Doctrine of the Sacred Scripture #36
36. In its outmost or natural sense, namely its literal sense, the Word is symbolized also by the wall of the Holy Jerusalem, whose construction was jasper; by the foundations of the wall, which were precious stones; and also by the gates, which were pearls (Revelation 19:18-21). For Jerusalem symbolizes the church in respect to doctrine. But more on this subject in the next section.
It can now be seen from what we have presented that the Word’s literal sense, which is its natural sense, is the foundation, containing vessel, and buttress of its interior senses, which are its spiritual and celestial senses.
Revelation 19:18-21
18
that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, and small and great."
19
I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him who sat on the horse, and against his army.
20
The beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked the signs in his sight, with which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
21
The rest were killed with the sword of him who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of his mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh.
