled.
6
Forsake the foolish, and live; and go in the way of understanding.
7
He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.
8
Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.
9
Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.
10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.
11
For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.
12
If thou be wise, thou shalt be wise for thyself: but if thou scornest, thou alone shalt bear it.
13
A foolish woman is clamourous: she is simple, and knoweth nothing.
14
For she sitteth at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city,
15
To call passengers who go right on their ways:
16
Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither: and as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him,
17
Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.
18
But he knoweth not that the dead are there; and that her guests are in the depths of hell.
