Arcana Coelestia #1020
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.
Psalms 136
1
O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2
O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever.
3
O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever.
4
To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever.
5
To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever.
6
To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever.
7
To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever:
8
The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever:
9
The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever.
10
To him that smote Egypt in their firstborn: for his mercy endureth for ever:
11
And brought out Israel from among them: for his mercy endureth for ever:
12
With a strong hand, and with a stretched out arm: for his mercy endureth for ever.
13
To him which divided the Red sea into parts: for his mercy endureth for ever:
14
And made Israel to pass through the midst of it: for his mercy endureth for ever:
15
But overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red sea: for his mercy endureth for ever.
16
To him which led his people through the wilderness: for his mercy endureth for ever.
17
To him which smote great kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
18
And slew famous kings: for his mercy endureth for ever:
19
Sihon king of the Amorites: for his mercy endureth for ever:
20
And Og the king of Bashan: for his mercy endureth for ever:
21
And gave their land for an heritage: for his mercy endureth for ever:
22
Even an heritage unto Israel his servant: for his mercy endureth for ever.
23
Who remembered us in our low estate: for his mercy endureth for ever:
24
And hath redeemed us from our enemies: for his mercy endureth for ever.
25
Who giveth food to all flesh: for his mercy endureth for ever.
26
O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever.
