389. 'It became silent in heaven for what seemed half an hour' signifies that the angels of the Lord's spiritual kingdom were exceedingly astonished when they saw those who had declared themselves to be in faith in such a state. By the silence in heaven nothing, else is understood but the astonishment there in regard to those who declare themselves to be in faith, and yet are in such a state; for their state is described in the things following, the quality of which can be established from the expositions. By 'half an hour' is signified exceedingly, because by 'an hour' is signified a full state. That time signifies state will be seen below.