THE EXPLANATION of Isaiah Chapter 66

(Note: Rev. Smithson's translation of the Isaiah text is appended below the explanation.)

1. THUS says Jehovah: The heavens are My throne, and the earth is My footstool: where is this house which you build for Me ? and where is this place of My rest?

VERSE 1. The "heavens" are things celestial and spiritual, consequently inmost things. both of the Lord's kingdom in the heavens, and of the Lord's kingdom in the earth, or in the church, and also with every individual man who is a kingdom of the Lord, or a church; consequently the "heavens" denote likewise all things appertaining to love and charity, and faith grounded therein, as also of things appertaining to internal worship, and in like manner all things appertaining to the internal sense of the Word; all these things are heavens, and are called "the throne of the Lord."

But the "earth" denotes all inferior things corresponding to these internal or superior things, as inferior rational and natural things, whereof all things celestial and spiritual are predicated by reason of correspondence; these inferior things are such as are in the inferior heavens, and also in the church, and in external worship, and likewise such as are in the literal sense of the Word; in short, all things which proceed from internal things, and are fixed and exhibited in things external, as being things natural, are called "earth", and "the Lord's footstool."

What is meant by "heaven" and "earth", in the internal sense, may be seen, Arcana Coelestia 82; what by the "new heaven" and the "new earth", Arcana Coelestia 2117; and that man is a "little heaven", see Arcana Coelestia 911, 978. Arcana Coelestia 2162.

2. For all these things My hand has made; and all these things exist [by Me], says Jehovah: and to him will I look, even to him that is humble and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at My Word.

Verse 2. As to "creation", and as to the end for which it exists, see Chapter 43:1, 7, the Exposition.

To him will I look, even to him that is humble and of a contrite spirit. - Good and Truth from the Lord can flow in into a humble and contrite heart, which acknowledges that in itself there is nothing but evil, and in the Lord nothing but Good; for in this acknowledgement there is the annihilation of self, thus a state of aversion and absence from self.

Thus they who are averse to all that is evil and false, because it is from themselves, and in the affection of all that is Good and True, because it is from the Lord, are in humiliation, and in a state of receiving Good and Truth from the Lord. A merely external humiliation is not the humiliation of acknowledgement, for the latter cannot exist without the correspondence of the external and internal, and thus, their conjunction. Unless a man humbles himself by acknowledging that he is nothing but evil, he is in merit and in self-righteousness; and as Good cannot then flow in, he cannot be withheld from the evils of his proprium.

The Lord requires humiliation and adoration, not for the sake of Himself, but for the sake of man, who is thus brought into a state of receiving Good, and of being separated from the love of self and its evils.

By "humbling himself" is denoted that a man ought to compel himself to submit to Divine Good and Divine Truth. Arcana Coelestia 3994. See also Arcana Coelestia 1937, 1947, 4956, 5420, 5758, 5957, 8263.

[To "tremble at the Lord's Word", is to come into this state of humiliation.]

3. He that slays an ox, smites a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, beheads a dog; he that makes an oblation, [offers] swine's blood; he that offers incense, blesses an idol: yea, they have chosen these things in their own ways; and in their abominations their soul delights.

Verse 3. To "slay or to sacrifice an ox", and to "smite a man", signify to worship God in externals, and nevertheless to reject all Truth; by "sacrificing an ox" is signified worship from those things which represented natural Good; for an "ox" denotes natural Good; and by "smiting a man" is meant to reject and to deny the Truth, "man", in the Word, denoting Truth.

To "offer incense", and to "bless an idol [or vanity]", signify to worship God from such things as represented spiritual Good, and notwithstanding, to love evil and the false, and to imbibe them; an "offering of incense" denoting worship from spiritual Good, and "vanity" [or an idol] evil and the false of evil. Apocalypse Explained 340.

He that sacrifices a lamb, beheads a dog; he that makes an oblation, [offers] swine's blood. - [It does not appear that Swedenborg has expounded, or even quoted these two clauses of the verse, but the following, we submit, is, from correspondence, the spiritual instruction they involve. To "sacrifice a lamb", is to worship from pretended innocence in the external form; but instead thereof to "behead (or to decollate) a dog", is to worship from selfish and sensual cupidities, denoted by a "dog". (See the Exposition of Isaiah Chapter 56:10.)

All those who, in the external form, worship under the semblance of innocence and piety, and yet, in the internal, cherish the filthy cupidities of whoredom, fraud, malice, etc., are guilty of this abominable profanity.

To "make an oblation", is to worship in the external form under the pretence of love to the Lord and to the neighbour, or from celestial Good, signified by an "oblation" or a "meat-offering"; (Arcana Coelestia 458) but instead thereof to "offer swine's blood", is to cherish in the heart the cupidities of avarice, (see Chapter 65:4, the Exposition), and the false principles, signified by the "blood", which are connected with these cupidities.

The inside must first be cleansed of these cupidities and evils, before a pure and an acceptable worship can be offered to the Lord, who says, "You blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and the platter, that the outside of them may be clean also." Matthew 23:26.]

He that offers incense, blesses an idol. - To "offer incense" is to worship from spiritual Good, (Apocalypse Explained 491) which is love to the neighbour, or charity; [but by doing this in the external form, and, at the same time to "bless an idol", is to cherish what is evil and false in the internal, or in the heart. All who go to church to worship God, and, at the same time, do not in their daily life act justly with their neighbour, but cherish fraud, ill-will, malice, or some other evil in their hearts, instead of worshipping God, "bless an idol, or what is vain.]

As to the true nature of worship, signified by "incense", "sacrifices", etc., see Chapter 43:23; also Chapter 1:11-19, the Exposition.

In their abominations their soul delights. - "Abominations" signify infernal evils; also profanations of the holy things of the church; and especially the evils of murder, hatred, adultery, whoredom, theft, fraud, falsehood, and lies, etc., forbidden in the second table of the Decalogue. Apocalypse Explained 728, 821. See also Apocalypse Explained 827.

4. I will also choose their devices, and the things they dread I will bring upon them; because I called, and no one answered; I spake, and they did not hear: and they did evil in Mine eyes, and that in which I delighted not they have chosen.

