10459. That he saw the calf and the dances. That this signifies infernal worship, which was according to the delight of the external loves of that nation, and its consequent interior festivity, is evident from the signification of “the calf,” as being the delight of the external loves of that nation (see above, n. 10407); that it here denotes worship according to this delight, is because when Moses came nigh unto the camp, that nation was in such worship; and that such worship is from hell, is evident from what was shown above; and from the signification of “the dances,” as being interior festivity (of which also above, n. 10416).

8294. I will draw my sword. That this signifies the continual combat of falsity from evil, is evident from the signification of a “sword,” as being truth fighting against falsity and evil, and in the opposite sense falsity fighting against truth and good (see n. 2799, 4499); and from the signification of “drawing” or “baring it,” as being continual combat, even until the enemy has been laid prostrate. Continual combat is also signified by an “unsheathed” or “drawn sword” in Moses:

I will scatter you among the nations, and I will draw the sword after you (Leviticus 26:33).

I will scatter all his troop into every wind, and I will draw the sword after them (Ezekiel 12:14).

Thus said Jehovah, Behold Me against thee, I will draw forth My sword out of its sheath, and I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, My sword shall go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north, that all flesh may know that I Jehovah have drawn forth My sword out of its sheath, neither shall it return any more (Ezekiel 21:3-5);

here “to unsheathe” or “draw the sword” denotes not to cease from fighting until the enemies are laid prostrate; thus continual combat. Continual combat against evils and falsities is also signified by “the unsheathed sword of the prince of the army of Jehovah,” who was seen by Joshua when he came into the land of Canaan (Josh. 5:13-14), by which was signified that they would fight against the nations there and destroy them. By the nations which at that time possessed the land of Canaan are signified those who before the coming of the Lord occupied the region of heaven which was afterward given to those who are of the Lord’s spiritual kingdom (n. 6914, 8054).