9852. And two chains of pure gold. That this signifies a coherence with the good of the whole kingdom, is evident from the signification of "chains," as being a coherence; that "chains" have this signification is because joinings together are effected by means of them, and when effected they cohere, here with the spiritual kingdom, because the chains were made for the sake of coherence with the ephod, by which was represented the spiritual kingdom in general (n. 9824); and from the signification of "gold," as being the good of love (n. 113, 1551, 1552, 5658, 6914, 6917, 9490). The gold is said to be "pure," because good from the Divine is signified, for this is pure, and it holds together all things in heaven in their connection and form. That "chains" denote coherence is evident also in Isaiah:
The workman foundeth a graven image, and the metal-caster spreadeth it over with gold, and casteth with silver chains (Isa. 40:19);
"a graven image" denotes the doctrine of what is false, which is from self-intelligence, thus is devoid of life from the Divine (n. 8869, 8941); the hatching of such doctrine is signified by "the workman foundeth a graven image;" and that this may appear to be from good, is signified by "the metal-caster spreading it over with gold;" and that the falsities may have a coherence is signified by his "casting for it silver chains." (That "silver" denotes truth, and in the opposite sense, falsity, see n. 1551, 2954, 5658, 6112, 6914, 6917, 8932.)
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