1020. That these things are meant becomes clear from the fact that everything put together as history from Genesis 1 down to Eber in Chapter 11 means something different from what appears in the letter, and from the consideration that the historical narratives there are purely made-up history customary among the most ancient people. When attesting the truth of some matter they would say that 'Jehovah said it'. Here however 'God' is used because the subject is the spiritual Church. And they did the same when anything true was being, or had been, put into effect.

8596. 'Choose men for us' means that he should draw truths up in formation for battle. This is clear from the meaning of 'men' as truths, dealt with in 265, 749, 1007, 3134. Drawing those truths up for battle is meant by Joshua's having to choose the men, for when 'Joshua' represents God's truth that engages in conflict, 'the men' whom he chooses and links to himself mean truths that have been drawn up for battle.