151. Internal Meaning of Ezekiel, Chapter 28

1-5 Since they believe that they are learned from mere knowledges [cognitiones] and say in their heart that they are most intelligent from themselves, (2, 3)

6-10 therefore they will falsify all knowledges [cognitiones] of truth, and will perish thereby. (2, 3, 16)

11 Respecting learning from the Word. (2, 3)

12 From the Word they have all truths and goods of heaven and of the church; (2, 11)

12-18 in consequence of which they were in intelligence at first, but afterwards this was dissipated by means of their pride. (2)

19-20 Natural love consumed all things of the church, resulting in their destruction. (3)

21-23 Of the understanding of truth, which is meant by Zidon: it will perish by means of falsities. (2)

24 Their destruction, lest the church should be still further destroyed. (3)

25-26 A new church will come into existence, when the former has been condemned. (11)

“Earth” refers to the externals of a person or a community -- their everyday thoughts and actions -- in a broad, general sense. “Ground” refers to the parts of our external lives that are ready for cultivation, ready to be put to use. Cultivation, of course, involves loosening up the soil (breaking down our distracting habits and thoughts) and planting seeds (true concepts and ideas that spring from a desire to be good). As those seeds start growing, we begin to be truly useful. In short, then, “ground” in the Bible can mean a person or community that is receptive to the Lord's teaching. It can also mean a person or church that has received the Lord's teaching and is putting it to use.