Apocalypse Explained, volume 1 - Swedenborg Foundation

APOCALYPSE EXPLAINED 643multiplication of truth (see Arcana Coelestia, n. 3969, 3971, 4669,6417). This makes clear what is signified by Joseph’s having “of theprecious things of the earth and the fullness thereof, and the goodpleasure of Him that dwelleth in the thornbush;” “the preciousthings of the earth” are spiritual goods and truths therefrombelonging to the church; “the earth” is the church; the “goodpleasure of Him that dwelleth in the thorn bush” is the Lord’sDivine love of truth; the “thorn bush” in which the Lord appearedto Moses signifies that Divine love; “the head of Joseph” signifiesthe wisdom of the internal man; and “the crown of the head of theNazarite of his brethren” signifies the intelligence and knowledge ofthe external man; “Naphtali” (named from wrestlings) signifiestemptations and after them consolation and blessing from theDivine love, which is meant by “satisfied with the good pleasureand the blessing of Jehovah.”[11] In Isaiah:Wilt thou call this a fast, and the day of Jehovah’s good pleasure? Isit not to break thy bread to the hungry; and when thou seest the nakedthat thou cover him? (58:5, 7).That “Jehovah’s good pleasure,” in reference to men, signifies tolive according to His commandments, which is to love God and theneighbor (as was said above) is evident; for it is said that “His goodpleasure is to break the bread to the hungry, and to cover thenaked;” “to break bread to the hungry” signifies from love to dogood to the neighbor who desires good; and “to cover the naked”signifies to instruct in truths him who desires to be instructed.[12] In David:I delight in doing Thy good pleasure (that is, Thy will) O my God;and Thy law is in my bowels (Ps. 40:8).Teach me to do Thy good pleasure; Thy good spirit shall lead meinto the land of uprightness (Ps. 143:10).