602. [verse 15] 'And it was given him to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast may both speak' signifies that it was permitted them to confirm that doctrine by means of the Word, whereby it is taught as if made alive. By 'given' is signified that it was permitted; for all untruths of doctrine, as well as evils of life, are the result of permission, concerning which ANGELIC WISDOM CONCERNING DIVINE PROVIOENCE (n. 234-274, 275-284, 296) may be seen. By 'the image of the beast' that doctrine is signified (n. 601); by 'to give breath to the image of the beast' is signified to confirm in out of the Word, for the spirit and life of any doctrine of the Church is from no other source. 'That the image of the beast may speak' signifies that in this manner it is taught as if made alive. These things are signified by 'to give breaths to the image of the beast so that he may speak', because in all things of the Word there is spirit and life, for the Lord has spoken the Word, therefore He Himself is in it, and He has so spoken it that the single things there have communication with heaven, and through heaven with Himself. It is the spiritual sense there through which the communication is given. The Lord therefore says:-