127. Internal Meaning of Ezekiel, Chapter 4

Representation of the perverted church in the church. (2)

1-2 He should represent the falsities of the church, and the church besieged by them. (2)

3 He should represent the hardness of their heart, from which it is that they have no fear; (2)

4-8 he should also represent the church besieged by falsities of evil and evils of falsity. (2)

9-16 He should represent the falsification and adulteration of the sense of the letter of the Word, (2)

17 by which everything of the church has perished. (2, 3)

'Iron' signifies natural truth, and consequently, the natural sense of the Word. At the same time, 'iron' also signifies the natural light of mankind. These two definitions together signify the power of truth.

In Revelation 9:9, it signifies something strong.

In Deuteronomy 8:9, 'iron' signifies natural or rational truth.

(References: Arcana Coelestia 425)