9895. Opposite to the joining thereof, above the girdle of the ephod. That this signifies where there is a conjunction of all things most nearly within the external bond, by which all things are held together in connection and in form, is evident from the signification of "opposite to the joining of the ephod," as being where there is a conjunction of all the things signified by "the ephod," which are the goods and truths in the spiritual kingdom in the external form (see n. 9824); and from the signification of "above the girdle of the ephod," as being most nearly within the external bond, by which all things are held together in connection and in form; for by "above" is signified within, because by higher things are signified interior things (n. 2148, 3084, 4599, 5146, 8325); and by "the girdle of the ephod" is signified the external bond by which all things are held together in connection and in form (n. 9828, 9837). How the case herein is, shall be briefly stated. [2] That by the binding of the breastplate to the shoulderpieces above, inward, and underneath, is signified the conjunction of all things of heaven, has been shown above (n. 9891); also that by this last binding, which was above the girdle, is signified their preservation in the lowest part, where good and truth are presented in a natural form (n. 9893). That the things which are lowest, or ultimate, hold the higher or interior things together in their connection and form, may be seen above (n. 9828). This lowest or ultimate is represented by the girdle of the ephod (n. 9828, 9837); but that which is most nearly within or above was represented by that which was opposite to the joining above the girdle, where the breastplate was bound to the ephod underneath.