From Swedenborg's Works

 

Arcana Coelestia #1020

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1020. That these things are meant becomes clear from the fact that everything put together as history from Genesis 1 down to Eber in Chapter 11 means something different from what appears in the letter, and from the consideration that the historical narratives there are purely made-up history customary among the most ancient people. When attesting the truth of some matter they would say that 'Jehovah said it'. Here however 'God' is used because the subject is the spiritual Church. And they did the same when anything true was being, or had been, put into effect.

  
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Thanks to the Swedenborg Society for the permission to use this translation.

Commentary

 

#118 Crossing the Jordan into the Inner Meaning (Joshua 3, Joshua 4)

By Jonathan S. Rose

Title: Crossing the Jordan into the Inner Meaning

Topic: Word

Summary: Can the Bible be taken literally? A look at the story of crossing the Jordan sheds some light...

Use the reference links below to follow along in the Bible as you watch.

References:
Joshua 3:1-end
2 Kings 2:1-14
Psalms 114
John 1:28; 10:40
Matthew 3:5-6
Mark 1:5, 9
Jeremiah 12:1-5
Zechariah 11:3
Genesis 1:9
1 Corinthians 2:14

Play Video
Spirit and Life Bible Study broadcast from 11/28/2012. The complete series is available at: www.spiritandlifebiblestudy.com

The Bible

 

Jeremiah 12:1-5

Study

      

1 You are righteous, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet I would reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they at ease who deal very treacherously?

2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; they grow, yes, they bring forth fruit: you are near in their mouth, and far from their heart.

3 But you, Yahweh, know me; you see me, and try my heart toward you: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of the whole country wither? for the wickedness of those who dwell therein, the animals are consumed, and the birds; because they said, He shall not see our latter end.

5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?