620. And I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up.- That this signifies exploration, is evident from what precedes, namely, that by the little book is meant the Word, by the angel, the Lord as to the Word, and by devouring or eating it up, the reception, perception, and appropriation of it to oneself, consequently also exploration, in this case as to the quality of the understanding of the Word still remaining in the church. Exploration takes place by means of that which is perceived and according to perception; exploration therefore took place with the prophet John, because a prophet signifies the doctrine of the church, and in a universal sense the Word.