9953. 'And his sons with him' means such a state there in the outward things emanating from that [Divine Good]. This is clear from the meaning of 'to clothe' as to bring about a state such as is represented by garments, dealt with immediately above in 9952, at this point that which is represented by the garments of Aaron's sons, which is the state in the spiritual kingdom of the outward things emanating from Divine Truth. For that which emanates is meant by 'sons', and so too by their 'garments', as accords with what has been stated just above in 9950.

3653. From these considerations it may now be seen that these verses give a thorough description of the state of the Church when vastated as regards the goods of love and as regards the truths of faith. At the same time they urge what is to be done in those circumstances by those with whom such goods and truths are present. There are three kinds of people within the Church, namely, those who are moved by love to the Lord, those who are moved by charity towards the neighbour, and those who are moved by the affection for truth. Members of the first group - those moved by love to the Lord - are meant specifically in the injunction, Let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains. Members of the second group are those who are moved by charity towards the neighbour; and these are meant specifically in, Let him who is on the roof of the house not go down to take anything out of his house. Members of the third group are those who are moved by the affection for truth; and these are meant specifically in, Let him who is in the field not turn back to get his clothing. See what has been stated and explained already about these matters in Volume Two, in 2454, and also in the same paragraph what is meant by 'turning back' and 'looking back behind oneself'.