Verse 4. Evil brings upon itself its own punishment, which, at the period of Judgment, breaks out and overwhelms the wicked. The punishment of evil was represented by this law of retaliation:

"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, burning for burning", etc. (Exodus 21:24, 25)

The punishment of retaliation comes from this law of order in heaven:

"All things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, even so do you to them; this is the Law and the Prophets"; (Matthew 7:12) wherefore they who do good from good, or from the heart, receive good from others; and, on the other hand, likewise, they who do evil from evil, or from the heart, receive evil from others. Hence it is that every good has its own recompense adjoined to it, and every evil its own punishment. Arcana Coelestia 8214

Because I called, and no one answered; I spoke, and they did not hear, etc. - That to "call" and to "answer" denotes reciprocation, reception, and conjunction; but that to "call" and "not to answer" signifies non-reciprocation, non-reception, and non-conjunction, see Chapter 36:21, the Exposition.

5. Hear you the word of Jehovah, you that tremble at His Word! Your brethren that have bated you, and that have cast you out for My name's sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified! and we shall see your joy; but they shall be ashamed.

Verse 5. It does not appear that Swedenborg has quoted this verse, but from the internal sense in the margin, it would seem that the "brethren" here intended are those who, although out of the church, are nevertheless in charity, and of whom a church can consequently be formed. The reason why it is said that "they have hated and cast them out (the people of the Jewish church) for the Lord's name's sake", is, we apprehend, because the Gentiles had a great aversion to the Jews, as a people, on account of their arrogance and cruelties, as described by Swedenborg in the Exposition of verse 20. These "brethren" will say, "Let Jehovah be glorified! that we may see the joy of those who thus desire to see Jehovah glorified"; or, that the Lord should be acknowledged and worshipped; whilst the wicked, or "they who plot devices" (verse 4), and thus do evil, shall be "ashamed and rejected."]

That to be "ashamed" signifies to be averse to what is Good, and consequently to be in evil, see Chapter 24:2, the Exposition.

6. A voice of tumult from the city! a voice from the temple! the voice of Jehovah! rendering recompense to His enemies,

Verse 6. By the "city" is understood the doctrine of Truth; by "temple" the church, and by "the voice of Jehovah from the temple" Divine Truth itself. Apocalypse Explained 220.

7. Before she was in travail, she brought forth; before her pangs came upon her, she was delivered of a male.

Verses 7-11. These words treat of the advent of the Lord, and of the establishment of the church with the Gentiles. Their reformation and regeneration is described by "travailing", "bringing forth", and by being" delivered of a male", and by "coming to the birth", and by "generating"; for, as was said above, the man who is born anew, is, in like manner, as it were, conceived, carried in the womb, born, educated, and grows to adolescence, as from a father and mother.

By "Zion" and "Jerusalem" are here understood the church and its doctrine; and by "sucking", and by being "satisfied from the breast of her consolations", is signified to be fully instructed in Truths originating in Good from the delight of love, according to desire.

By the "one day", in which these things shall take place, is signified the advent of the Lord. Apocalypse Explained 721. See also Arcana Coelestia 264.

Verse 7. She was delivered of a male. - By a "son", in the Word, is signified the Truth of doctrine, also the understanding, and hence the thought of what is True and Good; but by a "daughter" is meant the Good of doctrine, and also the will, and hence the affection of what is True and Good; and by "a son a male" is signified Truth conceived in the spiritual man, and born in the natural. The reason is, because by "generations" and "nativities", in the Word, are signified spiritual generations and nativities, all which, in general, relate to what is Good and True; for nothing else is generated and born of the Lord as "Husband", and of the church as a "wife." Apocalypse Revealed 543.

8. Who has heard a thing like this? Who has seen things like these? Does the earth bring forth in one day'? Is a nation born at once? for as soon as Zion was in travail, she brought forth her sons.

9. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? says Jehovah: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut up [the womb]? says your God.

Verse 8. Where the reason of its being said, "Does the earth bring forth in one day? Is a nation born at once?" is, because the "earth" signifies the church.

By " bringing forth" and by "birth", and also by " generating" and "generation", in the Word, are signified spiritual births and generations, which are of Faith and of Love, thus reformation and regeneration.

What the "new heavens" and "new earth " signify, has been already explained. Apocalypse Explained 304. See also True Christian Religion 583.

10. Rejoice with Jerusalem, and exult in her, all you that love her: be exceedingly joyful with her, all you that mourn over her:

11. That you may suck, and be satisfied from the breast of her consolations; that you may draw forth [nourishment], and be delighted from the brightness of her glory.

12. For thus says Jehovah, Behold, I will spread over her peace like a river; and like a flowing stream the glory of the nations: and you shall suck; you shall be carried at the side; and on the knees shall you be caressed.

13. As a man whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and in Jerusalem shall you have comfort.

Verses 10-12. Here also by "Jerusalem" is understood the church as to doctrine, or, what is the same thing, the doctrine of the church; concerning the latter it is said - "Rejoice with Jerusalem and exult in her, all you that love her"; and concerning doctrine it is also said, "That you may suck, and be satisfied from the breast of her consolations; that you may draw forth [nourishment] from the brightness of her glory"; by the "breast of consolations" is signified the Divine Good, and by the "brightness or splendour of glory" the Divine Truth from which doctrine is derived.

That there shall be an abundance of all those things by virtue of conjunction with the Lord, is signified by "Behold, I will spread over her peace like a river; and like a flowing stream, the glory of the nations; and you shall suck"; - "peace" signifying conjunction with the Lord, and the "glory of the nations "the conjunction of Good and Truth thence derived; to "suck" denotes influx from the Lord; and a "river" and a "flowing stream "denote abundance.

That hence exist spiritual love and celestial love, by which conjunction with the Lord is effected, is signified by "You shall be carried at the side, and on the knees shall you be caressed;"-the "side" signifying spiritual love, and the "knees" celestial love; and to be "taken up and be caressed", is eternal felicity by virtue of conjunction.

That the "breasts" signify spiritual love and also the "side" or " breast", may be seen above, Apocalypse Explained 65; that the "knees" denote conjugial love, and hence celestial love, may be seen in the Arcana Coelestia 3021 Arcana Coelestia 3021[1-8] Arcana Coelestia 3021[1-8] Arcana Coelestia 3021[1-8], 5060-5062.

That "glory" signifies Divine Truth, and intelligence and wisdom thence derived, may be seen above, n. Apocalypse Explained 34, 288; and that "nations" signify those who are in the Good of love, and, abstractedly from persons, the Goods of love, may also be seen above, Apocalypse Explained 175, 331.

Hence "the glory of the nations" is genuine Truth, originating in the Good of love, and consequently their conjunction. Apocalypse Explained 305. See also Chapter 60:15, 16, the Exposition.

