909. (v. 15) And another angel went out from the temple. That this signifies exploration from the Lord concerning the state of the church in general, is evident from what follows, namely, that the angel cried with a great voice, "Thrust in Thy sickle and reap, for the hour is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe." This signifies annunciation after exploration that the time is come for collecting the good, and separating them from the evil, because it is the end of the church; and from the signification of the temple, as denoting heaven and the church, and also the Divine proceeding from the Lord (concerning which see above, n. 220, 630, 700).
The reason why the state of the church in general is here meant is, that it follows that two other angels went forth, one from the temple which is in heaven, and the other from the altar; by which are signified manifestations from the Lord concerning separation. The reason why exploration by the Lord is signified is, that by angel, in the Word, is meant something from the Lord, as may be seen above (n. 869, 878, 883). For angels cannot explore anything concerning the state of the church from themselves, but from the Lord.
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