I spoke with certain quite learned Jews about God the Messiah, saying that He was portrayed by the sacrifices, and that He is Jehovah the God of Israel, Who was to come; then about the land of Canaan, that He would introduce the faithful into the land of Canaan, by which not some country can be meant, but heaven-for what would they have by being introduced into some country where they would live only 40 or 50 years, and would die? So by the land of Canaan is meant heaven, where life is eternal. What are 40 and 50 years but a tiny dot, and hardly that compared to eternity, in which life they [now] are? Also (I now add), what need have their dead for such a land, who are myriads more than those who live? On hearing all this they said, "Where do you get these things?"-seeming as if they were listening to them. I was given to reply that this is to be found in the prophets everywhere, and if they are understood, these things open up. As an example that the prophets are speaking about these things, I was prompted to say that Ezekiel (if I am not mistaken) describes the new Jerusalem and the New Temple [chap. 40-48]. These particulars can never be understood unless it is understood what heaven is like, which is symbolized by them. 1748, 21 Aug.