306. And it was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, signifies the taking away of charity, spiritual security, and internal rest. By "peace" are signified all things in their aggregate which are from the Lord, and thence all things of heaven and the church, and the happiness of life in them; these are of peace in the highest or inmost sense. It follows therefore that "peace" is charity, spiritual security, and internal rest; for when man is in the Lord, he is in peace with his neighbor, which is charity; in protection against the hells, which is spiritual security; and when he is in peace with his neighbor, and in protection against the hells, he is in internal rest from evils and falsities. Since therefore all these are from the Lord, it may appear what is signified in general and in particular by "peace" in the following passages:
For unto us a Boy is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called God, Hero, The Father of Eternity, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end (Isa. 9:6-7). Jesus said, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you (John 14:27). Jesus said, These things have I spoken, that in Me ye might have peace (John 16:33). In His days shall the just flourish, and abundance of peace (Ps. 72:3, 7). Then I will make a covenant of peace (Ezek. 34:25, 27; 37:25, 26; Mal. 2:4-5). How delightful upon the mountains are the feet of Him that bringeth good tidings, that maketh to hear peace, that saith unto Zion, Thy King* reigneth (Isa. 52:7). Jehovah bless thee, and lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace (Num. 6:24-26). Jehovah will bless His people with peace (Ps. 29:11). Jehovah will redeem my soul in peace (Ps. 55:18). And the work of justice is peace, and the labor of justice is quietness, and security forever. That they may dwell in a tabernacle of peace and in a tent of security, and in quiet tranquil places (Isa. 32:17-18). Jesus said unto the seventy whom He sent out, Into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house; and if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it (Luke 10:5-6; Matt. 10:12-14). The meek shall possess the earth, and shall delight themselves in the multitude of peace: behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace (Ps. 37:11, 37). Zacharias, prophesying, said, The day-spring from on high hath appeared, to direct our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:78-79). Depart from evil and do good: seek peace and pursue it (Ps. 34:14). Much peace have they that love Thy law (Ps. 119:165-166). O that thou hadst hearkened to My commandments! then had thy peace been as a river. There is no peace, saith Jehovah, to the wicked (Isa. 48:18, 22). Jehovah will speak peace to His people: justice and peace shall kiss each other (Ps. 85:8, 10). There is no peace in my bones because of my sin (Ps. 38:3). He hath filled me with bitterness, my soul is removed from peace; I forgot good (Lam. 3:15, 17). Besides many other passages; from which it may be seen, that the above-mentioned things are meant by "peace;" keep in mind spiritual peace, and you will clearly perceive that this is the case (so likewise in these passages, Isaiah 26:12; 53:5; 54:10, 13; Jeremiah 33:6, 9; Haggai 2:9; Zechariah 8:16, 19; Psalms 4:6-8; 120:6, 7; 122:6-9; 128:5, 6; 147:14). That peace is what inmostly affects all good with blessedness, may be seen in the work concerning Heaven and Hell (n. 284-290). * The original Hebrew has "God."
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