216. Because of its heavenly meaning, the Word at the inmost part of its core is like a gentle flame that kindles us. Because of its spiritual meaning, the Word at the mid-part of its core is like a light that enlightens. Because of its earthly meaning, then, the Word on the outermost level is like a translucent object that receives both of the above. The flame makes it fiery red and the light makes it shining white, like snow. Therefore it is either like a ruby or a diamond. Because of the heavenly flame it is like a ruby. Because of the spiritual light it is like a diamond.

Since this is the nature of the Word in its literal meaning, therefore the Word in this meaning is represented

1. by the precious stones that constituted the foundations of the New Jerusalem;

2. by the Urim and Thummim on Aaron's ephod;

3. by the precious stones from the garden of Eden that the king of Tyre is said to have worn;

4. by the curtains, veils, and pillars in the tabernacle;

5. and by the exteriors of the Temple in Jerusalem.

6. When the Lord was transfigured he represented the Word in its glory.

7. The Nazirites represented the power of the Word in its outermost form.

8. The Word has indescribable power.

These points need individual explanations.