Spiritual Meaning of

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 Corner

The signification of corners, is strength and stability. That corners have this signification is because in the corners there is the greatest resistance, and also the binding together of the whole. As a corner denotes strength and stability, such as is that of Divine truth from Divine good, therefore the Lord is called the cornerstone in the following passages:--

The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner (Ps. 118:22; Matt. 21:42).

Out of Judah shall come forth the cornerstone, out of him the nail, and out of him the war-bow (Zech. 10:4).

The Lord Jehovih layeth in Zion a tried stone, a precious corner of foundation (Isa. 28:16);

where in like manner a corner denotes the stability of the doctrine that is from the truth which is from good.

[2] In Jeremiah:--

They shall not take from thee a stone for a corner, nor a stone of foundations (Jer. 51:26).

As by corners is signified stability, therefore horns were placed upon the four corners of the altar, of which we read in Thou shalt make the horns of the altar upon the four corners; out of itself shall its horns be (Exod. 27:2). That horns denote the power of truth from good, thus strength and stability (AC 2832, 9081).

[3] By corners are signified strength and power also in these passages:--

A fire is gone forth out of Heshbon which hath devoured the corners of Moab (Jer. 48:45).

There shall arise a star out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall bruise the corners of Moab (Num. 24:17).

Moab, whose power was to be destroyed, denotes those who adulterate the goods of the church (AC 2468); their corners denote the powers of falsity from adulterated goods. As corners denote power and strength, therefore they who are not in the power of truth from good are called corners cut off (Jer. 9:26; 25:23). What is signified by corners when the quarters of the world, or the winds, are meant by them, (AC 9642).

from AC 9494

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Author:  E. Swedenborg (1688-1772). Design:  I.J. Thompson, Feb 2002. www.BibleMeanings.info