9953. And on his sons with him. That this signifies such a state there in the external things proceeding therefrom, is evident from the signification of “putting on,” as being to induce a state such as is represented by the garments (of which just above, n. 9952); here such a state as is represented by the garments of the sons of Aaron, which is a state of the external things that proceed from Divine truth in the spiritual kingdom; for by “sons,” and so also by their “garments,” is signified that which proceeds (according to what was said just above, n. 9950).

9952. And thou shalt put them on Aaron thy brother. That this signifies such a state of Divine good in the spiritual kingdom, is evident from the signification of “to put on,” as being to induce the state of the thing which is represented by the garments, here the state of Divine truth in the spiritual kingdom; for by Aaron is represented the Lord as to Divine good, and therefore also the Divine good which is from the Lord (see n. 9806); and by his garments is represented the Lord’s spiritual kingdom joined to His celestial kingdom (n. 9814). That by “to put on” is signified to induce the state which is represented by the garments that are put on, originates in the representatives in the other life. The spirits there, and the angels, all appear clothed in garments, each one according to the state of truth in which he is, thus each one according to his understanding that corresponds to the will which is in him. The reason of this is that the understanding in man clothes his will; and the understanding is formed of truths, and the will of goods; and good is what is clothed (n. 5248). It is from this that “garments” in the Word signify truths (see n. 165, 1073, 4545, 4763, 5954, 6378, 6914, 6918, 9093, 9814); and that this has its origin from the representatives in the other life, see n. 9212, 9216, 9814.