1725. The symbolism of Melchizedek as the heavenly qualities of the Lord's intermediate self can be seen from the symbolism of Melchizedek given just below. It can also be seen from what comes before and after.

I have already defined the inner self, intermediate self, and outer self sufficiently [§§3, 268, 857, 978, 1015, 1563, 1568, 1577, 1589:2, 1702, 1718]. I have also shown that the inner self acts through the intermediate self on the outer self. As noted, the inner self acts on the intermediate self either by heavenly or by spiritual means. It acts by heavenly means in anyone who has been reborn, that is, in those who live a life of love for the Lord and for their neighbor. It acts by spiritual means, though, in all people, whatever they are like, providing them with light from heaven — that is, with the ability to think, to speak, and to be human. For the discussion of this above, see §1707.

[2] The heavenly qualities of the intermediate self are all the different facets of heavenly love, as mentioned many times before. ¹ These heavenly qualities in the Lord's intermediate self (or rather his intermediate self in regard to these qualities) are called Melchizedek.

The Lord's inner being was Jehovah himself. When his intermediate self was purified after the battles of his spiritual struggle, it too became divine, became Jehovah. Likewise his outer self. But at the present point, in a time of spiritual conflict, not yet completely purified by spiritual battle, he is called Melchizedek — "king of sacred justice" ² — in relation to his heavenly attributes.

[3] The fact that this is so can also be seen in David, where the subject again is the Lord's spiritual battles, and where in the end the heavenly qualities of his intermediate self are called Melchizedek. This is what David says:

Jehovah said to my Lord, "Sit at my right till I have placed your foes as a stool for your feet. Jehovah will send a scepter of strength out from Zion. Rule in the midst of your foes. Yours is a willing people, on the day of your might, among sacred honors. Out of the womb from the dawn you receive the dew of your birth." Jehovah has sworn and will not go back on it: "You are a priest forever in accord with my word; [you are] Melchizedek." The Lord at your right struck monarchs on the day of his anger. (Psalms 110:1-2, 3-4, 5)

Like the present chapter, this has to do with the Lord's inward battles against the hells, as the individual words reveal. The Lord himself teaches that he is the one meant here (Matthew 22:43-44, 45; Mark 12:36; Luke 20:42-43, 44). Placing his foes as his footstool, ruling in the midst of his foes, a day of might, and striking monarchs on the day of his anger — all these symbolize inward struggles and victories.

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