'Images of men,' as in Ezekiel 16:17, signify appearances of truth, which are nevertheless falsities. (Apocalypse Explained 725[10])
(References: Apocalypse Explained 725)
Apocalypse Explained #723
723. Verse 5. And she brought forth a male child, who is to tend (pascere) 1 all the nations with a rod of iron; and her child was caught up unto God and his throne.
"And she brought forth a male child," signifies the doctrine of truth for the church which is called the New Jerusalem, "who is to tend all the nations with a rod of iron," signifies that this doctrine, by the power of natural from spiritual truth, will refute and convict those who are in falsities and evils, and yet are in the church, where the Word is; "and her child was caught up unto God and his throne," signifies protection of the doctrine by the Lord, because it is for the New Church.
Footnotes:
1. Greek, poimainein [in Greek].
