858. Before the throne, and before the four animals, and the elders. That this signifies with all in the whole heaven, is evident from the signification of a throne, as denoting heaven in general, especially the spiritual heaven, and, in the abstract, the Divine truth proceeding from the Lord; whence a throne is said of judgment, concerning which see above (n. 253, 267, 297, 343, 460, 462, 477, 482). And from the signification of the four animals and four-and-twenty elders, as denoting the higher heavens; see also above (n. 313, 322, 362). Hence by before the throne, and before the four animals and the elders, is signified with all in the whole heaven.