Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 642[7] In the same:To proclaim the year of Jehovah’s good pleasure, to comfort allthat mourn (61:2).This is said of the coming of the Lord; and “the year of Jehovah’sgood pleasure” signifies the time and state of the men of thechurch, when from love they are to be succored, therefore it is alsosaid, “to comfort all that mourn.”[8] In David:Thou dost bless the righteous; Thou wilt compass him with Thygood pleasure as with a shield (Ps. 5:12).Here “good pleasure” stands plainly for the Divine love, fromwhich the Lord protects everyone; protection by the Lord from loveis signified by “Thou wilt compass him as with a shield.”[9] In the same:Jehovah openeth the hand and satisfieth every living thing withHis good pleasure (Ps. 145:16);“to open the hand” signifies to gift with good; and “to satisfy everyliving thing with good pleasure” signifies from love to enrich withDivine truth all who receive life from Him.[10] In Moses:Of the precious things of the earth and the fullness thereof and thegood pleasure of Him that dwelleth in the thorn bush, let them comeupon the head of Joseph, and upon the crown of the head of theNazarite of his brethren. O Naphtali, satisfied with the good pleasureand the blessings of Jehovah (Deut. 33:16, 23).“Joseph” in the highest sense signifies the Lord in respect to thespiritual Divine; in the internal sense the spiritual kingdom; and inthe external, salvation, the fructification of good, and the