3466. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba. That this signifies the quality of the doctrine thence derived, is evident from the signification of “name,” as being the quality (see above, n. 3465); and from the signification of “city” as being doctrine (see n. 402, 2449, 2712, 2943, 3216); hence comes “Beersheba,” which in the original tongue means “the well of the oath,” thus the doctrine of confirmed truth. (That “Beersheba” is doctrine may be seen above, n. 2723, 2858-2859.) In chapter 21, verses 30-31, it is said:

Because these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take from my hand, that it may be a witness unto me that I have digged this well. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba, because there they sware both of them (Genesis 21:30-31); where by “Beersheba” was signified the state and quality of doctrine, that it was from the Divine, and that by means of it there was conjunction; and because the interiors of that church are there treated of, it is said that “that place” was called Beersheba; whereas here, because the exteriors of that church are treated of, it is said that “the city” was so called; for of interior things is predicated state, which is signified by “place” (n. 2625, 2837, 3356, 3387); but of exterior things is predicated doctrine, which is signified by “city;” for all doctrine has its state and its quality from its interiors.

3216. In order that it may be still better known how the case is with representatives in the other life, that is, with those things which appear in the world of spirits, take some further examples. When the angels are speaking about the doctrinal things of charity and faith, then sometimes in a lower sphere, where there is a corresponding society of spirits, there appears the form or pattern of a city or cities, with palaces therein exhibiting such skill in architecture as is amazing, so that you would say that the very art itself was there in its native home; not to mention houses of varied aspect; and wonderful to say in all these objects both in general and in particular there is not the smallest point, or visible atom, that does not represent something of the angelic idea and speech: so that it is evident what innumerable things are contained in these; and also what is signified by the cities seen by the prophets in the Word; and likewise what by the holy city or New Jerusalem; and what by the cities in the prophetic Word; namely, the doctrinal things of charity and faith (n. 402, 2449).