599. And he had in his hand a little book open.- That this signifies the Word manifested, is evident from the signification of a little book open, as denoting the Word manifested. That this is denoted by the little book open, is clear from this fact, that by the strong angel coming down out of heaven, and having in his hand the little book, is represented the Lord as to the Word, and indeed as to its ultimate sense, which is called the sense of the letter (see above, n. 593); and since the Word is manifested as well to angels as to men, it is therefore said, a little book open.