14. And you shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice; and your bones shall bud forth like the herb: and the hand of Jehovah shall be made known to His servants; but He will be indignant against His enemies.

Verse 14. And your bones shall bud forth like the herb, etc. - As to the meaning of "flesh" and "bones", both in a good and in a bad sense, see Chapter 58:11, the Exposition.

15. For, behold, Jehovah shall come in fire; and like a whirlwind are His chariots: to recompense in the wrath of His anger; and His rebuke in flames of fire.

Verse 15. Like a whirlwind are His chariots, etc. - For what is said respecting "whirlwinds" and "storms", etc., at the time of Judgment in the world of spirits, see Chapter 17:13, the Exposition.

16. For by fire shall Jehovah contend, and by His sword, with all flesh: and many shall be the slain of Jehovah.

Verse 16. By a "sword", in this passage, is signified Truth combating and destroying; this destruction appears especially in the spiritual world, where they who are in falsities cannot sustain the Truth, but are in a state of anguish, as if they struggled with death, when they come into the sphere of light, that is, into the sphere of Divine Truth; and thus also they are deprived of Truths, and devastated. As most expressions in the Word have also an opposite sense, so likewise has the "sword", and in that sense it signifies the false combating against Truth, and destroying it. Apocalypse Explained 131.

17. They who sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abominable thing, and the mouse; together shall they be consumed, says Jehovah.

Verse 17. That to "sanctify themselves in gardens", is to worship from intelligence self-derived, and thus from false doctrines, see just above, Chap 65:3, 4, the Exposition. "Behind one [tree] in the midst"; this "one in the midst." (whether it be a tree or an idol), implies the governing principle which rules in this perverted state of self-intelligence and of impure worship.

This "one thing in the midst" has its origin either in the love of self, - and is, therefore, either the love of dominion and power and pre-eminence, - or in the love of the world; and is, consequently, the love of opulence, and the pride and conceit of one's own intelligence. It is said to be "in the midst", because whatsoever is in the centre, universally governs, as one king in his kingdom.

What the "eating of swine's flesh and of the abominable thing" signifies, may be seen above, Chapter 65:4, the Exposition.

As to the "mouse", which was unclean, (Leviticus 11:29) and which signifies the cupidities of the sordidly avaricious, see Arcana Coelestia 938, 1514.

To cherish these cupidities is, in the language of correspondences, signified by "eating mice", which was forbidden as an abomination in the Lord's sight.]

18. For I [know] their works and their thoughts: and [the time] shall come to gather all nations and tongues together; and they shall come, and shall see My glory.

Verses 18, 19. These words are said concerning the Lord, and concerning the New Church to be established by Him, consequently concerning the "new heavens" and the "new earth", as is evident from verse 22 of this chapter.

By "gathering together all nations and tongues", is signified the same as by "gathering together the elect from the four winds"; (Matthew 24:31) to "gather together" signifies to call to Himself those who are His; "nations" denote those who are in Good, and "tongues" those who are in life according to doctrine; to "come" and to "see the glory of the Lord", is to be illustrated in Divine Truth, and to be thence in the fruition of heavenly joy; for the "glory of the Lord" signifies the Divine Truth, and illustration and joy therefrom.

To "set a sign upon them", signifies to distinguish and separate them from the evil, and to conjoin them to the good. Apocalypse Explained 427. See also Apocalypse Revealed 347.

19. And I will set a sign upon them, and those that escape I will send to the nations; to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow; to Tubal, and Javan, and the islands afar off; to those who have not heard My fame, and who have not seen My glory: and they shall declare My glory among the nations.

Verse 19. "Those that escape" signify remains or remnants. (See above, Chap, 1:9, the Exposition.) "Tarshish" signifies those who are in external worship [but from somewhat of an internal principle]; "Pul and Lud, drawing the bow", signify those who are in the knowledges of Truth, namely, from the Lord, by charity, and thus by faith, by means of reason and science, as in Ezekiel:

"They of Persia, of Lud, and of Phut, were in thine army, your men of war; they banged their shield and their helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness"; (Ezekiel 27:10) where the subject treated of is concerning Tyre.

"Lud" and "Phut" denote knowledges, which are said to be "in an army", and are called "men of war", because they serve to defend Truths, and are a support to reason, which is also understood by "hanging up the shield and the helmet." That by "Phut'" are signified the exterior knowledges of the Word, may be seen above, Arcana Coelestia 1166.

By "drawing the bow", as said of those who are meant by "Tubal" and "Javan", is signified to teach doctrine. Arcana Coelestia 1231.

[By these words are therefore implied that the "remains", or those who escape at the period of Judgment, will be sent to those who can instruct them in Truths from the Word, and initiate them into the externals of a true worship.]

20. And they shall bring all your brethren, from all the nations, an offering to Jehovah; upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters; upon mules, and upon dromedaries; to the mountain of My holiness, to Jerusalem, says Jehovah: like as the sons of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of Jehovah.

Verse 20. This passage treats concerning the establishment of the New Church by the Lord; wherefore it is not understood that "they shall bring their brethren upon horses, and in chariots, and in liners, upon mules, and upon dromedaries, into Jerusalem", but that all who are in Good are to be instructed in divine Truths, and being thereby made intelligent and wise, are to be introduced into the church; for by "brethren" are signified all who are in Good; by "horses" is denoted the understanding of Truth, by "chariots" the doctrine of Truth, by "litters the knowledges of Truth, by "mules" the internal rational [principle], which is spiritual, and by "dromedaries" [or swift beasts] the external rational [principle], which is natural; by Jerusalem is signified the church, where is the doctrine of Truth which is called "the mountain of holiness" from the love of Truth. Apocalypse Explained 355.

By "horses", "chariots", "litters", "mules", and "dromedaries" in the spiritual sense , are understood things appertaining to doctrine, and thence to the church; for the subject here treated of is concerning the New Church to be established by the Lord.

By "horses" are signified intellectual things, by "chariots" doctrine", by "litters" doctrinals of Good, by "mules" rational things, and by "dromedaries" likewise things rational as to Good.

By the "brethren", whom they shall bring, are signified all who are in the Good of charity; and by "Jerusalem, the mountain of holiness", is signified the church in which charity reigns. Apocalypse Explained 1155. See also Apocalypse Explained 175.

