9527. And thou shalt make a table. That this signifies a receptacle of celestial things, is evident from the signification of the "table," as being heaven, in respect to the reception of such things as are from the Lord there, which are the good of love and the good of faith, and the consequent blessedness and happiness. These things are signified by a "table," because by "foods" are signified the celestial things that belong to the good of love and of faith, and the consequent wisdom and intelligence, which even in common speech are called heavenly foods, and are likewise meant by "foods" in the Word (see n. 56-58, 680, 681, 1480, 4459, 4792, 5293, 5340, 5342, 5576, 5579, 5915, 8562, 9003). Moreover, these things are sometimes exhibited representatively in heaven by a table upon which are foods of every kind. From this it is plain that by the "table" is signified a receptacle of celestial things, thus heaven in respect to the reception of such things as are from the Lord. These things are likewise signified by a "table" in the following passages:
Jesus said, I appoint unto you, even as My Father appointed unto Me My kingdom, that ye may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom (Luke 22:29, 30). Many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall recline with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the Kingdom of the heavens (Matt. 8:11). I will fear no evil; Thou wilt set out a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou wilt make fat my head with oil; my cup shall run over; goodness and mercy shall follow me (Ps. 23:4-6). But in the opposite sense a "table" signifies a receptacle of such things as are in hell; as in the following passages:
They go astray through strong drink; they wander about among those that see, they stagger in judgment. All tables are full of vomit. Whom shall He teach knowledge? And whom shall He make to understand what he hath heard? (Isa. 28:7-9). Ye that forsake Jehovah, that set out a table for Gad, and a drink-offering to Meni (Isa. 65:11). They gave me gall for my meat; and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. Let their table before them become a snare (Ps. 69:21, 22).
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