'The former heavens, which passed away,' as mentioned in Revelation 21:1, signify the societies of people in the spiritual world who were only in external or apparent good. (Apocalypse Explained 675) Heavens are celestial and spiritual things. Consequently, they are inmost things, both of the Lord's kingdom in heaven and in the earth. This also refers to the church, and every individual, who is a kingdom of the Lord, or a 'church.' Consequently, heavens denote all things pertaining to love and charity, and faith grounded in them, as well as all things pertaining to internal worship. In like manner they denote all things pertaining to the internal sense of the Word. All these things are heavens, and are called, 'the throne of the Lord.' (Arcana Coelestia 2162)

(References: Apocalypse Explained 21)

708. 'Jehovah said to Noah' means that it was so accomplished. This is clear from the fact that with Jehovah there is nothing other than Being (Esse). That which He 'says' denotes that which takes place and is accomplished, as also in verse 13 of the previous chapter, and elsewhere where 'Jehovah's saying' denotes taking place and accomplishment.