As the sons of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel, etc. - As to the meaning of "vessels", see Chapter 52:11, the Exposition. "An offering in a clean vessel" is representative of sincere and holy worship: See the Exposition of Isaiah Chapter 18:7.

21. And of them will I also take for priests and for Levites, says Jehovah.

Verse 21. What "priests" and "ministers" signify, see Chapter 61:6, the Exposition. "Levites" and the "tribe of Levi" signify the church as to its charity and good works; for every "tribe" has its own particular signification. The reason why the "tribe of Levi" signifies [in a good sense] good works is, because spiritual love, or charity, consists in performing Goods, which are good works. Essential charity, viewed in itself, is the affection of Truth and Good, and where that affection is, there is a life according to Truths and Goods; for affection, without a life according to the Truths and Goods with which it is affected, has no existence. If such affection be supposed to exist and to be present, it is a natural affection, and not a spiritual one. These two affections differ in this, that natural affection has for its end self and the world, therefore the Truths and Goods with which a person is then affected he loves for the sake of his own fame, and to obtain honour and gain; in which case the life according to doctrinals is only assumed from self for the sake of appearance, and so it is pretended and inwardly hypocritical; but spiritual affection has for its end the Lord, heaven, and life eternal, which it regards in the Truths and Goods, thus it loves Truths and Goods spiritually; and when this affection has place with man, he then loves to think those things and to will them, consequently to live according to them.

To live according to Goods and Truths is understood in the Word by "doing", and the life itself by the "deeds" and "works" which are so often mentioned in the Word.

These, therefore, are what were represented and signified by "Levi" and his "tribe" in the church with the Jews. Inasmuch as this affection is the very essential principle of the church, therefore the "tribe of Levi" was made the priesthood; and therefore "the staff of Levi in the tent of the assembly blossomed with almonds"; and therefore to that "tribe" was given an inheritance, not in the same manner as the rest, but amongst each of them.

Inasmuch as most things in the Word have also an opposite sense, so have "Levi" and his "tribe"; and in this sense "Levi" signifies the evil of the falsity which is opposite to the Good of Charity, consequently no charity towards the neighbour. This is signified by "Levi", in the prophecy of Israel concerning his sons, in Genesis 49:5-7; this opposite principle is also understood by the "Levite", in theLord's parable concerning him who was wounded by thieves. (See Luke 10:29-37.) Apocalypse Explained 444.

22. For like as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall stand before Me, says Jehovah: so shall stand your seed and your name,

Verse 22. Speaking of the Lord, and of the salvation of the faithful by Him. The New Church from Him is understood by "the new heavens and the new earth", - by the "new heavens" the internal church, and by the "new earth" the external church. That divine Truth and its quality shall continue, is signified by "so shall stand your seed and your name", "seed" denoting divine Truth which also is the Truth of doctrine from the Word, and "name" is the quality thereof; that by "name" is signified the quality of a thing and state, may be seen above, n. 148. Apocalypse Explained 768. See also Chapter 65:17, 18, the Exposition.

23. And it shall be, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to bow down before Me, says Jehovah.

Verse 23. By "month" or "moon" is signified man's state of life as to Truth. He who thinks that man does Good which is acceptable to the Lord, and which is called spiritual Good, If there are not in him Truths from the Word, is much mistaken. Goods without Truths are not Goods, and Truths without Goods are not Truths in man, although they are Truth in themselves; for Good without Truth is like the voluntary principle of man without understanding, , which voluntary principle is not human, but is like that of a beast, or like that of an image which an artist causes to operate; but the voluntary principle, united with its intellectual principle, becomes human according to the state of the understanding by which it exists; for every man's state of life is such, that his will cannot do anything but by his understanding, neither can his understanding, think anything but from his will.

It is the same with Good and Truth, because Good is of the will, and Truth is of the understanding. From these considerations it is evident that the Good which the Lord produces in man, is according to the state of the Truth in man, from which the understanding is formed. The reason why this is signified by "the Tree of Life yielding its fruit according to every month"; is, because by "month" is signified the state of Truth in man.

That by all "times" and "seasons", as hours, days, weeks, months, years, ages, are signified states of life, may be seen, Apocalypse Revealed 476, 562.

The reason why "months" signify states of life relating to Truth, is, because by "months" are signified times determined by the moon, and by the "moon" is understood the Truth of the understanding and of faith.

The like is also signified by "months" in the following passages:

"Blessed of Jehovah is the land of Joseph, with the precious things of the produce of the sun, and with the precious things of the produce of the months", (Deuteronomy 33:13, 14)

By reason of the signification of "month" or "moon", sacrifices were offered at the beginning of every month or new moon. (Numbers 29:6; Isaiah 1:14) Apocalypse Revealed 935.

24. And they shall go forth, and shall see the carcases of the men who have transgressed against Me: for their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched; and they shall be an abhorrence unto all flesh.

Verse 24. What is signified by a "carcase", see Chapter 34:3, the Exposition.

By "their worm dying not", is signified the false principle of evil which is in the good derived from man's selfhood, which false principle is compared to a "worm", because their effects are similar; for the false principle corrodes, and thereby torments. There are two things which make hell, as there are two things which make heaven; - the two things which make heaven are Good and Truth, and the two things which make hell are evil and what is false. Consequently those two things in heaven are what make happiness there, and the two things in hell are what make torment there. Torment in hell, derived from the false principle, is compared to a "worm", and torment from evil is compared to "fire", as in Isaiah 66:24; and in Mark:

"Where their worm dieth not, and their fire shall not be quenched." (Mark 9:44, 46, 48) Arcana Coelestia 8481.

Their fire shall not be quenched. - All love in the spiritual world, when it is excited, appears at a distance like fire; within the hells like a burning fire; and without, like the smoke of a burning fire, or like the smoke of a furnace. Apocalypse Explained 422.

Infernal spirits are not in any material fire, but in spiritual fire, which is their love, wherefore they do not feel any other fire; concerning which, see Heaven and Hell 566-575.

In respect to "fire", in a bad sense, as signifying the evil of lusts and cupidities arising from the love of self and of the world, see Chapter 9:17-19; 33:11, 12, 14, the Exposition.

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Isaiah Chapter 66.

1. THUS says Jehovah: The heavens are My throne, and the earth is My footstool: where is this house which you build for Me? and where is this place of My rest?

2. For all these things My hand has made; and all these things exist [by Me], says Jehovah: and to him will I look, even to him that is humble and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at My Word.

