688. 'And Thou hast given them blood to drink, for they deserve it' signifies that those who have confirmed themselves in faith alone in both doctrine and life, had of the Lord's Divine Providence been permitted to falsify the truths of the Word, and to absorb life (imbuere vitam) out of the falsified [truths]. By 'to drink blood' is signified not only to falsify the truths of the Word, but also to absorb life out of the falsified [truths], for he who drinks is appropriating to himself and absorbing. It is said 'for they deserve it' (quia digni sunt), because those who receive faith alone and live in accordance therewith are in evils as to life, and evil operates this with them. Also it is said here of those who are in evils that they deserve it, just as in the world it is said of those who are punished on account of evil-doing. About Divine Providence concerning this, n. 686 above may be seen.