Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 366The Nazirites were whiter than snow, they were brighter thanmilk, their bones were more ruddy than pearls, their polishing wassapphire; but their form is darkened, that they are not known in thestreets (4:7, 8).(That “Nazirites” represented the Lord in respect to Divine truth,see Arcana Coelestia, n. 6437; that “the crown of the head of theNazirites” means Divine truths in ultimates, or the Word in theletter, n. 6437, 9407. That the “hair” which was of theNaziriteship, and was called “the crown of the head of theNazirite,” is Divine truth in ultimates, n. 3301, 5247, 10044. ThatDivine truth in ultimates has strength and power, n. 9836; thattherefore the strength of Samson was in his hair, n. 3301.)[4] From this it is clear what is signified by “the Nazirites werewhiter than snow and brighter than milk,” and “sapphire was thepolishing of their bones; but their form was darkened, that theywere not known in the streets;” for “whiteness” and “brightness”signify Divine truth in its light (as was said above); and “bones,” asthey are man’s ultimates, being the supports of his whole body,correspond to ultimates in heaven. (For all things of mancorrespond, see in the work on Heaven and Hell, n. 87–102;consequently “bones” signify the ultimates in the spiritual world,which are also the ultimates of Divine truth or the Word, ArcanaCoelestia, n. 5560–5564, 8005; that “sapphire” signifies what istranslucent from truths, n. 9407; and “not to be known in thestreets” signifies that Divine truth is no more seen, since “streets”signify where there are truths of doctrine, n. 2336.)197. Verse 5. He that overcometh, signifies he that is steadfasteven until death. This is evident from the signification of“overcoming” as meaning to be steadfast in spiritual affection fortruth even to the end of life (see above, 128).198. Shall be clothed in white garments, signifies intelligence andwisdom according to truths and their reception. This is evidentfrom what was said above (n. 195, 196), where it was shown that“white garments” are Divine truths. “To be clothed with them”signifies intelligence and wisdom according to truths and their