3. He that slays an ox, smites a man; he that sacrifices a lamb, beheads a dog; he that makes an oblation, [offers] swine's blood; he that offers incense, blesses an idol: yea, they have chosen these things in their own ways; and in their abominations their soul delights.

4. I will also choose their devices, and the things they dread I will bring upon them; because I called, and no one answered; I spake, and they did not hear: and they did evil in Mine eyes, and that in which I delighted not they have chosen.

5. Hear you the word of Jehovah, you that tremble at His Word! Your brethren that have bated you, and that have cast you out for My name's sake, have said, Let Jehovah be glorified! and we shall see your joy; but they shall be ashamed.

6. A voice of tumult from the city! a voice from the temple! the voice of Jehovah! rendering recompense to His enemies,

7. Before she was in travail, she brought forth; before her pangs came upon her, she was delivered of a male.

8. Who has heard a thing like this? Who has seen things like these? Does the earth bring forth in one day? Is a nation born at once? for as soon as Zion was in travail, she brought forth her sons.

9. Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? says Jehovah: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut up [the womb]? says your God.

10. Rejoice with Jerusalem, and exult in her, all you that love her: be exceedingly joyful with her, all you that mourn over her:

11. That you may suck, and be satisfied from the breast of her consolations; that you may draw forth [nourishment], and be delighted from the brightness of her glory.

12. For thus says Jehovah, Behold, I will spread over her peace like a river; and like a flowing stream the glory of the nations: and you shall suck; you shall be carried at the side; and on the knees shall you be caressed.

13. As a man whom his mother comforts, so will I comfort you; and in Jerusalem shall you have comfort.

14. And you shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice; and your bones shall bud forth like the herb: and the hand of Jehovah shall be made known to His servants; but He will be indignant against His enemies.

15. For, behold, Jehovah shall come in fire; and like a whirlwind are His chariots: to recompense in the wrath of His anger; and His rebuke in flames of fire.

16. For by fire shall Jehovah contend, and by His sword, with all flesh: and many shall be the slain of Jehovah.

17. They who sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one [tree] in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abominable thing, and the mouse; together shall they be consumed, says Jehovah.

18. For I [know] their works and their thoughts: and [the time] shall come to gather all nations and tongues together; and they shall come, and shall see My glory.

19. And I will set a sign upon them, and those that escape I will send to the nations; to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow; to Tubal, and Javan, and the islands afar off; to those who have not heard My fame, and who have not seen My glory: and they shall declare My glory among the nations.

20. And they shall bring all your brethren, from all the nations, an offering to Jehovah; upon horses, and in chariots, and in litters; upon mules, and upon dromedaries; to the mountain of My holiness, to Jerusalem, says Jehovah: like as the sons of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel to the house of Jehovah.

21. And of them will I also take for priests and for Levites, says Jehovah.

22. For like as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall stand before Me, says Jehovah: so shall stand your seed and your name,

23. And it shall be, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to bow down before Me, says Jehovah.

24. And they shall go forth, and shall see the carcases of the men who have transgressed against Me: for their worm shall not die, and their fire shall not be quenched; and they shall be an abhorrence unto all flesh.

340. And blessing, signifies the acknowledgment and glorification of the Lord on that account, and thanksgiving that from Him is every good and truth, and thence heaven and eternal happiness to those who receive. This is evident from the signification of "blessing," as being the Lord, when said of the acknowledgment, here the acknowledgment that to Him belong omnipotence, omniscience, providence, Divine good, and Divine truth, which are signified by "Worthy is He to receive the power, riches, wisdom, honor, and glory," and as being also glorification on that account. Moreover, "blessing," when said of the Lord, signifies thanksgiving that from Him is every good of love and truth of faith, and thence heaven and eternal happiness to those who receive. Because "blessing" here signifies acknowledgment and glorification on that account, and also thanksgiving, blessing is mentioned in the last place, or as a conclusion by these angels, who were glorifying the Lord. These things are signified by "blessing," when said of the Lord, because nothing is a blessing except what is given by the Lord, for that alone is blessed because it is Divine and eternal, and contains in itself heaven and eternal happiness; all other things which have not in themselves what is Divine and eternal are not blessings, even though they may be so called (See The Doctrine of the New Jerusalem 269, 270).

[2] That "blessing" when it is mentioned in the Word, has this signification, can be seen from the places there when understood in the internal sense. But in the first place, some passages shall be quoted in which "blessed" and "blessing" are said of Jehovah, that is the Lord; also where the expression "to bless God" is used, that it may be seen that these signify the acknowledgment, glorification, and thanksgiving that from Him is every good and truth, and thence heaven and eternal happiness to those who receive.

In Luke:

The mouth of Zacharias was opened, and he spoke, blessing God. And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He hath visited and wrought redemption for His people (Luke 1:64, 67-68).

This Zacharias said when, filled with the Spirit, he prophesied of the Lord; and "blessing God," and "blessed be the Lord God of Israel," signify the glorification and thanksgiving that He frees and delivers from hell those who receive Him; consequently it is also said, "for He hath visited and wrought redemption for His people Israel;" "redemption" signifying liberation from hell, and "His people" those who are in truths from good, thus those who receive. That "redemption" signifies liberation and deliverance from hell, see above n. 328; and that "people" signifies those who are in truths from good (n. 331).

[3] In the same:

Simeon took the infant Jesus in his arms, and blessed God: and said, Mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoples (Luke 2:28-31).

Here "to bless God" evidently means to glorify and give thanks because the Lord was to come into the world, to save all who receive Him; consequently he calls the Lord "the salvation" which his eyes saw, which He prepares for all people. Those are called "His people" who are in truths from good, thus who by means of truths receive Him, as was said above.

[4] In David:

They have seen Thy goings, O God. The singers went before, the minstrels after, in the midst of the maidens playing on timbrels. Bless ye God in the assemblies, the Lord from the fountain of salvation ¹ (Psalms 68:24-26).

"To bless God in the assemblies, the Lord from the fountain of salvation," signifies to glorify the Lord from spiritual truths, which are truths from good. "Assemblies" in the Word have a similar signification as "people," namely, those who are in spiritual truths, and abstractly, those truths themselves; and "fountain of salvation" signifies spiritual good, since salvation is by means of that good; spiritual good is the good of charity towards the neighbor, and spiritual truth is the truth of faith from that good. (That "assemblies" in the Word are predicated of spiritual truths, see Arcana Coelestia 6355, 7843. Because "to bless in the assemblies" signifies glorification from spiritual truths, and "to bless from the fountain of salvation" signifies glorification from spiritual good, therefore in the first case the name "God" is used, and in the latter "Lord;" for the name "God" is used in the Word where truths are treated of, and "Jehovah" and "Lord" where good is treated of. It is clear that glorification is what is meant by "to bless," from its immediately following after these words, "the singers went before, the minstrels after, in the midst of the maidens playing on timbrels," which signifies glorification from spiritual truths and goods, as may be seen above (n. 323, 326).

