257. Sealed with seven seals' signifies this altogether hidden away from angel and man. That 'sealed with a seal' signifies what is hidden away is plain. Consequently 'sealed with seven seals' signifies what is altogether hidden away, for 'seven' signifies all (n. 10), thus also altogether. That it is altogether hidden away from angel and man is said soon afterwards in these words:-
And no one in heaven, nor upon the land, nor yet under the land, was able to open and to read the book, nor to look into it (vers. 3, 4).
Such is the Word to all to whom the Lamb, that is, the Lord does not open it. Here, because it treats of the examination of all before the last judgment, the states of life of all in general and particular, which are altogether hidden away, are referred to.
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