Spiritual Meaning of REVELATION 6:11
previous  -  next  -  text  -  summary  -  Revelation  -  BM Home  -  Full Page

AR 328. Verse 11. And white robes were given unto each of them, signifies that there was given them a communication and conjunction with the angels who were in Divine truths."Garments" signify truths (n. 166), and "white garments" genuine truths (n. 212). "Garments" have this signification, because all in the heavens are clothed according to the truths with them; and everyone is clothed according to conjunction with angelic societies. Therefore when conjunction is granted, they immediately appear clothed in a similar manner; hence it is, that by "white robes were given to each of them," is signified that communication and conjunction was given them with angels who were in Divine truths. "Robes," "mantles," and "cloaks," signify truths in general, because they are general coverings. He who knows this signification of these things may know the arcana which lie hidden in the following passages:

That Elijah, when he found Elisha, cast his mantle upon him. (1 Kings 19:19).

That Elijah by his mantle divided the waters of Jordan (2 Kings 2:8).

And in like manner Elisha (2 Kings 2:14).

That the mantle fell from Elijah when he was taken up, and Elisha took it up (2 Kings 2:12, 13).

For by Elijah and Elisha the Lord was represented as to the Word, and therefore their "mantle" signified the Divine truth of the Word in general. As also was signified by:--

The robe of Aaron’s ephod, at the border of which there were pomegranates of blue and purple, and bells of gold (Exod. 28:31-35).

That it signifies the Divine truth in general, see (AC n. 9825). "Cloaks" and "mantles" have a similar signification in the following passages:--

All the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones and cast away their cloaks (Ezek. 26:16).

The scribes and Pharisees make broad the borders of their cloaks, that they may be seen of men (Matt. 23:5).

My people have made themselves an enemy on account of a garment, ye pull off the mantle from them that pass by (Micah 2:8).

AR 329. And it was said, that they should rest yet for a little while, until their fellow-servants that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled, signifies that the Last Judgment should yet be delayed a little, till they should be collected from all quarters, who would, in like manner, be hated, reproached, and rejected by the evil for acknowledging the Lord‘s Divine Human, and for living according to the truths of His Word. That this is the signification, appears from what has been said above. Similar is the signification of this passage in Isaiah:--

Thy dead shall live; awake and shout, ye that dwell in the dust; Come, my people, enter into thy chambers, and shut the door after thee; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the anger be passed by. For, behold, Jehovah goeth forth out of His place, to visit the iniquity of the inhabitants of the earth upon him; the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain (Isaiah 26:19-21).

But, as was said before, this subject, and others of a similar nature, are treated of in chapter 20 and following, which is explained (n. 840-874).

REVELATION 6:11    previous  -  next  -  text  -  summary  -  Revelation  -  Full Page

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