[5] In the same:

O sing unto Jehovah a new song; sing unto Jehovah, all the earth. Bless His name; proclaim His salvation from day to day. Tell ye His glory among the nations (Psalms 96:1-3).

"To bless Jehovah" here evidently is to glorify Him and give thanks unto Him; and because all glorification of Him is from spiritual truths and from spiritual good, it is said, "Bless His name, proclaim His salvation from day to day;" "name" having reference to truths, and "salvation" to good. "To sing a song" signifies to glorify from such truths and from such goods (See above, n. 323, 326).

[6] In Moses:

Jehovah chose the sons of Levi to minister unto Him, and to bless in the name of Jehovah (Deuteronomy 10:8; 21:5).

Because the sons of Levi were appointed for Divine worship, and because all Divine worship is effected from spiritual good and the truths therefrom, it is said that "Jehovah chose them to minister unto Him, and to bless in His name;" "to minister" signifying worship from spiritual good, and "to bless" signifying worship from spiritual truths. That to "minister" has reference to worship from good, see above n. 155.

[7] In David:

O Jehovah, Thou hast prevented the King with the blessings of goodness. Thou hast set a crown of fine gold on his head. Glory and honor dost Thou lay upon him. For Thou settest him blessings forever (Psalms 21:3, 5-6).

"The King" here does not mean David, but the Lord, who is called "King" from the spiritual Divine that proceeds from His Divine Human; and because "blessing" signifies the acknowledgment, glorification, and thanksgiving because every good and truth, and thence heaven and eternal happiness, are from Him, it is evident what is signified by "Thou hast prevented the King with the blessings of goodness," and by "Thou settest him blessings for ever." "Blessings of goodness" signify truths from good; "a crown of fine gold" signifies the good from which truths are; "honor and glory" signify Divine good and Divine truth. (That "David" in the Word means the Lord, see above, n. 205; likewise "king" in the Psalms, n. 31; that the "crown of kings" signifies Divine good, n. 272; likewise "gold," n. 242 and that "honor and glory signify Divine good and Divine truth, n. 288)

[8] From this it can be seen what "blessed" signifies when said of the Lord, as in the following passages:

The disciples cried with a great voice, Blessed is the King that cometh in the name of the Lord (Luke 19:37-38).

The throng cried, Hosanna to the Son of David; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matthew 21:9; Mark 11:9, 10; John 12:12-13).

Jesus said, Ye shall not see Me henceforth, until ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord (Matthew 23:39; Luke 13:35).

The High Priest asked Jesus, Art Thou then the Christ, the Son of the blessed (Mark 14:61).

"Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord" signifies to be glorified because all Divine truth and Divine good are from Him. The Lord's "name" signifies everything by which He is worshiped; and as all this has reference to the good of love and the truth of faith, therefore these are signified by the Lord's "name." (That the Lord's "name" signifies everything by which He is worshiped, see above, n. 102, 135, 148, 224; and that the Lord is called "Lord" from Divine good, see Arcana Coelestia 4973, 9167, 9194)

[9] In Moses:

Melchizedek blessed Abram, and said, Blessed be Abram to God Most High, the possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand (Genesis 14:18-20).

Here it is said, "Blessed be God Most High, who hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand," signifying that to Him belong glorification and thanksgiving on that account. Those therefore who receive Divine good and Divine truth from the Lord, are called:

Blessed (Psalms 37:22; 115:15; Matthew 25:34).

[10] That "blessing" has no other meaning, when said of man, than the reception of Divine truth and Divine good, because in them are heaven and eternal happiness, can be seen from the following passages.

In David:

The clean in hands and the pure in heart shall receive a blessing from before Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of our salvation (Psalms 24:4-5).

"The clean in hands" signify those that are in truths from faith, and "the pure in heart" those that are in good from love; of such it is said that they "shall receive a blessing from before Jehovah, and righteousness from the God of salvation," and "receiving a blessing" signifies the reception of Divine truth, and "receiving righteousness" the reception of Divine good. (That "righteousness" is predicated of good, see above, n. 204; and Arcana Coelestia 2235, 9857)

[11] In Moses:

Thus shall ye bless the sons of Israel, Jehovah bless thee and keep thee; Jehovah make His faces to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; Jehovah lift up His faces upon thee, and give thee peace. Thus shall they put My name upon the sons of Israel; and I will bless them (Numbers 6:23-27).

From this, unfolded by means of the internal sense, it is evident what "blessing" as a whole involves-namely, that Jehovah, that is, the Lord, from Divine love flows in with Divine truth and with Divine good with those who receive; the Divine love, from which the Lord flows in, being meant by "the faces of Jehovah;" the Divine truth, with which the Lord flows in, by "Jehovah make His faces to shine upon thee;" and the Divine good, with which He flows in, by "Jehovah lift up His faces upon thee;" the protection from evils and falsities, which would otherwise take away the influx, by "keep thee" and "be gracious unto thee;" heaven and eternal happiness, which the Lord gives by means of His Divine truth and His Divine good, by "give thee peace"; communication and conjunction with those who receive, by "thus shall they put My name upon the sons of Israel," "the name of Jehovah" signifying the Divine proceeding, which is called in general Divine truth and Divine good, and "the sons of Israel" signifying those who are of the church, thus who receive, of whom it is therefore said, "and I will bless them." This is the internal or spiritual sense of these words, as can be seen from this, that "the faces of Jehovah" signify the Divine love; "to make them to shine" signifies the influx of Divine truth, and "to lift them up" signifies the influx of Divine good.

That these things may be better understood, the ground of these significations shall be told. The Lord appears to the angels in heaven as a sun; for it is His Divine love that so appears; this, therefore, is what is meant by the "face" of Jehovah; the light that proceeds therefrom is Divine truth; this, therefore, is what is meant by "making His faces to shine;" the heat that also proceeds therefrom is Divine good; this, therefore, is what is meant by "lifting up His faces," for "to lift up" signifies to reveal Himself, which is effected from Divine good by means of Divine truth. (That the Lord appears to the angels in heaven as a sun, and that it is His Divine love that so appears, see in the work on Heaven and Hell 116-125; and that the light therefrom is Divine truth, and the heat therefrom Divine good, n. 126-140. That "peace" signifies the heavenly delight that inmostly affects with blissfulness every good, and that it therefore signifies heaven and eternal happiness, see in the same, n. 284-290; and that "the sons of Israel" signify those who are of the church, consequently the church, (Arcana Coelestia 6426, 8805, 9340).

