328. Verse 11. And white robes were given unto each of them, signifies that there was given them a communication and conjunction with the angels who were in Divine truths. "Garments" signify truths (n. 166), and "white garments" genuine truths (n. 212). "Garments" have this signification, because all in the heavens are clothed according to the truths with them; and everyone is clothed according to conjunction with angelic societies. Therefore when conjunction is granted, they immediately appear clothed in a similar manner; hence it is, that by "white robes were given to each of them," is signified that communication and conjunction was given them with angels who were in Divine truths. "Robes," "mantles," and "cloaks," signify truths in general, because they are general coverings. He who knows this signification of these things may know the arcana which lie hidden in the following passages:
That Elijah, when he found Elisha, cast his mantle upon him. (1 Kings 19:19). That Elijah by his mantle divided the waters of Jordan (2 Kings 2:8). And in like manner Elisha (2 Kings 2:14). That the mantle fell from Elijah when he was taken up, and Elisha took it up (2 Kings 2:12-13). For by Elijah and Elisha the Lord was represented as to the Word, and therefore their "mantle" signified the Divine truth of the Word in general. As also was signified by:
The robe of Aaron's ephod, at the border of which there were pomegranates of blue and purple, and bells of gold (Exod. 28:31-35). That it signifies the Divine truth in general may be seen in The Arcana Coelestia, published at London (n. 9825). "Cloaks" and "mantles" have a similar signification in the following passages:
All the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones and cast away their cloaks (Ezek. 26:16). The scribes and Pharisees make broad the borders of their cloaks, that they may be seen of men (Matt. 23:5). My people have made themselves an enemy on account of a garment, ye pull off the mantle from them that pass by (Micah 2:8; and in other places).
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