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)

4542. 'When you fled from before Esau your brother' means when truth was placed above good. This is clear from the representation of 'Esau' as the Divine Good of the Lord's Divine Natural, dealt with in 3322, 3494, 3504, 3576, 3599. This meaning - when truth was placed above good - may be seen from the explanations - given at Chapter 27 of Genesis - of the events which led to Jacob's flight from Esau. The reason he fled from him was that Jacob had stolen the birthright from Esau, by which action truth's placing itself above good is meant; for in that chapter Jacob represents the truth, and Esau the good, of the Lord's Natural. The reason why truth placed itself above good was that while a person is being regenerated truth seemingly occupies the first place, but once he is regenerated good occupies the first place and truth the last, for which see 3324, 3539, 3548, 3556, 3563, 3570, 3576, 3603, 3610, 3701, 4243, 4244, 4247, 4337. This explains why 'when you fled from before Esau your brother' means when truth was placed above good.