[12] In Ezekiel:

I will give them the circuits of My hill as a blessing, and I will send down the rain in its time; there shall be rains of blessing. Then the tree shall yield its fruit, the land shall yield its produce (Ezekiel 34:26-27).

He who sees the Word merely in its natural sense believes no other than that "blessing" means such things as are mentioned in that sense, namely, that rain should be given to make fruitful the gardens and fields, and thus the tree should yield its fruit and the land its produce; but it is a spiritual blessing that is meant, for "rain" signifies everything Divine that flows into man from the Lord out of heaven. That truths will produce good, and that good will produce truths, is signified by "the tree shall yield its fruit, and the land its produce," "land" and also the "garden," in which there are trees, meaning the church; these and "the circuits of My hill which are to be given as a blessing," signify the internal and external with the men of the church, "circuit" signifying what is outside or below, and "hill" what is within or above, especially where charity is, for that is within. (That "hill" signifies where there is charity, see Arcana Coelestia 6435, 10438)

[13] In David:

Blessed is everyone that feareth Jehovah, that walketh in His ways. Thou shalt eat the labor of thine hands; blessed art thou, and it is good with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house; thy sons like olive plants around thy tables. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that feareth Jehovah. Jehovah shall bless thee out of Zion; that thou mayest see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life; peace upon Israel (Psalms 128:1-6).

Here also "to be blessed" does not mean to be blessed naturally, as that one is to eat the labor of his hands, that his wife is to be fruitful, that many sons are to be about his tables, and that this is to be in Zion and in Jerusalem, but it means to be blessed spiritually; for "those that fear Jehovah" mean those who love to do His commandments; it is therefore said, "Blessed is he that feareth Jehovah, that walketh in His ways," "to walk in His ways" signifying to do His commandments; "the labor of his hands which he shall eat," signifies the pursuit of the life according to those commandments; "the wife by the sides of the house" signifies the affection of spiritual truth in all things that he thinks and does; therefore it is added, "as a fruitful vine," for "vine" signifies the spiritual church from the affection of truth; "sons around the tables" signify the truths of good therefrom, "tables" meaning instructions; therefore it is also said, "as olive-plants," "plants" signifying truths, and "olives" goods; "Zion" signifies heaven whence these things are; and "Jerusalem" doctrine. From this it is clear what is signified by "Jehovah shall bless thee out of Zion, that thou mayest see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life;" "peace upon Israel" signifies all spiritual good in general and in particular, "Israel" meaning the church.

[14] In the same:

Like the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion; for there hath Jehovah commanded the blessing, life even forever (Psalms 133:3).

This treats of the marriage of good and truth and their fructification and multiplication; both are meant by "the dew of Hermon, that cometh down upon the mountains of Zion," "the mountains of Zion" signifying where the goods of celestial love are; therefore it is added, "there hath Jehovah commanded the blessing, life even forever."

[15] In Moses:

If ye harken to these judgments, to keep and do them, Jehovah thy God will keep unto thee the covenant and mercy; and He will love thee and bless thee. And He will bless the fruit of thy belly, and the fruit of thy ground, thy corn, and thy new wine, and thine oil, the young of thy kine and of the rams of thy flock. Thou shalt be blessed above all peoples; there shall not be male or female barren among you or among your cattle. And Jehovah will take away from thee every disease, and all the evil sicknesses of Egypt which thou knowest He will not lay upon thee, but will put them upon all that hate thee. And thou shalt consume all the peoples that Jehovah thy God shall deliver to thee; thine eye shall not spare them (Deuteronomy 7:12-16).

Things spiritual, thus spiritual blessings, are meant by all this; these things are what are involved in and signified by the sense of the letter, which is natural, and is for those who are in the natural world, and therefore in natural ideas; consequently from the spiritual sense of the Word what is meant in general and in particular by "being blessed" can be seen. The "fruit of the belly, and the fruit of the ground, the corn, the new wine, and oil, the young of the kine and of the rams of the flock," mean the multiplications of truth and the fructifications of good, thus spiritual blessings. (What is signified specifically by each can be seen in various places in Arcana Coelestia, and in the explanation of this prophetic book.) "There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your cattle" signifies the multiplication of truth and the fructification of good in the internal and the external man; "and Jehovah will take away every disease, and all the evil sicknesses of Egypt," signifies the removal of all evils and falsities, "the evil sicknesses of Egypt" meaning falsities arising from evils in the natural man. "Those that hate thee upon whom Jehovah will put these," are those who are against the truths and goods of the church. The dispersion of the evils and falsities that are against the truths and goods of the church, is signified by "thou shalt consume all the peoples that Jehovah thy God shall deliver to thee;" and continual shunning of them is meant by "thine eye shall not spare them." That through these things those who do the Lord's commandments are blessed, is meant by "if ye hearken to these judgments, to keep and do them, Jehovah thy God will keep unto thee the covenant and mercy; He will love thee and bless thee;" "covenant and mercy" is conjunction from love by means of these commandments; conjunction by good is meant by "covenant," and "He will love thee;" and conjunction by truth therefrom is meant by "mercy" and "He will bless thee."

[16] In the same:

He shall bless thee with the blessings of heaven from above, with the blessings of the deep that coucheth below, with the blessings of the breasts and of the womb (Genesis 49:25).

These things are said of Joseph, who here signifies the Lord's spiritual kingdom; and "the blessings of heaven from above" mean the multiplications of truth from good in the internal or spiritual man; "the blessings of the deep that coucheth below" mean the multiplications of truth from good in the external or natural man; and "the blessings of the breasts and of the womb" signify spiritual and celestial goods.

[17] In Joel:

Who knoweth? Let him return, and Jehovah God will repent, and He will leave behind Him a blessing, a meal-offering and a drink-offering to Jehovah our God (Joel 2:14).

Because "blessing" signifies spiritual blessing, which in general has reference to good and truth proceeding from the Lord and given to man, therefore it is said, "He will leave behind Him a blessing, a meal-offering and a drink-offering to our God," "the meal-offering," which was bread, signifying good, and "the drink-offering," which was wine, signifying truth, both from the Lord, for it is said, "from our God."

