When 'islands' are contrasted to 'earth' or 'mountains,' they signify the truths of faith, because they are in the sea. They signify doctrinal things which are rituals. 'Islands' signify peoples who are more remote from the worship of God. People who are steeped in the internal sense of the Word, such as angels, do not know what islands are, because they no longer have any concept of such places. Instead they have a perception of more remote worship, like the gentiles outside the church.

'Islands,' in Ezekiel 27:6, signify people in the church in a natural, materially-oriented state but still rational.

(References: Apocalypse Explained 406; Isaiah 1, Isaiah 49, 49:1)

3935. 'And she called his name Gad' means the essential nature of it. This is clear from the meaning of 'name' and 'calling the name' as the essential nature, dealt with above. The particular nature is meant by 'Gad', namely the nature of the good of faith and the nature of works. By the essential nature is meant everything within, in this case within the good of faith and within works; and all things present within this are countless, for that nature varies from one person to the next. And in addition to this, a contrary nature exists with those in whom the good of faith is not present, and so by whom no good works are done. This nature also is meant by Gad when he is referred to in the contrary sense. When the good of faith which belongs to the internal man, and good works which belong to the external man, correspond they constitute a third general means, as stated above, which has to be acknowledged in faith and in action before the person can enter the Lord's kingdom, that is, by means of regeneration become the Church.