297. "Come and see." This symbolizes a manifestation regarding the people first in order.

We said above that this chapter describes an examination of all the people on whom the Last Judgment would fall as to their states of life, and this by the Lord in accordance with the Word (no. 295). Described here therefore is an examination of the first people in order, as to their character in respect to their understanding of the Word and thus as to their states of life.

To be shown that the church is founded on the Word, and that its character is such as its understanding of the Word, see The Doctrine of the New Jerusalem Regarding the Sacred Scripture, nos. 76-79.