[18] In Isaiah:

In that day shall there be a highway out of Egypt into Assyria, that Assyria may come into Egypt and Egypt into Assyria, that the Egyptians may serve with Assyria. In that day shall Israel be a third to Egypt and to Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land; whom Jehovah shall bless, saying, Blessed be Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel Mine inheritance (Isaiah 19:23-25).

"Israel, Assyria, and Egypt," signify the three faculties belonging to the men of the church, namely, the spiritual, the rational, and the knowing; "Israel" the spiritual, "Assyria" the rational, and "Egypt" the knowing. Because all man's rational is formed by means of knowledges [scientifica], and both the rational and knowing faculties are from the spiritual, which is from the Lord out of heaven (for from that source is all understanding of truth and all application of knowledges [scientiarum] to truths), it is said, "there shall be a highway out of Egypt into Assyria, that Assyria may come into Egypt and Egypt into Assyria, and that the Egyptians may serve with Assyria;" and again, "Israel shall be a third to Egypt and to Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the land." The "midst" signifies the inmost from which is the rest, that is, from which is the whole (See above, n. 313); and the "land" is the church where these things are. And as it is the spiritual by which the rational and knowing faculties are applied to genuine truths, Israel is called the "inheritance," that is, the heir of the house who possesses all things; and Assyria is called "the work of My hands," because the rational is formed from the spiritual; and Egypt is called "a blessed people," because in the knowing faculty, as in their ultimate, all things are together. From this also it is clear that "blessing" in the Word means spiritual blessing.

[19] In Zechariah:

As ye were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you that you may be a blessing (Zechariah 8:13).

These things are said of the devastated church, and of the church to be established by the Lord; "the house of Judah" and "the house of Israel" signifying the church, here in both senses; the church devastated is called "a curse," because therein are evil and falsity; but the church to be established is called "a blessing" because therein are good and truth.

[20] In David:

Salvation unto Jehovah, thy blessing upon thy people (Psalms 3:8).

"The blessing of Jehovah upon His people" signifies influx and the reception of good and truth; those are called "the people of Jehovah" who are in spiritual good (See above, n. 331).

[21] In Moses:

I will make thee into a great nation, and I will bless thee, that thou mayest become a blessing. And I will bless them that bless thee and curse them that curse thee; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed (Genesis 12:2-3).

In the same:

In him there shall be a blessing for all nations of the earth (Genesis 18:18).

These things are said of Abraham, and "Abraham" means in the highest sense the Lord, and in a relative sense the Lord's celestial kingdom and the celestial church. From this it is clear what is signified by "I will make thee into a great nation, and I will bless thee, that thou mayest become a blessing," namely, that therein shall be Divine good and Divine truth; "great nation" being predicated of Divine good (See above, n. 331), and "blessing" of Divine truth; "I will bless them that bless thee [and curse them that curse thee]" signifies that those who receive will have Divine truth, and those who do not receive will have the falsity of evil; "in Thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed," and "in Him there shall be a blessing for all the nations of the earth" signifies that from the reception of Divine truth and Divine good they will have heaven and eternal happiness; "the families of the earth" signify those who are in truths from good, "families" meaning truths, and "nations" goods; "blessing" signifying that from these they will have heaven and eternal happiness.

[22] There is a like signification in the blessing of Israel and Jacob:

Blessed be everyone that blesseth thee, and cursed be everyone that curseth thee (Numbers 24:9).

Thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and shall break forth towards the west, and towards the east, and towards the north, and towards the south; and in thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed, and in thy seed (Genesis 28:14).

"Israel" and "Jacob" also mean in the highest sense the Lord, and in a relative sense the Lord's spiritual kingdom and the spiritual church; "Israel" that church internal, "Jacob" that church external. The "seed that shall be as the dust of the earth, and that shall break forth towards the west, the east, the north, and the south" signifies Divine truth proceeding from the Lord and received by those who are of that church; the consequent fructification of good is signified by "it shall break forth towards the west and the east," and the consequent multiplication of truth is signified by "it shall break forth towards the north and the south." (That these quarters have such significations, see Heaven and Hell 141-153.)

[23] That the Lord blessed the bread, wine, and fishes that He gave to the disciples and to the people (Matthew 14:15, 19, 21, 22; 15:32, 36; 26:26, 27; Mark 6:41; 8:6, 7; 14:22, 23; Luke 9:16; 22:19; 24:30), signified communication of His Divine, and thus conjunction with them by means of the goods and truths, which are signified by the "bread and wine," and also by "the fishes;" "bread and wine" signifying goods and truths in the spiritual man, and "fishes" goods and truths in the natural.

[24] In Isaiah:

He shall call His servants by another name; he that blesseth himself in the earth shall bless himself by the God of truth; and he that sweareth by the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former distresses shall be forgotten (Isaiah 65:15-16).

"To bless oneself" signifies to instruct oneself in Divine truths, and to apply them to life, and "to swear" signifies to instruct oneself in Divine goods and to apply them to life. "To swear" has this signification, because an oath in the internal sense signifies confirmation in oneself and conviction that a thing is so, and this is effected from good by means of truths; from no other ground than good are truths with man confirmed and proved. Here a new church is treated of; and "to call by another name" signifies its quality in respect to truth and good.

[25] In Jeremiah:

Swear by the living Jehovah, in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness; the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him shall they glory (Jeremiah 4:2).

Here "to swear" and "to bless themselves" have a like signification as above, the "nations" that shall bless themselves in Jehovah signifying those who are in good.

[26] "To bless," in the contrary sense, signifies to love what is evil and false: and to be imbued with it as in Isaiah:

He that slaughters an ox smiteth a man; he that offereth frankincense, blesseth vanity; they have chosen these things also in their ways (Isaiah 66:3).

"To slaughter (or sacrifice) an ox," and "to smite a man," signify to worship God in externals, and yet to reject all truth. "To sacrifice an ox" signifies worship from those things that represented natural good, for an "ox" means natural good; "and to smite a man" signifies to reject and deny the truth, "man" in the Word meaning truth; "to offer frankincense" and "to bless vanity" signifies to worship God from such things as represented spiritual good, and yet to love evil and falsity and to be imbued with them, an "offering of frankincense" meaning the worship from spiritual good, and "vanity" the evil and falsity of evil.

Footnotes: